Episode 128

🧬 Michael Paliotti: Navigating a Winding Path to Biotech Success (Part 1/4)

"Growing up in a science-driven environment influenced my trajectory, from my father's chemistry background at Kodak to my own experiences in academia and research." In part one of our conversation with Michael Paliotti, Regional Sales Director at Millipore Sigma, we explore his journey from a science-driven upbringing to his early career in research and forensics. Michael shares how his father's work as an organic chemist at Kodak influenced his path into science, his academic experiences at the University of Notre Dame and Duquesne University, and his unexpected detour into optometry school before finding his true calling in research. Michael holds a degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree from Duquesne University. Before joining Millipore Sigma, he honed his skills in academic research at the University of Pittsburgh, forensic science with the Pennsylvania State Police, and biotech startups.

The Biotech Startups Podcast · Excedr

March 17, 202540m 26s

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Show Notes

🧬 The Biotech Startups Podcast is powered by Excedr—helping life science startups accelerate R&D and commercialization with founder-friendly equipment leasing. Skip the upfront costs, stay lean, and focus on breakthrough science.

As a TBSP listener, you get exclusive perks through Excedr’s partner network—special savings, promotions, and more. Explore these offers today: https://www.excedr.com/partners.

"Growing up in a science-driven environment influenced my trajectory, from my father's chemistry background at Kodak to my own experiences in academia and research."

In part one of our conversation with Michael Paliotti, Regional Sales Director at Millipore Sigma, we explore his journey from a science-driven upbringing to his early career in research and forensics. Michael shares how his father's work as an organic chemist at Kodak influenced his path into science, his academic experiences at the University of Notre Dame and Duquesne University, and his unexpected detour into optometry school before finding his true calling in research.

Michael holds a degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree from Duquesne University. Before joining Millipore Sigma, he honed his skills in academic research at the University of Pittsburgh, forensic science with the Pennsylvania State Police, and biotech startups.

Key topics covered:

Growing up in a science-driven environment: The influence of Kodak and Rochester's tech industry
Navigating academic uncertainty: From pre-med aspirations to finding passion in biology research
Hands-on lab experience: Learning the "old-fashioned way" during graduate studies
Unexpected career detours: A brief stint in optometry school and forensic science
Building professional networks: The importance of mentorship and connections in career progression

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Find our guest, Michael Paliotti, at these links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-paliotti/

Website: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/

Find our host, Jon Chee, at these links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonchee

Learn more about Excedr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/

Website: https://www.excedr.com

Resources & Mentions:

University of Notre Dame Biology Program: https://biology.nd.edu/undergraduate/programs-of-study/biology-major/

Duquesne University Master's Program in Biology: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/science-and-engineering/academics/departments-and-programs/biological-sciences/index.php

University of Pittsburgh HIV Research Lab: https://dom.pitt.edu/id/research/clinicalresearch/hivclinicalresearch/

Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Science Program: https://www.upb.pitt.edu/academics/forensic-science-bs

Kodak's Research and Development Division: https://www.kodak.com/en/company/page/innovation/

Companies & people mentioned:

Kodak: https://www.kodak.com/en/

University of Pittsburgh: https://www.pitt.edu/

Pennsylvania State Police: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp.html

Xerox Business Services: https://www.xerox.com/en-us/business-solutions

MilliporeSigma (formerly EMD Millipore): https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/

Luminex Multiplexing Equipment: https://www.rndsystems.com/products/luminex-instrumentation

Ronald Montelaro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-montelaro-49558b23/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:23 Michael's background and upbringing in Rochester, NY

07:46 Early exposure to science and the Kodak influence

11:09 University years and initial career aspirations

14:46 Unexpected detour to optometry school

17:35 Post-graduation job at Xerox Business Services

22:00 Decision to pursue a master's degree at Duquesne University

26:35 Graduate school experiences and hands-on lab work

29:03 First job as a research associate at University of Pittsburgh

31:29 Brief stint as a forensic scientist with Pennsylvania State Police

37:35 Outro

The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

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