This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 6/6). René and Yaoyu dive into the founder’s journey — from the thrill of building Cypher AI to the challenges of entrepreneurship, AI ethics, and keeping humans in charge of technology. Yaoyu shares moving stories about innovation, responsibility, and his belief that technology must serve humanity. Tune in for insights on: Lessons from launching Cypher AI AI’s evolving role in science and productivity Why “humans in the loop” is the future of innovation You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 5/6). After years inside Ginkgo Bioworks, Yaoyu recognized a universal truth: scientists still live in Excel Hell. In this episode, he breaks down why even the most sophisticated lab systems can’t replace spreadsheets — and how that frustration inspired the founding of Cypher AI. Tune in for insights on: Why scientists cling to Excel despite better tools The real-world pain points of lab software How flexibility and creativity drive scientific innovation You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 4/6). Yaoyu recounts his years at Ginkgo Bioworks, where he helped design large-scale software systems for synthetic biology. He explains how “foundry thinking” changed his view of biology, and why building the right abstractions is as much art as engineering. Tune in for insights on: How Ginkgo’s foundry model transformed biotech Building scalable tools for biological engineering Lessons from the Redwood Award–winning team You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 3/6). Can AI ever replace scientific intuition? In this thought-provoking exchange, Yaoyu shares why he believes in human intelligence over computational intelligence, and René challenges the common myths about fully automated discovery. Tune in for insights on: The limits of “AI scientists” Why human intuition still matters in discovery Balancing automation with creativity You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 2/6). René and Yaoyu discuss the creation of Aquarium, a laboratory operating system that lets researchers design and execute experiments as code. Yaoyu explains how he helped bring software engineering discipline into wet-lab science and why reproducibility depends on good abstractions. Tune in for insights on: Translating experiments into executable code The origins of lab automation at the University of Washington Why abstraction is both engineering and art You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from Pipettes to Prompts — From Pipettes to Prompts: Reprogramming Science with AI (Part 1/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, speaks with Yaoyu Yang, Founder & CEO of Cypher AI and former engineer at Ginkgo Bioworks, about his unlikely leap from electrical engineering to biology. Yaoyu shares how a single class in biology transformed his academic path, leading him from circuits to cell systems, and how curiosity became his strongest career engine. Tune in for insights on: Bridging engineering and life sciences How curiosity fuels scientific breakthroughs The mindset behind cross-disciplinary innovation You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Yaoyu Yang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoyuyang/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at: https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

In this episode of AI on the Hill, host René Bastón sits down with Yaoyu Yang, Founder & CEO of Cypher AI, to explore one of the most fascinating questions of our time: Can AI truly be a scientist? With over a decade at the intersection of biology and software, Yaoyu has built systems that redefine how experiments are designed and executed, from developing Aquarium at the University of Washington to architecting platforms at Ginkgo Bioworks, and now leading Cypher AI, where he’s building the world’s first AI software engineer for scientists. Together, they discuss how human-in-the-loop AI is empowering, not replacing, researchers, what it means to turn pipettes into prompts, and how the future of discovery will depend on collaboration between human creativity and machine intelligence. This episode dives deep into the evolving relationship between humans, AI, and science, and what it means to rethink intelligence itself.

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 6/6). In this final episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, wraps up the conversation with Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer, by exploring the career and life lessons Dean has learned along the way. Dean reflects on why he has no regrets about his unconventional career path and how experiences from DJing to investment banking shaped his professional mindset. He shares the importance of setting both short- and long-term goals, thinking strategically about career moves, and keeping perspective on the bigger picture. Tune in for valuable insights on: The benefits of diverse career experiences Strategic thinking for long-term success Balancing professional ambition with personal goals You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 5/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, explores with Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer, how pharma companies are rethinking their relationships with vendors. Dean breaks down the pros and cons of in-house, fully outsourced, and hybrid Functional Service Provider (FSP) models. He explains why a hybrid approach—embedding vendor talent within sponsor teams—offers transparency, faster turnaround times, and reduced risk, especially for smaller biotech firms. Tune in for valuable insights on: The benefits and drawbacks of different vendor models How hybrid FSP partnerships drive efficiency Reducing risk while maintaining quality in clinical trials You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 4/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, and Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer, dive into how AI is transforming the clinical trial process—especially in biostatistics and data management. Dean explains how automation can cut the time for generating analysis datasets and statistical tables from three months to just one, while improving accuracy and reducing human error. He shares real examples of how AI tools help teams adapt instantly to new data, run analyses in minutes instead of hours, and ultimately accelerate time-to-market for critical treatments. Tune in for valuable insights on: Cutting trial timelines with AI-powered workflows Improving data quality and reducing redundancy Why speed matters for patients, sponsors, and investors You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 3/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, talks with Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer, about the real-world impact of AI in pharma operations. Dean shares how tools like ChatGPT-based copilots are transforming contract management and workflow efficiency. He explains how automating tasks—such as comparing hundreds of pages in master service agreements—saves hours of work, frees teams to focus on strategy, and enhances overall quality without disrupting company culture. Tune in for valuable insights on: Using AI to streamline contract review and operations The balance between automation and human judgment How AI boosts productivity while strengthening workplace culture You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 2/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, continues the conversation with Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer. Dean reflects on his transitions between three distinct worlds — investment banking, contract research organizations (CROs), and the sponsor side at Pfizer. He compares the fast-paced, aggressive culture of finance with the service-oriented approach of CROs, and explains how those experiences shaped his adaptability, resilience under pressure, and ability to connect with the right people. Tune in for valuable insights on: Key differences between banking, CRO, and sponsor roles How cross-industry experience strengthens career skills Adapting to new environments without losing your edge You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

This is an excerpt from From Wall Street Beats to Biotech Breakthroughs — Dean’s journey from DJ booths and banking to leading AI-driven clinical trial innovations (Part 1/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer. Dean shares his unconventional career path — starting as a DJ and music producer, moving into investment banking on Wall Street, and then making the leap into the clinical trials industry. He talks about the hustle of breaking into the DJ scene, an unexpected back-to-back set with Goldman Sachs’ CEO, and how early experiences in finance sparked his interest in healthcare and improving patients’ lives. Tune in for valuable insights on: Building a career through unconventional paths Transferring skills from finance to pharma Finding purpose in healthcare innovation You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at:https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast

Welcome to AI on the Hill, the podcast where we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, featuring thought leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of drug development and health tech. In this series, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, and expert guests like Dean Zheng, Clinical Outsourcing Professional at Pfizer, discuss how AI is streamlining clinical trial operations, improving data quality, and accelerating the delivery of life-saving treatments. Dean Zheng shares his unique career journey from DJ booths and investment banking to clinical trial outsourcing in pharma. In this show, we dive into Dean’s transitions between industries, the lessons learned from working on both the CRO and sponsor sides, and how his diverse background fuels his approach to efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving. Dean explains how AI can cut trial programming timelines by up to 70%, reduce human error, and free up teams to focus on strategic decision-making. Join us as we explore the real-world impact of AI on trial operations, from improving data workflows to creating hybrid collaboration models between pharma and tech. Dean’s insights into adaptability, strategic thinking, and embracing new tools make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of clinical trials. You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Dean Zheng, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mingyang-zheng-0ab336108/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 6/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. Open science isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a catalyst for progress. In this episode, we explore how sharing code, data, and methods empowers researchers, accelerates discoveries, and improves reproducibility. Tommy reflects on his journey from struggling to access others’ scripts to becoming an advocate for transparency, helping build a more collaborative and impactful scientific community. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 5/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. Large language models and machine learning promise to revolutionize drug development—but what does it take to make that real? In this episode, we explore the critical role of domain expertise, data quality, and infrastructure. From messy datasets to organizational data silos, we break down why AI alone isn’t enough—and what must change to truly accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 4/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. AI, bioinformatics, and computational biology are reshaping how cancer drugs are discovered and developed. Tommy explains how data-driven insights—from target identification to clinical trial analysis—are accelerating timelines, improving precision, and unlocking personalized medicine. What once took a decade may soon take less, saving lives and transforming the future of healthcare. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 3/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. Tommy’s career took a pivotal turn when a massive dataset overwhelmed his Excel, sparking his self-driven journey into data science. Lacking external support, he taught himself Python, R, and bioinformatics, balancing the demands of lab work with online courses. This episode explores Tommy’s transition from wet-lab research to computational biology, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of mastering data science to fuel innovation in healthcare. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 2/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. Tommy’s career took a pivotal turn when a massive dataset overwhelmed his Excel, sparking his self-driven journey into data science. Lacking external support, he taught himself Python, R, and bioinformatics, balancing the demands of lab work with online courses. This episode explores Tommy’s transition from wet-lab research to computational biology, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of mastering data science to fuel innovation in healthcare. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.

This is an excerpt from Crashing Excel to Curing Cancer — How AI and Open Science Are Rewiring Drug Discovery(Part 1/6). In this episode, host René Bastón, Venture Partner at Covenant Venture Capital, sits down with Tommy Tang, Director of Bioinformatics at AstraZeneca. Tommy talks about the culture shock he experienced as an international student, his shift from wet-lab research to computational biology, and how he self-taught programming in Unix, Python, and R. He also highlights how AI and bioinformatics are revolutionizing cancer drug discovery and stresses the importance of open science in accelerating research. Tune in for valuable insights on: Overcoming challenges in data science Embracing AI in healthcare Leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare You can connect with our host, René Bastón, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renebaston/ And our guest, Tommy Tang, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎯-ming-tommy-tang-40650014/ For more information on any of the topics discussed, visit the Hill Research Podcast at https://www.hillresearch.ai/podcast.