Terri Christianson has been at BioMarin since just after its founding in 1997. More than 10,000 days have passed since she started her journey here, but the days that stand out most to Terri have one thing in common. 

“It’s always inspiring when patients visit,” says Terri, Director of Biologics Production and Molecular Analytics Lead in Modality. “Meeting patients face to face reminds our team why our work matters and lets us share the science behind what we do. It’s a powerful connection.” 

At BioMarin, welcoming patients, families and advocates into the company’s labs and offices is an important practice that brings the heart of our mission into sharp focus. These visits create opportunities for scientists to connect directly with the people whose lives are touched by their work, offering a chance to listen, learn and gain a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of their research. Sharing the science behind BioMarin’s medicines also fosters meaningful dialogue, strengthens mutual respect and reminds us all why our pursuit of innovation and progress matters. 

Recently, Terri and her team had the opportunity to host Allyson Chan, a young adult who lives with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type IVA, also known as Morquio A syndrome. Allyson and her mother, Christina, visited our San Rafael headquarters for a special all-hands meeting that was broadcast to BioMarin employees around the world. Allyson spoke about her experiences growing up with MPS IVA and described how she managed her transition to college life. She then met with BioMarin team members who support the company’s work in MPS and went on a lab tour.

Leonor Miranda Newquist, a research scientist and a 17-year veteran of BioMarin, was among those who met Allyson and Christina during the tour. For Leonor, these visits are an opportunity to answer questions for patients and families and provide education on innovation that may have impacted their lives. 

Leonor says Allyson’s degree of enthusiasm and engagement left quite the impression on those she met in the lab. 

“Allyson was genuinely interested. She was carefully observing the mechanisms we were demonstrating and asked thoughtful questions,” says Leonor. “She wanted to understand what each part was, what it did and how it impacted patients. That level of curiosity is impressive.” 

Allyson, self-described as “not a math or science person,” described her fascination with everything that goes into the research and development of therapies.

“Watching the process was amazing because you get to see how a goal and a concept become a medicine,” says Allyson. “It’s incredible if you think about how it goes from somebody saying, ‘We need to find a solution,’ to having it in your hands – especially because health issues are so sophisticated, and these ideas are so complex. It very much hits close to home to see that there are people who go out of their way to work on solutions for people who may not have as many options as other conditions.”

Patients have long been the heart of the matter for BioMarin employees. Javier Femenia keeps a photo in his office that serves as a daily reminder of the very first patient who was involved in a clinical trial for a medicine he worked on early in his career. Many years later, that patient connection keeps him motivated to contribute to the company’s next breakthrough. 

“He came by with his parents, and we were able to show him, even in the lab, what it looked like, how we were making this medicine,” recounts Javier, Executive Director, Head of BioProcess Development. “To see that energy and excitement for him, and that hope in that family, was something that carried me through and continues through even to this day.” 

Donnie Mackenzie remembers a moment from the earliest days of his BioMarin career that, a decade later, created a poignant encounter with a child. He spoke about the special bond between scientists and patients in our Signature Science series earlier this year. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to see a molecule go from research to a marketed product,” says Donnie, Associate Director, Analytical Lead, Musculoskeletal Research. “That molecule was just a little brown line in a glass jar. And now I’ve had the opportunity to actually give patient tours in the lab, where I show that that brown line is now medicine that they receive on a daily basis.” 

For Sandra Salcido, these connections create experiences that resonate deeply. They also highlight the significance of BioMarin’s mission, while providing some smiles and lasting memories along the way.  

“Before meeting Allyson, I was able to connect with two inspiring kids living with achondroplasia — Camila, who was 8, and Mateo, who was 5,” says Sandra, Senior Research Associate II for Analytical Pathology. “Watching their faces light up as they played with our teaching microscope reminded me why I do this work. Seeing patient photos around headquarters is meaningful, but nothing compares to meeting patients and their families in person.” 

Reflecting on the lasting feelings these interactions have on her and the entire team, Terri is reminded why their dedication truly matters. 

“In R&D, when we initially start working on something, we have no idea where it might end up,” says Terri. “I’ve been here for 29 years and watched as we’ve taken six new medicines for rare conditions to market. When we meet the patients, it’s always exciting. I think it reconnects us to the work we’re doing, and the tremendous impact we’re always trying to make.”