A Brock University Mathematics and Science graduate is using applied math to help new medicines hit the market faster.

Using mathematical algorithms, Colin Phipps (BSc ’07) is increasing the potential of accuracy drugs selected for clinical trials have, giving them the best probability for success on patients. This could mean starting treatments sooner with more reliable and effective drugs.

Colin Phipps (BSc ’07) 

Phipps, who studied Mathematics Integrated with Computers and Applications, is one of many Mathematics and Science grads who have found roles across various industries as a result of the wide range of research and math specialties the Faculty offers.

Before entering the pharmaceutical world as a senior scientist at biopharmaceutical company AbbVie, he imagined himself as an academic in a pure mathematical field.

“It was really my experience and research opportunities at Brock that opened my eyes to the many applications in more applied sciences, such as biology, that would shape my path,” said Phipps.

He was recently named to Halo Cure’s Chicagoland 40 Under 40, which recognizes a dedication to translating research into real-world applications that have a meaningful impact.

Phipps uses translational modeling that spans across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, oncology and immunology, as well as many modalities, including antibody drug conjugates and brain-penetrating biologics.

“The translational ability of quantitative modeling holds the key to several outstanding questions in medicine, including how to design safe and efficacious targeted cancer therapies, how to maximize brain delivery of therapeutics, and how to optimize treatment combinations,” he said. “The next big leap is certainly going to be integration of individual patient data into predictive models that can provide personalized treatment recommendations.”