At the age of 16, Bridget Yates lost her first role model when her grandmother died due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease. It was the second death she experienced in a two-week span. 

“My grandmother was strong, independent and vocal. Watching her go from a vibrant, strong-willed, fierce woman through the stages of anger and cognitive decline was destabilizing and traumatic, to say the least,” recounts Bridget. “Her illness and eventual passing profoundly impacted my perspective, leading to a pivotal shift in my focus and setting my trajectory pointing straight towards medicine.”

That loss sparked new beginnings. Soon after, she started working at Stanford Hospital, a place where her scientific curiosity could flourish, and she could start her journey towards making positive contributions through her research. 

This month marks 12 years at BioMarin for Bridget, a milestone she attributes to her passion for science and the power of purpose. We spoke with the Director, Enzymes and Metabolic Research, about her career journey for our employee profile series, “The DNA of BioMarin,” which draws inspiration from the four bases of DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role of Aspiration, Translation, Connection, and Gratitude in their work. 

Bridget currently leads a team of scientists and research associates focused on developing new therapeutic approaches for rare genetic metabolic conditions. Learn more about how her passion and experience drive her to combine research with patient advocacy to develop therapies for patient communities.

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

There are moments when I pause and reflect on how my choices – some planned, some serendipitous – have shaped my journey. From a young age, I was captivated by science. My childhood curiosity led me to explore everything from backyard experiments to library books about biology. Those early sparks grew stronger as I moved into high school and college, thanks to supportive teachers and a family that encouraged my questions, even during personal challenges and loss. Each experience deepened my resolve to make a difference.

My first experiences in research labs opened my eyes to the unlimited possibilities of discovery. But it was direct encounters with patients, especially those in group homes with developmental disabilities and individuals living with rare conditions, that really focused my purpose. Seeing the complexity of their diagnoses and their remarkable resilience pushed me to pursue a path where science and advocacy go hand in hand. These moments pushed me to ask: how can I create a real, lasting impact for those who need it most?

At BioMarin, I’ve found a place where my passion for science and commitment to patients intersect every day. Leading research team focusing on enzyme replacement therapies and metabolic conditions, I aspire to drive excellence in innovative science with integrity. My aspiration is to help patients and families live full lives by contributing to earlier diagnoses and helping enable access to therapies that address the root causes of their conditions.

TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

My sense of purpose is woven through every aspect of my work at BioMarin. Each day, I am reminded of why I do this. Whether mentoring a rising scientist, connecting with families seeking answers or collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, these moments have helped shape me as a leader and furthered my commitment to the patients and communities we serve. 

I’m especially moved by real-life stories that bring our mission to life. One that stays with me is witnessing the difference early intervention made for siblings diagnosed with CLN2, a form of Batten disease. I saw firsthand how access to care shaped their futures, offering some measure of hope to a family that once faced greater uncertainty. Experiences like this fuel my drive to push the boundaries of innovation.

I see strong parallels between my work at BioMarin and my husband’s dedication as a special needs educator. We both believe everyone deserves the chance to reach their fullest potential, regardless of the challenges they face. His commitment to supporting students with unique abilities continually motivates me to break down barriers in healthcare so all children can access the therapies they need.

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

I’m genuinely grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had here at BioMarin, particularly the Research and Early Development and wider R&D leadership teams, which have played such a big role in opening these doors for me. Whether it’s leading an amazing team, sharing our research on the international stage, or heading to Sacramento to advocate for patients’ access to life-saving treatments, each experience has been a huge part of my personal and professional growth. 

But I am absolutely most grateful for my team. Their incredible resilience and strength has not wavered as our company has evolved. This group shows up every day, keeps their eyes on the goal and gets the job done. When the strategy shifts, they don’t miss a beat – they adapt and keep pushing forward. I couldn’t be prouder or more honored to work with them, and I’m so grateful for the trust and flexibility they show day in, day out. 

CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?

Connection is at the heart of everything I do; it underpins my sense of purpose. Engaging with patients, caretakers, patient advocacy groups, and health care providers shapes important decisions and helps define what ideal medicines look like. I’m grateful for every opportunity to interact with patients or advocacy groups, as these experiences set our direction and energize our research teams. 

Recently, we welcomed the leaders of a patient advocacy group supporting people living with phenylketonuria (PKU) for a lab tour at BioMarin. We were proud to show them our state-of-the-art research facilities and inspired by the opportunity to learn about the community’s needs directly from the advocacy group. The feedback aligned perfectly with our team’s focus, reinforcing our motivation and boosting our researchers’ confidence. These connections are crucial to our continued success in making meaningful impacts for patients.