Swimming upstream: Alum Andy Vick’s pursuit of change
It all started with trout. Or rather, trout, catfish and a few primates.
That’s how Andy Vick, PhD ’98, senior vice president of product development at BlueWater Bio, found himself on a pharmaceutical sciences pathway at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.
One fateful undergraduate summer, in 1993, Dr. Vick took on two jobs to finance his passion for animal sciences. At the time, he was a zoology major with hopes of pursuing a career in secondary education. That summer, he worked as a research assistant in the lab of professor and division chair William Hayton, PhD, at the College of Pharmacy, and as a lab animal technician for Ohio State’s Lab Animal Resources, supporting the work of numerous university investigators, including Sally Boysen, PhD, in behavior studies with primates.
“I remember having a bit of fear when I decided to take the PhD route, especially coming from low- to middle-class America. A PhD seemed like something far out of touch with my reality.”
Roving between the two positions, he spent his summer supporting research on land and underwater. Caring for the trout and catfish of Dr. Hayton, Dr. Vick was soon established as a reliable team member of the College of Pharmacy’s research community.
“It wasn’t until Dr. Hayton approached me that summer with the question of ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ that I considered an advanced degree in pharmaceutical science,” Dr. Vick recalled. “I remember having a bit of fear when I decided to take the PhD route, especially coming from low- to middle-class America. A PhD seemed like something far out of touch with my reality.”
But Dr. Vick trusted his love for research and went on to complete his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in a speedy four years. The decision to expand his expertise from zoology to pharmaceutics was a theme that would follow him throughout a colorful career.
Using the lab as a launchpad
After completing his PhD at Ohio State, Dr. Vick worked as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry – first at Biogen, then with Eli Lilly for several years.
“It was at Eli Lilly that I realized how much I enjoyed breadth in my work, and I can see that disposition looking back at my time as a student as well,” Dr. Vick reflected. “Not only do I enjoy scientific breadth in my work—developing treatments for a variety of conditions—but functional variety as well.”
Outside of research and development, Dr. Vick expanded his skillset to include the management of translational science teams, a move that opened the door to managerial and technical lab positions at companies of all sizes.
“I quickly learned that technical research know-how isn’t the only thing you need for a successful career,” he said. “Proving strong interpersonal skills and showing a willingness to train for leadership roles is key to getting where you want to be in the world of research.”
From fresh startups to giants of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Vick’s skillset has granted him an “in” at every level of pharmacy research. And as a new professional at the start of what became a contract research organization (CRO) boom, Dr. Vick found exactly what he wanted in a career: fluidity.
“For those who want to find a pathway that speaks to them, build your skillset, take positions that interest you and don’t let fear keep you from trying it all.”
By functioning as a CRO professional, he’s shifted his lab focus through a myriad of preclinical topics, including nonclinical pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacodynamics, and his job title has changed just as frequently as his research focus.
“I spent six years at Charles River Laboratories, one of the larger companies that I’ve worked with,” Dr. Vick said. “I still considered myself a ‘science guy,’ despite functioning largely as management for over 3,500 employees and the business that they represented. Being flexible in my skills and responsibilities has meant that I can cycle through dramatically different positions in pharmacotherapy design.”
His explanation of his lengthy CV paints a picture of a balancing act – one in which he can duck back to the side of innovation and research when in need of a break from the operational and financial oversight required of executives.
As he steps into the role of senior vice president of BlueWater Bio, a brand-new startup following the semaglutide train led by Ozempic, he is contributing to the discovery and development of the next line of innovative obesity treatments.
“I can probably count on one hand the days that I’ve felt bored in my career,” Dr. Vick emphasized. “For those who want to find a pathway that speaks to them, build your skillset, take positions that interest you and don’t let fear keep you from trying it all.”
Impact on and off the clock
Despite Dr. Vick’s love for variety, his core motivation to conduct pharmacy research remains unchanged.
“If my work is influencing patients’ quality of life, then I’m happy,” Dr. Vick said. “That just doesn’t have to be completed in one long-term role.”
Throughout his career, the goal of improving patient care has motivated him to develop therapies for a variety of disease states and populations, and it encouraged him to take on community work that upholds that mission.
Dr. Vick served as the president-elect and president of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) from 2019-2021. During his tenure, he made a point of engaging new professionals in the industry and getting to know their “research why.”
“AAPS has been so important to building my community as a researcher—finding a network of like-minded individuals,” he said. “Sharing life experiences and knowledge to improve ourselves personally and professionally also supports the work of pharmaceutical research. It’s key for mentorship, growth and innovation.”
Today, he continues to support the organization as a member and by mentoring the AAPS student chapter at the College of Pharmacy. In 2025, he delivered seminars to students at the college on leadership and interview preparation.
In unofficial capacities, you can also catch Dr. Vick working one-on-one with patients across the globe. He has become a regular on mission trips to Belarus, Russia, South America and most recently, Vietnam. Alongside other medical professionals, he particularly enjoys the medical mission trips down the Amazon River in Brazil, where the medical team will treat hundreds of patients, providing prescriptions and physical care for indigenous river communities in need.
Stateside, he is finding space to foster his love of zoology, working with schools around Ohio to teach the next generation about reptile husbandry, toxicology and the connections between animals and pharmaceutical sciences.
“While I’m still strongly motivated to focus on my professional work in industry, I recognize that I’m in the return phase of my career,” Dr. Vick said. “I have found a lot of success, and that’s allowing me to give back. These days, I’m prioritizing my time on serving my church, including mission trips or engaging with my community by mentoring young professionals, and it is extremely fulfilling.”