Suzanne Edavettal’s journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to leading innovative protein therapeutic discovery at Amgen is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience and mentorship. Her story isn’t just about breaking barriers as a woman in science—it’s about lifting others up along the way. As a scientist and vice president of Research focused on large molecule discovery, she is driven by an insatiable fascination with proteins and a commitment to transforming patient care. As a leader, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation, ensuring they have the same support that helped her succeed.
Can you tell us about your background, growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin? How did you navigate the path to becoming a scientist, especially coming from a rural community?
My life today feels like it’s a world away from where I started—it’s kind of like traveling from Earth to Mars! Growing up on a farm I learned a lot of invaluable lessons, particularly the importance of hard work. But from an early age, I knew that farming wasn’t for me. This wasn’t about rejecting my upbringing but about embracing my passion, which was always science. I was a self-proclaimed geek even as a child, and it was clear I didn’t quite fit the traditional mold of a farmer when I became a vegetarian, which was a decision that reflected my curiosity and independent thinking. It’s these traits that ultimately guided me toward the career I love today.
One of my biggest challenges was navigating a career in science, especially since I didn’t have role models who had gone to college. Thankfully, I was fortunate to have incredible teachers who encouraged me to pursue dual enrollment courses at Beloit College while I was still in high school. That experience opened doors for me. After completing my undergraduate degree at Beloit, I continued my education with graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I discovered my love for proteins. That fascination became the foundation of my career and drives everything I do today.
Suzanne Edavettal in her graduate school lab at the University of North Carolina.
What attracted you to the pharmaceutical industry, and what excites you about working with proteins?
My interest in the pharmaceutical industry stems from a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. All of us have personal stories of seeing family members suffer from grievous diseases. Witnessing the devastating impact of diseases like cancer on loved ones inspired me to combine my passion for science with the urgent needs of patients. I initially considered medical school, but my needle phobia quickly ruled that out. Instead, I pursued a Ph.D., which allowed me to channel my enthusiasm for science into drug discovery and structural biology.
Also, I love proteins. They are wildly dynamic and complex. Just when you think you’ve figured them out, they surprise you. This endless fascination has fueled my imagination and drives me every day to better understand the relationship between protein structure and function, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective drugs.
Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to both small and large molecule drug discovery at several pharmaceutical companies. In December 2020, I joined Amgen as executive director, and today I serve as vice president in the large molecule discovery organization, where I continue to explore the transformative potential of proteins to improve patient care.
How do you approach mentoring and leadership now, especially with people who might have a similar background to yours?
I try to lead with empathy and patience, recognizing the value of looking past people’s rough edges—because I know I had plenty of my own. It’s a privilege for me to support individuals with extraordinary potential who are earlier in their careers. Opening doors for them and watching them seize opportunities is deeply rewarding. Those moments of growth and success inspire my leadership approach and fill me with pride.
I’m also proud to be part of the Leadership Acceleration Program (LEAP), a formal sponsorship program at Amgen that supports high-potential staff. And I’m part of a strong informal network of women who encourage and uplift one another. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support system I was fortunate to have throughout my journey. That’s why I feel such a deep sense of responsibility to help others—because that’s how a farm girl from Wisconsin managed to achieve her dreams.
Edavettal (right) speaks with colleague, Harbani Malik Chaudhry, in her office.
How has the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning impacted your work at Amgen?
One of the key reasons I joined Amgen was the opportunity to contribute to an organization that not only embraces AI and machine learning but one that wanted to lead and shape the development of these transformative tools. My team, Protein Therapeutics, focuses on taking early molecules discovered by the team in British Columbia and engineering them to transform those early hits into therapeutic molecules. While our fundamental inputs and outputs have remained the same, the way we approach our work has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last three years.
We’ve made significant investments in predictive machine learning and generative AI, which have revolutionized our processes. Predictive machine learning enables us to identify potential issues in molecules without conducting a single wet lab experiment, dramatically increasing both speed and success. Meanwhile, generative AI empowers us to explore possibilities that were previously unimaginable. As a result, we now complete therapeutic projects three times faster, saving an entire year on each project, and have doubled our success rate.
This transformation has been profoundly impactful, not only in terms of efficiency and outcomes but also in redefining what’s possible in therapeutic development.
A bispecific antibody with two different binding domains, on the left (cyan) and right (green).
How do you handle failure in your work, especially in such a complex field as science?
In science, failure is inevitable, but the key is to approach it as an opportunity for learning and growth. Being part of a culture that embraces this mindset is essential for success, and Amgen’s continuous learning culture is a cornerstone of our Research organization. We aim to learn from every failure—and, just as importantly, to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Relearning the same lesson isn’t just painful; it’s costly and time-consuming.
One of the key factors behind our success in driving AI transformation is the unique composition of my team. We are made up of seasoned Amgen employees with deep institutional knowledge and newer team members who bring fresh perspectives. There’s something magical that happens when you bring together a group of individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences. It creates a dynamic exchange of ideas, blending decades of hard-earned lessons with the curiosity and energy of 'what if' questions. The synergy that arises from this mix fosters innovative thinking and enables transformative breakthroughs. It’s this collaborative spirit that empowers us to navigate challenges, embrace change and continuously improve.
Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that guides you, and how does it impact your work?
I’ll start with what I don’t think is a good mantra: I’ve always believed that “fake it till you make it” is terrible advice. If you don’t know how to do something, the best approach is to be honest, ask questions and ask for help. Pretending to know more than you do not only stifles learning and growth but can also fuel imposter syndrome.
The philosophy I embrace is rooted in authenticity. Each of my colleagues brings unique expertise and personalities to the table, and I’ve found that staying true to myself is key to building meaningful connections. I still carry some of the rough edges from my early days on the farm—they’re part of who I am—and at times, those qualities show up in my work. Embracing that authenticity allows me to connect with my team on a deeper level and foster a culture of openness and trust.
Rather than “faking it,” I believe in being yourself, staying curious, asking questions and accepting that none of us have all the answers. This mindset not only helps me grow but also strengthens collaboration and trust within my team.
