A Conversation with Proteos President Mary Shuck

Proteos LogoMary Shuck is president of Proteos, a contract research organization that has been producing research-grade recombinant proteins for discovery researchers in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry and academia worldwide since 2003. Proteos scientists are trained to be problem solvers, with experience in multiple methodologies for protein expression and protein purification in quantities and at purity levels consistent with customer specifications (non-GLP/non-GMP). The team includes highly-qualified scientists with many years of first-hand experience in protein production. Proteos has called the Innovation Center home for 16 years. Through a series of interview questions, Mary shared her thoughts about being a part of Proteos.

Mary, what does Proteos do? 

“Proteos is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides custom recombinant protein expression and purification services to drug discovery researchers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.  We also partner with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to provide validated proteins that facilitate Parkinson’s Disease research.”

What excites you most about what your company does?

“Our scientific expertise and product quality have direct positive impact on a large number of research and drug discovery programs.”

How did you become interested in what you’re doing now?

“I came to Proteos after 20+ years of working as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. After the umpteenth reorganization at Pfizer and legacy companies, I was ready for something new and jumped at the opportunity to return to Kalamazoo and work with former colleagues and Proteos founders, Bob Heinrikson and Clark Smith.”

What’s the craziest/funniest thing a customer has ever done or said to you?  

“There have been quite a few, but the happy customer that sent us a crate of Walla Walla onions was perhaps one of the most unique.”

What do you find most challenging about your work?  

“Trying to maintain a balanced workload.  Keeping a diverse customer base with ample projects to keep everyone busy without being overworked or extending production timelines.”

What is the most rewarding aspect about being a scientist?  

“Making cool discoveries that have the potential to make a positive impact on human and animal health.”

What do you like most about being a client of the Innovation Center? 

“Having a nice facility and shared services without all the expense and headaches of ownership.”

To learn more about Proteos, please visit https://www.proteos.com/