The quest to turn viruses – often viewed as agents of disease – into powerful tools against cancer is gaining momentum, fueled by the dedication of researchers like Zachary Cooper, a student at the University of California, Berkeley. Cooper’s work at the Schaffer Lab, detailed in a recent report, exemplifies a growing field that seeks to harness the unique properties of viruses for therapeutic benefit.
Cooper, a junior pursuing dual degrees in Molecular & Cell Biology and Business Administration through the Robinson Life Science, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LSBE) Program, is currently engaged in two ambitious projects. This dual focus, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with a business-minded approach, is a hallmark of the LSBE program, designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders in the biotechnology sector.
His first project centers on improving the delivery of therapeutic genes to glial cells within the central nervous system using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Glial cells, often overshadowed by their neuronal counterparts, play a crucial role in brain health, providing support and protection. Many neurological diseases aren’t directly caused by neuronal death, but rather by dysfunction in these supporting glial cells. Cooper’s research aims to enhance the ability of AAVs to effectively target and deliver gene therapies to these critical cells. As Cooper explained, “I’ve always been fascinated by the way viruses work and the idea that you could potentially harness these things that we consider ‘bad guys’ to be used therapeutically, especially for things like cancer.”
The second project, independently spearheaded by Cooper alongside PhD candidate Chris Allen, focuses on the oncolytic vaccinia virus – a virus engineered to selectively infect and kill cancer cells. Cooper is developing a platform to screen the genes within this virus, aiming to understand how they influence its cancer-killing capabilities. This is a novel approach, as Cooper notes, “Nobody has ever done this before, so I was starting from square one and had to do dozens of iterations of experiments just to figure out what would actually show something, let alone if the technology could work.”
The Schaffer Lab, led by Professor David Schaffer, has a strong track record of translating research into clinical applications. The lab’s technologies are currently being evaluated in a dozen human clinical trials, including three in late-stage studies. Schaffer himself has a history of entrepreneurial success, having co-founded seven companies, including 4D Molecular Therapeutics and Ignite Immunotherapies, which was later acquired by Pfizer.
Cooper’s path to this research was deeply personal. A life-altering event – his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis – ignited his passion for cancer research. This experience motivated him to seek out opportunities at the Schaffer Lab, a long-held aspiration. He credits a mentorship from Jacob Williams, a senior in the LSBE program, as pivotal in shaping his ambitions and encouraging him to pursue challenging research opportunities.
Driven by his own positive mentorship experience, Cooper is now actively involved in fostering a supportive research community at Berkeley. He launched a mentorship program connecting first-year Haas students with upperclassmen and is teaching a DeCal course, “UGBA 198: Intro to Research and Biotech Recruiting,” designed to help students navigate the process of joining academic and biotech labs. “I’m excited to bridge the gap and increase access for underclassmen who want to join research labs but lack the roadmap to get there,” he said. “By increasing access, these programs empower more people to contribute to the lifesaving research that patients like my mother depend on.”
Cooper’s journey also includes internships at ReRx Therapeutics and the Desai Lab at Stanford University, experiences that solidified his understanding of the intersection between biology and business. He recognized the potential for translating scientific discoveries into tangible therapies, a realization that fueled his decision to pursue the LSBE program. “It was the first time I was exposed to this idea of being able to spin technology out of an academic institution, and it was a core motivator for my pursuit of LSBE,” he explained. “I knew the program would equip me with the tools to do the same in the future.”
The LSBE program itself demands a unique adaptability, requiring students to seamlessly transition between the analytical rigor of scientific coursework and the strategic thinking of business classes. Cooper acknowledges the challenge, noting the distinct learning styles and expectations of each discipline. However, he believes that the skills acquired in both areas are complementary, providing a competitive edge in the biotechnology field.
Looking ahead, Cooper plans to pursue a PhD and ultimately launch his own biotechnology company. His ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, bringing innovative therapies to patients in need. “That is what motivates me to my core,” he said. “It’s not just about discovery. Discovery is cool, but I’ve always been driven by the translational process of moving a breakthrough out of the lab and into the clinic where it can actually save lives.”
