Grant Downes

Grant Downes is a 2020-2024 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in bioengineering at the University of Kansas. Hailing from Kansas City, MO, Grant received a B.S. (2020) in biomedical engineering from Wichita State University. His current research lies in the development of an antigen-specific immunotherapy for safe and efficacious treatment of type 1 diabetes. This type of research fuels Grant’s career desire to translate biotechnology and precision medicine via entrepreneurial and investment streams. He has the mission of creating the most opportunities to create & translate biotechnology and medicine into safe, affordable, and widely distributed forms for people in all walks of life. In 2023, Grant participated in the 20th Annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit in Topeka, KS. He also was a trainee in the Entrepreneurship For Biomedicine program offered through the University of Washington in St. Louis. Grant was an intern with the University Venture Fund – Crossroads based in Kansas City, MO. In addition, he is currently a consultant for BioGenerator Ventures headquartered in St. Louis, MO. He has also interned at Medtronic as a software test engineer intern. He is a former member of the KU track and field team competing in the decathlon, but currently serves as a volunteer assistant coach.

Mentor: Cory Berkland, Solon E. Summerfield Distinguished Professor School of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Chemistry