When Ameet Mallik (’94, MS ’95) arrived at Northwestern in 1990 and began pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, he was filled with a love of physics, chemistry, and math. Shown by his father — a mechanical engineer with a graduate degree in nuclear engineering — the value of the field, Mallik dreamed of using technology to solve important problems.

He just didn’t know where engineering might take him.

“My time at Northwestern didn’t just solidify my technical foundation, it sparked a way of thinking, a way of approaching problems, and a way of navigating life that I carry with me to this day,” Mallik said. “Over the past 30 years, that foundation has grown and evolved.”

The CEO of ADC Therapeutics, a leading commercial-stage global pioneer in the field of antibody drug conjugates, Mallik spoke at the 2025 PhD Hooding and Master’s Recognition Ceremony, held June 16 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mallik was introduced by Northwestern Engineering Dean Christopher Schuh. 

“As engineers, you represent the fulcrum between what’s envisioned in the lab or conference room and what’s adopted in the marketplace and society,” Schuh said. “Whether you are starting new careers or moving up in current ones, whether you plan to join academia or industry, embrace your role as the bridge between these two worlds.”

Mallik has done just that, thanks to four guiding lessons he learned at Northwestern: 

• Be a lifelong learner
• Do things that fulfill a sense of purpose
• Nurture relationships
• Live an intentional and balanced life

Those lessons have held true during Mallik’s career and personal life.

Be a lifelong learner

Like many students, Mallik came to Northwestern with a strong achievement mindset, eager to learn and advance his education. But a pivotal experience toward the end of his second year shaped his path forward.

Mallik was looking for a “parent-approved” way to stay in Evanston over the summer, mainly so he could keep playing with his rock band, Delusions of Grandeur, which was starting to take off locally, even landing a gig at the Metro. Unbeknownst to his parents, Mallik had dreams of being a rockstar and making it big with his band "Delusions of Grandeur."

Mallik spoke with his adviser, former Northwestern Engineering professor E. T. Papoutsakis, who offered him a chance to do laboratory research that summer. Working closely with him and a PhD student in his lab, Mallik dove into the unfamiliar topic of optimizing cell culture growth in bioreactors. It was challenging. It was fascinating. It was exactly what Mallik needed — and turned out to be a turning point for his future career, teaching him to be a lifelong learner and the importance of staying curious.

“This opportunity, which extended throughout my undergraduate and graduate years, taught me the importance of embracing the unknown and saying ‘yes’ to new experiences outside my comfort zone,” Mallik said. “Although I craved certainty, it was these types of challenges that propelled me toward the greatest learnings and career advancement.”

The lifelong love of learning has compelled Mallik to remain open and curious. The son of first-generation Indian parents, Mallik was taught to appreciate different cultures and perspectives, contributing to his willingness to live abroad for seven years, travel to more than 60 countries, and tap into diverse perspectives.

Do things that fulfill a sense of purpose

Mallik loved doing “problem sets” in engineering classes, but did not understand how to apply them in a meaningful way. Yet as Mallik continued conducting biochemical engineering research, he realized he could apply his interest in service of a cause he cared about deeply.

Mallik’s grandmother died of ovarian cancer when his mother was 16. Mallik never met his grandmother but heard about her kindness and the void of her absence. This also clarified Mallik’s purpose: a career in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to develop medicines to improve human life.

View photos from the ceremony >>

“It is truly fulfilling when your work aligns with your purpose,” Mallik said. “Whether you have already uncovered your personal purpose or not, do what matters most to you — and be comfortable with the fact that this may change over time.”

Mallik has sought to connect work to his personal sense of purpose during his professional life, more than half of which has been in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry focused on making an impact for cancer patients. He has had “incredible” mentors who believed in him and paid that faith forward.

Nurture relationships

At Northwestern, Mallik was surrounded by advisers, professors, classmates, and family members who supported him and pushed him to grow in ways he didn’t know were possible. The relationships he built at Northwestern remain some of his most supportive, helping him get through life’s ups and downs.

“My friends and family are my foundation, something I didn’t fully appreciate while at school,” Mallik said.

Those bonds exposed Mallik to diverse perspectives that challenged his thinking. He had friends who studied history, journalism, and economics, broadening his worldview. He and his roommate challenged each other, tested their assumptions about the world, had fun in the process, and remain close friends today.

“Invest in people,” Mallik said. “They will enrich your life and broaden your world view. And, remember to stay connected, especially when life gets busy.”

Live an intentional and balanced life

Mallik was looking for more than just education and had quite a full plate in college. Beyond the class load and research, he worked out, played with his band, and spent time with friends.

Juggling it all wasn’t always easy, but Mallik grew to be more intentional about his choices. He discovered that success isn’t just about pushing hard, it’s also knowing when to pause, reset, and recharge.

“Make space for what fuels you,” he said. “Work is just one part of life and integrating it with your passions and personal priorities will ensure that life doesn’t just happen to you — instead you’ll actively shape it.”

With a strenuous career plus a family, Mallik’s had to prioritize what matters. Creative ways to keep in touch with friends are key — whether he meets a friend for a quick dinner when traveling, catching up with people online, or adjusting his meeting schedule to attend band and sporting events for his kids.

“Work is just one part of your life,” Mallik said. “By finding a way to integrate and balance work with personal passions in an authentic and sustainable way, you will ensure you don’t just let life happen to you.”