Megan Bull’s drive to help people living with rare genetic conditions began long before she entered a laboratory. Her childhood best friend and next-door neighbor was born with cystic fibrosis, giving Megan an early and personal view into how an unexpected medical diagnosis can impact a family
In the late 1990s, cystic fibrosis carried a much more uncertain prognosis and shorter life expectancy for people in the U.S. than it does today. Megan remembers days filled with playdates, laughter and water balloon fights, alongside afternoons painting together during inhaler treatments and visits to the hospital that became part of everyday life
Those experiences helped shape her aspiration to work in biopharma, where she could contribute directly to scientific progress for patients and families impacted by rare diseases
Megan shared her story in our employee profile series, “The DNA of BioMarin,” which draws inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA: A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Connection, Translation and Gratitude play in their everyday work
Learn more about Megan and how early connection to the rare disease community, a passion for science and a deep belief in human compassion led her to BioMarin, where she now helps generate reliable scientific evidence to support the development of therapies for patients
“At my core, I believe scientific innovation and human compassion are not mutually exclusive. My aspiration is to continue growing as a scientist and leader who can bridge rigorous data, patient empathy and strategic decision-making to support therapies that may improve lives.”
ASPIRATIONHow did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?
My path to biopharma started with both curiosity and personal connection. I was always drawn to science, whether that meant asking for a frog dissection kit as a birthday gift or testing whether a human pregnancy test would work on my pregnant dog. But my childhood best friend’s experience with cystic fibrosis gave that curiosity a deeper purpose
I saw the incredible impact physicians and care teams could have, but I also dreamed of contributing to solutions that could reach and help more people. That ambition led me to study pharmaceutical chemistry, with a minor in technology management, at the University of California, Davis
While at UC Davis, I attended a career fair where I learned about BioMarin and its mission. It closely mirrored my own interest in using science to make a meaningful difference for people living with rare conditions. After graduating in 2018, I set my sights on BioMarin, and in 2019, I officially joined the team
Today, I support scientific discovery by developing robust assays, creating bioanalytical strategies, validating methods and helping programs move from early research toward regulatory milestones. Across that work, I am motivated by the possibility of helping bring meaningful therapies to people who need them
My commitment to impact also extends beyond the laboratory. As founder and president of Reclaim Foundation, a nonprofit organization, I help support survivors of trauma as they foster healing, growth and empowerment through connection and community. That work was inspired by my own experience overcoming traumatic events
At my core, I believe scientific innovation and human compassion are not mutually exclusive. My aspiration is to continue growing as a scientist and leader who can bridge rigorous data, patient empathy and strategic decision-making to support therapies that may improve lives
Connection at work is not only about collaboration or scientific problem-solving. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported enough to do their best work.”
CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?
Connection to patients drives our scientific mission, but connection to colleagues is what makes showing up to work each day inspiring and meaningful
One month after joining BioMarin, I was at the Gilroy Garlic Festival during the mass shooting there in 2019. After taking only one day off, I returned to work without fully understanding that I had developed post-traumatic stress disorder. In that difficult time, I was met with genuine empathy from colleagues at every level
My teammates checked in on me, my manager helped ensure my workload was manageable as I navigated treatment, and leaders reminded me that benefits and company programs were available to help. Regardless of title, reporting structure or how new I was to the company, the Translational Sciences team quickly became a home away from home
Those connections deepened less than a year later, when I was in a hit-and-run car accident that required major back surgery and forced me to relearn how to walk. Once again, I leaned on colleagues and benefits support as I navigated a leave of absence
BioMarin’s people showed me care as a person first and an employee second. It is encouraging to know that the same care we strive to show patients and their families is also extended to the employees dedicated to supporting them
That support shaped the colleague I try to be – someone who checks in, makes space for people’s humanity and remembers that everyone may be carrying something we cannot see. Connection at work is not only about collaboration or scientific problem-solving. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported enough to do their best work
TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?
Translation is built directly into the name of my department: Translational Sciences. In my role, I help translate scientific discovery into reliable information that supports decision-making about therapies and their potential impact
What makes Translational Sciences especially exciting is that we support programs across BioMarin’s portfolio. My work in Assay Strategy and Development spans the development lifecycle, from early research and preclinical studies through clinical trials, regulatory submissions and continued safety monitoring
The assays I help develop, validate and troubleshoot can support multiple patient communities, even when the work happens quietly behind the scenes. Reliable data help cross-functional teams better understand a therapy, monitor safety, support dose decisions and move programs forward with confidence
One of my earliest experiences at BioMarin helped make that impact tangible. I worked on several assays that contributed to a broader effort to support a therapy for children and families living with achondroplasia. Seeing that work become part of a larger path toward regulatory approval reinforced that a well-designed assay, a strongly executed validation or a carefully reviewed method can help bring a medicine closer to patients
My hope is that my work continues to help BioMarin generate high-quality scientific evidence to advance therapies responsibly and efficiently. I am grateful to learn from the scientists and principal investigators in my department, whose collaboration and guidance help me build the scientific judgment, strategic thinking and cross-functional perspective needed to contribute at a larger enterprise level
“I am deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues and opportunities at BioMarin that have shaped my career. What stands out most is being part of a culture that continues to grow, listen and strive for improvement.”
GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why
I am deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues and opportunities at BioMarin that have shaped my career. What stands out most is being part of a culture that continues to grow, listen and strive for improvement
In 2025, BioMarin employees formed the People with Disabilities Employee Re disabilities and caregivers, helping to ensure these individuals have a voice within the organization, and provide access to opportunities and reining the group has felt especially meaningful
It has given me a place to turn personal experience into practical advocacy and help raise awareness for what employees with disabilities may need to thrive at work. Like many of the patients BioMarin supports, people with disabilities may face lifelong complications that continue even with strong support systems and treatment
I’m also grateful for the progress we’ve made as an industry. I’ve been fortunate to witness this professionally as well as personally. That childhood friend who inspired my direction toward biopharma has gone on to live a fulfilling life thanks to therapeutic advancement and is now married with two beautiful daughters of her own
