Amanda Burkardt means business

Alumni Spotlight

Q&A with Amanda Burkardt

Job Title:  Chief Executive Officer

Employer: PHIOGEN INC

City and State: Houston, Texas

Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

OU Degrees: M.B.A. '16, M.S. in Management of Information Technology '17

When it comes to bacteria, Amanda Burkardt means business.

As the CEO of PHIOGEN, an innovative biotech venture and a spin-off from TAILOR Labs at Baylor College of Medicine, this Price alum is working to combat the most deadly antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Her journey began in animal science but shifted towards biotech and eventually led her to molecular biology with a focus on alternative antibiotics. Choosing to pursue her research as a startup, Burkardt knew she needed to take her career to the next level, so she sought OU’s Price College of Business M.B.A./M.S. in M.I.T. dual-degree program.

As a first-generation college student, Burkardt draws inspiration and work ethic from her parents. With just a small loan from a woman at church, her Oklahoma parents took a leap of faith, quitting their jobs to start a roofing-supply business in a dilapidated two-car garage. That business has since grown to become the largest independently-owned shingle supply company.

This instilled in Burkardt the belief that the future is shaped by one’s determination.

Burkardt focused her determination at Price College on life-changing bacterial research, but she also had a life-changing encounter of her own — she met her future husband.

Price College recently spoke with Burkart to learn more about her remarkable story and her business of healthcare:

PHIOGEN recently won the Best Scientific Innovation award at the Targeting Phage Therapy conference in Paris, France. What is bacteriophage, and why is this research so important?

“Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are part of our natural microbiome and can be found wherever bacteria exist, including within us, on surfaces, in soil and in water. These bacterial viruses exclusively target and eliminate bacteria. They don’t infect humans, animals or plants. They only infect and kill bacteria. As an antibacterial virus, phages have recently emerged as a realistic solution to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

The anti-microbial resistance (AMR) crisis, where antibiotics are no longer effective against certain bacteria, has significantly progressed. Our modern-day medicine is ineffective against our modern-day antibiotic-resistant superbugs. It’s projected that by 2050, 10 million people a year will be dying from drug-resistant infections. That’s more than cancer. It's a stark reality. In a drug-resistant world, bacterial infections no longer respond to antibiotics, leaving individuals vulnerable to severe consequences. It's a very real problem. So, what are we doing about it now? 

Bacteriophages have re-emerged as a natural way to combat these superbugs, offering distinct advantages over antibiotics. Unlike static antibiotics, phages are living viruses that we can train against these resistant superbugs. The core part of our technology platform allows us to evolve our phages and create what we call ‘smart cocktails’ or ‘predictive cocktails.’ These cocktails contain trained phages that can effectively combat resistant bacteria if they emerge. It's a very novel way to think about creating medicine. It's smart medicine.” 

How do you foster innovation at PHIOGEN?

“I go back to something my dad told me. ‘Amanda,’ he said, ‘make sure you surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.’ I'm constantly amazed by the intellect and knowledge of the people around me. To foster innovation, I prioritize clear communication and setting expectations while understanding what motivates my team. I make a point to celebrate milestones and enjoy surprising my team with a delivery of their favorite drink or coffee for a job well done.

I believe in involving new hires in our conversations early on, particularly with our technical team. I encourage them to share their ideas and allow them the freedom to ideate and explore possibilities. If the ideas align with our overall strategy, we work towards integrating them into our processes. This collaborative and open approach helps drive innovation within the team.”

How have your M.B.A./M.S. in M.I.T. degrees from Price College prepared you for your current role?

“When anyone asks that question, my mom jokes, ‘Amanda has more degrees than a thermometer!’ But truly, of my four degrees, I would say my M.B.A. has been the most useful. While, as in my parent’s case, running a business is a skill that can be acquired without formal education, the M.B.A. accelerated my understanding by compressing 20 years of experience into a two-year program.

As a scientist, this knowledge proved critical because to successfully commercialize technology, you must excel as both a scientific and business communicator, bridging the divide between these two worlds. Businesses focus on profit and market potential, while research aims to benefit society and expand knowledge. Finding the middle ground requires a deep understanding of both perspectives. The M.B.A. equipped me with the ability to effectively communicate science in terms familiar to investors, collaborators and industry partners. That business knowledge made me a better scientist and a more well-rounded professional overall.

The M.I.T. degree enhanced my expertise in cloud computing and structured data organization. When you’re running a science-focused business, you handle vast amounts of data. Effectively organizing and analyzing that data is crucial for understanding it because you have to present the data in a digestible and compelling way to investors. The degree showed me what it means to create structured databases and connect them to workflow efficiencies.”

You met your spouse in the M.B.A. program and got married at Price College’s Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business in OKC. Can you share your story?

“During the M.B.A., we were encouraged early on to identify good team members to work with, particularly those that presented well because we would be pitching our business plan at a collegiate competition. During our inner M.B.A. competition, I won first place, and this army guy, Chuck, won second place. (You better believe I remind him of that often!) I thought, who better to create a team with than the first and second-place winners? We built a business case around my research and went on to win second place at the Governor’s Cup (now Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup) and were eventually flown out to Nevada for the regional competition, our last pitch.

After spending countless hours together for eight months, feelings developed. When you spend that long with someone, you quickly learn whether you are good problem solvers together. If there is one thing I’ve learned through failed relationships, you need, in your spouse, a team member you can solve problems with because you’re going to have to do that for the rest of your life.

Sadly, we ended up losing at the regional competition. We sought solace in the best that Las Vegas had to offer, and at the end of the evening, Chuck expressed his feelings for me. Our relationship grew, and we eventually tied the knot at The Bolt where it all began.”

What advice would you give current business school students or aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry?

“My advice is to immerse yourself in the field you're interested in. If you lack a science or healthcare background, volunteer with healthcare startups, researchers or physicians to understand key stakeholders' needs. Understanding the customer journey is crucial to developing a successful product or solution. Spend time with the people you want to be like and the problems you’re interested in.

Networking and cold calling are also valuable strategies. Reach out to companies or organizations you admire, expressing your interest and offer your time, even if it’s just five hours a week. That goes a long way to getting you plugged in.

As a first-generation college student and a true-blue Oklahoman, I’ll also share an encouraging message. No matter where you're from, with hard work and passion, you can make a meaningful impact. You don’t have to know everything; you just need the hunger to succeed. What truly matters is your drive, determination and willingness to learn. My education at OU has been instrumental in reaching this point, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.”

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