Model Behavior

Don Low is something of an AI promoter in the biotech industry.   

After 15 years at Genentech, where his work has spanned small molecules, antibody drug conjugates, and now cell and gene therapies – Don has become one of the company’s most vocal champions for the technology’s use for scientific progress. 

As senior director of cell and gene therapy, Don leads a team charged with building data strategies across Genentech’s portfolio. The group’s work focuses on the intersection of science and systems, translating experimental results into machine learning (ML) models that accelerate discovery.  

“There’s something new and exciting about all the different things my team works on,” said Don, the newest member of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) in Northwestern Engineering's Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP). “A computer with AI tools that can understand scientific language can ‘read’ through the literature far faster than even a large team of scientists and distill it down into more useful summaries for scientists to use.”   

Don’s team consolidates data from across functions – scientific, operational, and computational – and feeds it into ML models designed to optimize manufacturing and uncover new insights.   

This lab-in-the-loop model, as he describes it, allows researchers and data scientists to collaborate in real time, iterating faster and more intelligently. 

“We are applying ML models and using them to better understand incredibly complex processes that underpin cell and gene therapies,” he said. “We believe this framework is going to allow us to make new discoveries and optimize processes faster than ever.”  

MBP prepares students to lead in this kind of applied, interdisciplinary environment. With its emphasis on industry partnerships and scientific rigor, MBP equips graduates to navigate and shape the future of biotech.  

Don’s recent appointment to the IAB reflects his desire to help students do just that.  

The IAB’s mission is to ensure MBP’s curriculum remains aligned with the needs of companies forging the future of scientific discovery. Don said he is especially eager to share perspectives on AI and computational methods, which he sees as essential tools for the next generation of biotech professionals.   

“I loved being part of an academic community when I did my PhD in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology,” Don said. “This is a chance to bring some of that feeling back for me.” 

Despite his AI advocacy, Don is quick to point out the technology’s limitations, including: 

• Some AI tools make glaring and potentially dangerous errors. 
• People who use AI must remember that while it can be helpful, AI isn't magic and can’t override scientific sense. 

For MBP students, Don offers both encouragement and a challenge.  

“I don’t want students to be intimidated by using these tools,” he said. “It’s good for them to try them out and start thinking of ways to use AI/ML models in new ways in their everyday work.” 

But in that role as AI promoter, he also urges students to cultivate what machines can’t replicate.  

“I don’t think an AI model is going to be able to replace true leadership inspiring and motivating people to be their best anytime soon,” Don said. “Pay attention to those things and that will help you stay ahead of the models.”