Alumni Profile: Tawni Koutchesfahani, B.S. 2004

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Tawni Koutchesfahani is an accomplished operations leader in the medical device and biotech sector. Currently, she is the Senior Director, Contract Manufacturing of Drug Product at Catalyst Biosciences. From 2016-2018, Tawni was the Director of Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Strategy at Relpysa (acquired by Vifor Pharma), working closely with Relypsa’s global contract manufacturing sites. Prior to joining Relypsa, Tawni was a key manufacturing leader within the Baxalta (spin‐off as a public company from Baxter) manufacturing network for its BioScience division as well as Baxter’s BioSurgery division since 2009. Tawni earned an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

1.How would you broadly term the main areas of research in which you’re concentrating now? 
 


My current focus is on formulation and filling of our drug product at Catalyst Biosciences. I work with contract manufacturing facilities to help us produce the drug product, and package the material to clinical sites for distribution. 

 
2.At the time you came to UC Santa Barbara, what opportunities did you see in the department that brought you here? 


 
The department had an extreme focus on staying competitive with the other engineering programs such as UC Berkeley, and Stanford. The departments ability to recur some of the top professors in the world made it a clear choice to begin my education at UCSB. 

 
3.Please share some details on how the experience at UC Santa Barbara benefited your education, research, and ongoing career accomplishments. 
 
I was so thankful for the small size classes. The small student population allowed us to get to know the community of professors, undergraduate students, and graduate students, very well to help and foster continuous encouragement. I also had the ability to intern during the summer at the labs, which allowed me explore more, and designate a graduate student as my mentor, who helped me with career discussions. 
 
4. Were there any surprises at UC Santa Barbara that you didn’t expect?
 
No surprises. I am very thankful for the program, and the positive impact it had on my future. 
 
5. What would you say to an engineering student who is considering UC Santa Barbara? 
 
For a new student, you've got to remember, that it's going to get tough. You have to stay focused, as there will always be other things to do, but you have to remember that your educational experience will be one of the most amazing rides of your lifetime. And, when its complete, you will look back and be very thankful for what you accomplished. It was the most amazing feeling when I graduated. Those challenging days of work and study will propel you into a future where you can positively impact the world. You will soon teach yourself, that you can do anything, as long as you prioritize hard work, and time management! Go GAUCHOS! ChE
 

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