UF has an outstanding program with top-notch professors who genuinely care and invest in their students. The ChemE department at UF will help you unlock the best version of yourself.
– Ryan J. Montes, Ph.D., Co-Founder MicroPure Genomics
Ryan Montes’ upbringing in a “humble Latin family” in Florida may seem so different from his experiences at the University of Florida and his career path. But, in reality, their tightly held family values, such as hard work, resilience, and focus on pursuing a better life, are why he has thrived in his field.
These core principles instilled during his formative years would prove invaluable as Montes navigated the rigors of his academic and professional journey.
Montes played college baseball at the Florida Institute of Technology while studying chemical engineering. Balancing his studies with the demands of varsity team travel, serving in student government leadership, and courting his future wife (and UF alumna), Carolyn Montes, M.D., taught him the importance of discipline and focus.
Montes came to UF and earned his Ph.D. under the guidance of his mentor, Jason Butler, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, whom he credits for reshaping his thinking and influencing Montes to “push the boundaries in science and tech.” He credits Butler for playing a huge role in teaching him this skill by dedicating his time and effort to helping all his students.
“His willingness to mentor and guide us made a lasting impact,” Montes added. The program also helped him learn to solve problems faster and accelerate innovation.
After graduation, Montes relocated to San Francisco and joined a small startup. He then moved to a slightly larger one, where he expanded his knowledge of inventing instruments for biology and focused on the intersection of genomics and microfluidics.
This gave him the impetus to leave his stable job to, along with Butler, start MicroPure Genomics, with a vision to “improve lives by making genomic analysis accessible anytime, anywhere, and for anyone.” While at UF, Monte’s helped invent MicroPure’s core technology, Electro-Hydrodynamic (EH) Purification, which selectively purifies and concentrates genomic material within a simple microfluid channel that is within a larger but still compact, integrated device.
“It is the only comprehensive end-to-end solution that dramatically reduces preparation time, complexity (in both labor and steps), and costs, revolutionizing the future of genomic sequencing. This transformative innovation represents the first major breakthrough in the field in over 30 years, positioning MicroPure at the forefront of genomic technology,” Montes said.
Running his own company has taught him new skills, including fundraising, and he is very proud of securing over $1.5 million in funding for MicroPure Genomics.
“As a scientist, I was never formally trained in fundraising, so this achievement means a great deal to me. It reinforces my ability to lead MicroPure to success by ensuring we have the resources to advance our science,” he said.
With backing from the National Science Foundation, Montes continues to pioneer in the field of genomic healthcare. You can read more about his work at micropuregenomics.com.
Above:
Butler (left) and Montes at his graduation.
I have always had a strong sense of purpose and direction, mainly to help people and rise to a position where I can drive meaningful change for the middle and lower classes. Growing up in a humble Latin family instilled strong values in me, and it became clear that real change requires people willing to step up. I believe that one day, I will be a successful entrepreneur leading a revolution in healthcare, and beyond that, I aspire to continue making a lasting impact on society.
Montes shared a few more thoughts about his time at UF
Can you share any favorite UF professors, courses, or programs that had a significant impact on your education?
Jason E. Butler, Ph.D., Fan Ren, Ph.D., and the Engineering Leadership Certificate Program.
What was your favorite part about your time at UF or at the ChemE department?
The friendships, mentorship, and knowledge I gained have profoundly shaped my life for the better and were my favorite parts of the program. At UF, I made lifelong friends whom I still talk to daily. Their impact on my life has been profound. My time at UF was incredibly meaningful, especially from the perspectives of friendship, family and mentorship.
How did your experience here influence your professional life?
With my newly honed skills and thought process, I secured high-profile R&D positions straight out of graduate school and was able to contribute to new scientific advancements and patents within my first two years in the field. UF provided me with a strong fundamental background while teaching me how to think through situations more quickly and clearly.
What advice would you give to current students or those considering attendance at UF ChemE?
Go for it! UF has an outstanding program with top-notch professors who genuinely care and invest in their students. The ChemE department at UF will help you unlock the best version of yourself.
How did your time here help you develop a sense of purpose or direction?
I have always had a strong sense of purpose and direction, mainly to help people and rise to a position where I can drive meaningful change for the middle and lower classes. Growing up in a humble Latin family instilled strong values in me, and it became clear that real change requires people willing to step up. I believe that one day, I will be a successful entrepreneur leading a revolution in healthcare, and beyond that, I aspire to continue making a lasting impact on society.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways or lessons you’ve learned since graduating from here?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and dream big! As the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to drive the world toward a brighter future for all.
By Ada Lang
Marketing and Communications Specialist