Alumni Profile: Ezra Schildkraut, Ph.D.

You may remember hearing about GUS alum, Dr. Brian Norwood who was featured in the November Tartan. Upon learning from Brian how his former GUS classmate and good friend, Ezra Schildkraut, might be a great candidate to be featured, I leaped at the chance to connect.

When Ezra responded favorably to a visit with him at his lab and office at New England BioLabs, the prospect of bringing along a faculty member and a few students passionate about all things science was entirely too tempting! Ezra thoughtfully agreed to this quickly expanding GUS fan section, and along came Science Coordinator Jen Mallette accompanied by three of her upper school students Charlotte Bailes ‘25, Owen Jacobberger ‘25, and Malcolm Toulouse ‘24. Our group was treated to a tour of the facility and a first-rate, mini-workshop presented by Ezra on some of the scientific processes behind how companies would use the enzymes produced by NEB to manufacture mRNA medicines. Ezra started at the very beginning and walked us through the last step in the scientific process. Fascinating and complex!

After our visit, students reflected on this unique opportunity they were fortunate to experience. Charlotte Bailes offered, “It was fascinating to go around with Dr. Schildkraut to see what it takes to create these products." Owen Jacobberger thoughtfully remarked, “Cool to see scientists hands-on in action! And to see how far GUS alums go in life." Malcolm and I were equally impressed, and had the same humorous thought about how the conference room we sat in reminded us of Stark Industries from The Avengers. All students expressed that they felt “very grateful” to spend time with Dr. Schildkraut. Jen Mallette shared, “I enjoyed listening to Ezra share the path he's taken as a scientist with current students. His passion, curiosity, and value for arts and subjects other than science – just learning in general – is such a great example for the students."

Q+ A with Ezra Schildkraut, Ph.D.

Ezra Schildkraut graduated from GUS 9th grade in 1990 (yes there used to be a 9th grade!). From GUS, he went on to Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, then graduated from Bates College with a B.S. in biology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Currently, Ezra is the Associate Director of Process Development at New England Biolabs in Ipswich, MA.

Why Did your family chose GUS?

I grew up in a conservative town and my parents were looking for a more liberal environment for early education. They appreciated the small classes and focus on science and art.

what compelled you to be a scientist?

Both of my parents were scientists, so I grew up around science. Science is part of who I am, so it felt natural to go into science as a career. My mother was an animal behaviorist, working at the Stone and Franklin Park Zoos with gorillas. My father was involved with enzyme research when New England Biolabs was just beginning. What makes science as a field especially rewarding, are the unlimited paths anyone can carve out for themselves. Whether you are interested in human behavior, animals, chemistry, computer technology, energy, medicine, ocean life, plants, or in my case, laboratory science, there is a path for you. Science will always continue to evolve, inclusive of a multitude of diverse interests, limited only by what we haven’t yet discovered or studied. It is always progressing, and as such, continues to propel us forward in expanding our reaches. Science is always challenging and pushing us beyond what we think we know. Science is exciting!

How involved were you in the successful delivery of the covid-19 vaccine?

Being part of the pandemic response was both scary and exciting. In the beginning, there was so much we didn’t fully know, and it took time to study and understand the virus. New England Biolabs supplied reagents for manufacturing mRNA vaccines used during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was very challenging, having to change the way we did our work, at the beginning of the pandemic. Up until that point, scientists shared lab space, equipment, and technology. Suddenly, we had critical and vital work that needed to be done, but we had to find a way to stay distant and be safe. Just like everyone did. It was a true exercise in good communication and teamwork, which ultimately led to great success. Being part of the process, providing reagents for both therapeutic and diagnostic solutions was very rewarding. It was a truly collaborative effort with other companies, the federal government, and research institutions with a real-time crisis that needed to be solved. Overall, it was a small puzzle piece in the overall pandemic response, but it was heartwarming to know that we could help in the process of getting back to normal life and keep people healthy.

**How important do you feel GUS’ motto, Mean Well, Speak Well, Do Well, is for helping to guide young children today?**

I feel this motto is of dire importance for children today, and society at large. I believe this starts with ourselves, and then extends towards others. It’s easy for children to get lost in the hypercritical tendencies of the media. Learning to speak kindly and have compassion for ourselves allows us to do so for others. At a time when society is so connected in some ways, and lonely and behind screens in others, holding compassion and kindness is the best way to make positive contributions to our friends, family and the world. Another way I think about this motto is to live with integrity. As a scientist, I hold integrity at my core. Mean Well: Is what we’re studying going to help others/the world at large? Speak well: Thoughtful and truthful communication leads to better discussions and teamwork. Experiments don’t always turn out the way we want them to, but communicating transparently and honestly is the only way forward. Do Well: There are no cutting corners or easy ways out in science. The only way to make positive contributions in our field is to do the work in a dedicated, careful, thoughtful way to the absolute best of our ability. Sometimes the outcome isn’t what we expect, and that’s okay. That is how we learn and evolve, with integrity.

What advice would you give to GUS alumni who are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of science?

I would keep an open mind in high school and college. Get experience in the form of internships and taking classes in fields you have little exposure to and may have nothing to do with science. Make sure science is still what you want to pursue. Don’t limit yourself to science and math classes. Some of my favorite classes in college were art classes. Often these areas outside of science are lacking in the mind of a scientist. Creativity in the form of art or creative writing will be extremely beneficial to someone pursuing a scientific career. Soft skills are often overlooked but extremely important. A career in science could have many different paths that stray from the traditional wet lab, bench work. From being a professor, to being in sales and marketing or even a lawyer. All of which require additional experience or education outside of science. Find something you love and you will never regret it.

What are some of your favorite GUS memories?

I have wonderful memories of my time at GUS. I made so many friends there, some of whom have stayed lifelong friends. I specifically remember a field trip in service to a local soup kitchen. It was such a special experience because even at a young age, we were able to provide tangible help and service to our community. It was one of the first experiences I remember feeling like I was a single cog in the larger machine of society. Even though I was young, I knew I could make a difference in my own way. It was a touching experience to stand side by side with my classmates and friends directly working and affecting change in an interactive way in our small community.