Isaac Arnold, a student at Syracuse University, is exploring numerous opportunities in various fields, including plant biology research, entrepreneurship, and biotechnology. Arnold is involved in research at the College of Arts and Sciences, focusing on the resilience of food supplies in a changing climate. This research is part of the biotechnology program which combines various disciplines like biology, chemistry, and business, aiming to address challenges related to global health and the environment.
Originally, Arnold was a biochemistry major, but his interest shifted to biotechnology thanks to his mentor, Professor Ramesh Raina. Arnold co-authored a study published in the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, exploring genes involved in pathogen defense in plants. He shared, “Humans share much of their genome with plants, which is why a lot of research done in the plant biology sphere is also relevant medically.”
Arnold contributed to the study with his coding skills, developing image analysis software for the research. Professor Ramesh Raina praised Arnold, stating, “Isaac’s coding enabled us to rapidly analyze large datasets.” Raina describes Arnold as a resourceful and creative student.
In 2024, Arnold also interned at Pfizer in New York City, in the medical affairs department, contributing to delivering vaccines to developing countries. He created a database for epidemiological data for the company. Arnold remarked, “Being from a small city like Halifax, it was a great experience spending my summer living in Manhattan.”
Arnold took part in organizing a biotechnology conference at Syracuse University, bringing industry leaders, including a representative from Pfizer, to network with students.
Arnold has co-founded iGem Syracuse, a startup incubator at the university, aiming to launch biotech startups yearly and compete at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris. Arnold explained, “Every single year we’ll pick a different project and work with students through all aspects from initial development, brainstorming, idea creation, to the actual wet bench science.”
Looking forward, Arnold plans to pursue medical school, maintaining a busy schedule which includes research, internships, and entrepreneurship. He stated, “I love helping people. I love developing cutting edge technology and working on things that are super interesting and have real-life implications that can make the world a better place.”
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