Nikhil Dave – Class of 2018
Will you share a little about your current role and what excites you most about your work?
I currently work at Population Health Partners—a biotech NewCo creation firm in New York City—where I focus on NewCo creation and business and corporate development. I love this place for several reasons, but by far the most important is the people. I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a small team of world-class leaders and operators whom I get to work with and learn from every day. They’re exceptional role models—professionally and personally.
How did being a Flinn Scholar shape your academic and/or career path?
Being a Flinn Scholar and studying at Arizona State University taught me that the most important attribute in one’s personal and professional life is a desire to learn. No job title, salary, or prestigious award comes close to the value of approaching everything around you with an excitement for learning. I’ve consistently found that the people who are not only the most successful, but also the most fulfilled, are those who are always seeking to learn.
Is there a project, achievement, or experience you’re especially proud of?
Late last year, I got to play a meaningful role in Pfizer’s $10 billion acquisition of Metsera, where I served as director of business and corporate development. Developing drugs and working in biotech has been my life’s dream since I was 14 (see photo attached), so getting to be part of such a unique story in biotech over a decade later was, in many ways, a dream come true. I look back very fondly on the many sleepless nights leading up to that deal, largely because of the incredibly thoughtful colleagues I shared them with and the close friends and family who supported us all along the way.
What impact do you hope to make in your field or community in the coming years?
As I look back at my time in college, it’s impossible to count the number of people who selflessly took time out of their day to teach me something new or advise me on a decision I was trying to make. Over the next many decades, I hope to do the same for many others in my field and community.
What’s one unexpected skill you picked up during college that you still use today?
Scuba diving! Lake Pleasant is a great place to learn (because it’s only up from there!)
What’s the most surprising way your Flinn experience has popped up in your life post-college?
My roommate! When I first became a Flinn, I had no idea I’d end up living in multiple states with another Flinn — let alone a U of A alum — for four years (and counting!) Shout out to Anthony Rusk.