Behind the Scenes: Meet the Avanti Innovators - Sammie Cole
Meet Sammie Cole, a Research Scientist II in Formulations at Avanti, bringing over 16 years of industry experience in producing R&D and GMP materials. With a diverse background, Sammie’s role involves creating custom products like lipid nanoparticles and lyophilized powders, while also handling GMP production, in-process testing, and customer tours. A recent career highlight includes his team’s work on adjuvant systems used in clinical trials against infectious diseases. Since joining Avanti, Sammie’s broadened his expertise from polymers to lipids and even presented to Avanti’s investment group. Keep reading to learn more about this month's Avanti Innovator!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to work here? I’ve been in the industry for about 16 years producing R&D and GMP material. I worked at Immucor Gamma processing collagen, Durect Corporation making biodegradable polymers, and Evonik specializing in aseptic production and sterile processing. I made a stop in between, but I came from Evonik on the recommendation of a few of my coworkers that came to Avanti before me.
What's your current role in the company and what does a typical day look like for you? I’m a Research Scientist II in the Formulations department. Since most of the products I make are custom, my work varies on a day-to-day basis. I answer technical questions, and I produce a variety of products such as liposomes, vesicles, emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, and lyophilized powders. I also handle drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). I produce GMP and research material on large and small scale. I generate quotes, package and ship material, perform in-process testing, purify products, and give tours.
What is a project or accomplishment you're most proud of during your time here? Our group produced batches of adjuvant systems which were successful in clinical trials against infectious diseases like malaria, SARS, and Influenza.
What skills have you developed while working here? I’ve learned a lot about lipids and how to handle them since I’ve been at Avanti. At my previous jobs, I only dealt with polymers. I’ve also had a chance to do things outside the lab such as make presentations to the investment group and be the technical advisor at conventions. Opportunities such as this weren’t given to me at my previous places of employment.
What advice would you give someone just starting at the company? Focus on your training. Learn every aspect of your job so that you can perform it confidently, safely, and efficiently. Know what you’re doing.
How do you see the future of the industry and your role within it? From a Formulations perspective, when I first started with the company it was all about liposomes and extrusion. Since the development of the COVID vaccine, it’s been all about lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and microfluidics. We have the equipment and the knowledge to follow suit with the trend. The recent collaboration with Croda Brazil makes me feel like I’ll be part of the transition.
Outside of Avanti, what activities do you like? I’m a Funko Pop! collector. They’re vinyl bobbleheads that come in every genre you can imagine. I collect Anime, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter. I love to paint and play basketball. I played at the University of Texas at San Antonio. We made the NCAA tournament in 2004. I’m also a vintage shoe collector.
Are you currently binge watching any tv shows? Or have you recently? I just finished watching Season 2 of Rings of Power. It’s an excellent prequel to the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings.
If you could have dinner with 3 people (living or dead) who would they be? Bruce Lee, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali
What would your dream vacation be? One of my all-time favorite movies is “Gladiator.” I’m super excited about the sequel coming out in December. I would love to go to Rome to see the Colosseum in person.