Turning Tides from Marine Biologist to Biotech Entrepreneur
Scripps alum Scott Rapoport transforms personal passion into a groundbreaking entrepreneurial endeavor
Scott Rapoport earned his PhD in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in 2003. Drawn to Scripps for its unique blend of engineering and marine biology, Rapoport became captivated by the pioneering work of professors including Bob Shadwick and Michael Latz. Today, Rapoport is channeling his passion and persistence into launching a startup aimed at revolutionizing in vitro fertilization, driven by personal experiences and a desire to create something deeply meaningful. When he's not working on his company, you can find Rapoport enjoying time with family, backpacking, road cycling, and surfing around San Diego.
Why did you choose to study at Scripps?
I was looking for research programs that married engineering techniques with the study of marine biology. At the time there was a lot of interest in this type of work with some powerhouses on the West Coast. I came across exciting work that really appealed to me being done by Bob Shadwick and Mike Latz in the Marine Biology Research Division at Scripps Oceanography. I volunteered in their labs for almost a year before applying to the grad program. I ultimately joined Bob’s lab to work on biomaterials and locomotion.
What was your most memorable experience during your time at Scripps?
I got the sense early on that my situation in Hubbs Hall was likely the pinnacle of office life not to be repeated again. An office on the second floor of Hubbs Hall facing the pier, coupled with surfboard storage in the Hubbs Hall basement next to a hot shower that probably had the highest flow rates in all of San Diego. Good times.
What was your first job after graduating from Scripps?
After graduating from Scripps, I earned a postdoctoral scholar position in bioprosthetic heart valves at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which launched my career in biotech.
What is your current role?
I’m in the process of seeking funding for my startup, Oterus Biosystems, which is focused on a technology that we believe will reduce the number of cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) required to have a successful pregnancy. The drive to start this company comes from the difficult experience that my wife and I had in trying to conceive our second child as older parents. While researching the field I came to learn that there is a huge socioeconomic disparity in IVF access that I believe that we can address. While I seek funding, I’ve been doing mostly pickup work to keep food on the table such as contract medical device engineering.
What is your favorite thing about your current role?
I’ve spent the better part of my career working in startup companies working on other people’s dreams. I want to launch something incredibly personal for me but also experience the freedom of running my own show. I imagine that any academic who runs a lab knows this feeling.
What was most helpful in transitioning to your career?
There are incredibly talented academics at Scripps. The skills learned working for these individuals are transferable across many different sectors. Whatever discipline one engages in such as oceanography, marine biology, biological oceanography, geophysics, etc., at the heart of those disciplines are the fundamentals: physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. So I think of Scripps degrees as being “plus” versions of the fundamental disciplines and that employers (some, not all) appreciate cross-fertilization of ideas and are willing to take chances with those who don’t follow a traditional path.
What advice do you have for current students?
Decide on a plan for your career (or anything for that matter), and once you have decided on your path, execute. Execute relentlessly. You will speak to many people on the way. Some of them will tell you that your path is not possible and that it can’t or shouldn’t be done. Don’t listen to them. I’m fond of the Calvin Coolidge quote: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press on!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” As a fairly mediocre talent, this has sustained me throughout my career.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time with my family, traveling, ultralight backpacking, road cycling (including leisurely rides around Mission Bay and the boardwalk), and surfing. We do live in the best place.
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world’s most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.