Our PhD in Nutrition Sciences alumni spotlight is on Christian Behrens, Jr., PhD, RD, class of 2020. He is associate director, translational science at Alliance Pharma Ltd. and won the Rising Star Award from the UAB Alumni Society last year. Christian has remained in close contact with us since graduation, and we really appreciate his willingness to talk with students about careers outside of academia.

Q: Tell us about what you do now as associate director, translational science at Alliance Pharma Ltd. What does your day-to-day look like?

A: I lead and conduct in-depth research into human physiology, nutrition, and health and own its translation into credible, consumer-relevant health benefits and claims, assuring that product formulation and communication are backed by competent and reliable scientific evidence. What I like most about my role is that every day can be, and often is, different. Monday I could be working with external marketing agencies to develop educational content about our products, Wednesday I could be collaborating with fellow scientists from around the world on clinical trial development, and Thursday I could be flying to Washington or New York to defend and represent our science in front of U.S. regulatory bodies.

Q: What do you find rewarding about your job, and what are you most proud of?

A: What I find most rewarding about my job is being able to drive enterprise, global-level medical decisions in the direction of rigorous and reproducible science. In an era where everyone has a platform, it’s important to leverage the power of large industry players to help direct the public toward health and wellness solutions created out of science that matters. I’m most proud of being able to walk into just about any gas station, grocery store, or pharmacy in the country (and beyond) and see products on the shelf that I had a hand in creating.

Q: Over the years, what were the biggest challenges?

A: Learning how to overcome imposter syndrome (I am the medical expert) and how to confidently say “no” when everyone wants to hear “yes.”

Q: How much has your career/job changed over the years since you graduated from our program?

A: After graduating, I was very fortunate to be recruited back to my alma mater as an assistant professor. I enjoyed my time there, but ultimately decided I wanted something different out of my career, which led me to industry. I started in a similar role at Bayer Consumer Health Care and recently accepted a new position at Alliance Pharma, where I have the opportunity to exercise more of a leadership role.

Q: Has there been a pivotal point in the past that helped to shape your career?

A: Yes! When I decided to explore roles outside of academia, I was struggling to get my foot in the door. After months of pridefully white-knuckling my way through applying for dozens of jobs a week, I finally reached out to my network for help. Low and behold, I had a job less than a month later. If I hadn’t decided to finally admit I needed help, I don’t know where I’d be!

Q: What advice would you give to students who are currently in the program?

A: NETWORK TO GET WORK. Networking does not come naturally to me, but at this point, I firmly believe it’s a critical component of career progression. Go to talks, conferences, expos, etc. Meet people, ask questions, and stay in contact with your mentors. Your mentors and other professionals enjoy being able to help where they can and inherently want to see people succeed. Also, don’t sacrifice your scientific integrity for anyone or anything.

Q: What are you looking forward to in the next 10–20 years?

A: Professionally, I’m very excited to continue to progress in industry-related roles on a leadership level to do my part in shaping (or re-shaping) healthcare in such a way that regains public trust in science and medicine. Personally, my husband and I are in the midst of the adoption process and are PUMPED to be dads.