Alumni
Profiles of Success
Arthur Elliott Ph.D.
President
Biological Consultant
Ph.D. Virology 1969, Purdue
Reflecting on his experiences at Purdue, Arthur Elliot states, "My PhD
from Purdue has allowed me to move into positions of scientific responsibility
that would otherwise have been closed to me. Purdue's reputation for scientific
excellence is well-justified and recognized throughout the scientific community." Interested
in the study of the infections disease process, Arthur began his career in
industry. After thirty years in the field, however, his career path took an
interesting turn when he began working as a biological consultant.
Arthur earned his bachelors degree in biology at North Texas State University, where he also completed a masters in microbiology. Afterward, while pursuing medical microbiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, he became interested in moving into the area of virology. "The work on viral vaccines was heating up," recalls Elliot, "and some of the most exciting research was being done in the field of virology."
Purdue University was one of the hot beds for virology research at that time, and Arthur entered the university to pursue a PhD in that area. "It was a very exciting time to be at Purdue and to be studying virology," he says. Working with Dr. Donald P. Gustafson, Arthur focused his research on Marek's disease, a herpes virus that affects chickens. His research in this area involved the eventual development of a vaccine, which was the first against a cancer caused by a viral agent.
After earning his PhD Arthur entered industrial research, starting off as a senior research staff member at the Pittman-Moore Division of Dow Chemical Company. After eight years with Dow, he joined Merck & Co., where he was later appointed Executive Director of Biological Operations. In 1994 Arthur took early retirement from Merck and assumed a position at North American Vaccine as Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operation Officer. "North American Vaccine was a small biotech company (90 people) with no products on the market, but a rich research pipeline of promising vaccines," reflects Arthur. "When I left in 1999 the company had grown to 375 employees, had two products on the market in the United States and Europe, two production facilities and a warehouse, and had just moved into new corporate headquarters with expanded research facilities." Arthur's range of work experience gave him the chance to work extensively with the FDA and other regulatory agencies, and also provided him with a broad experience base in research, development, and quality and manufacturing.
Today Arthur is president of Biological Consultant, a consulting firm based out of Lansdale, Pennsylvania. "I entered the consulting business at the urging of corporate executives from several companies that asked for my help," Arthur recalls. "They felt that my thirty plus years in the vaccine industry would be of benefit to them as they worked to solve the everyday problems they faced." The firm's major clients include the Gates Foundation, the Department of Defense, The World Health Organization, and many large pharmaceutical companies and emerging bio-technology companies.
"Consultants with vast experience in the industry are called upon to help resolve specific problems that face a particular company," explains Arthur. "The consultant has usually faced a similar problem in the past and can work quickly to resolve the problem." Arthur usually consults on problems that involve manufacturing difficulties, such as those of manufacturing capacity or a particular process that is not producing as it did in the past. "Consulting activities are interesting and a good way for a scientist to keep current on new trends in the industry," he remarks.
For students interested in seeking a career in industry, Arthur recommends working as an intern. "Internship at an industry of your choice to see how industry works and to see alternatives for the future." Interacting with those already in the field can also be a plus. "Talk to as many people in this area as possible," he advises. "Visit their labs and if possible work in the lab to see the variety of work available." Finally, he further encourages students to gain a broad range of experiences while in school. "The education and training I received was far more valuable to me in my career than just the academic training," concludes Arthur. "I am proud to be an alumnus of such an outstanding university."