Hi, I'm Patrick.
I help life science and technology companies grow through strategic user experience, product, and graphic design.
About Me
I’m a scientist by training, having graduated from the University of Calgary twice—once in 2013 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, and again in 2014 with a Master of Biomedical Technology.
During my undergraduate studies, my participating in the iGEM competition made me fall in love with synthetic biology, biotechnology, graphic design, and user experience design.
Since then, I’ve been a design guy, a sales guy, a marketing guy, a government advocacy guy, and a community engagement guy. But the core of everything I do (and still do) revolves around my love for both tech and design.
An engineering background has been really helpful throughout my design work, because the two concepts are closely intertwined. I hope that I can bring some fresh perspectives and ideas to help you address your user experience problems.
My passion is making life sciences and healthcare more user-friendly, and getting people excited about innovation. I’m always happy to connect with you!
Portfolio
Resume
Work Experience
User Experience Designer
Blackline Safety
2021 – Present
Blackline Safety makes portable, always-connected gas detectors and area monitors for workers in high-risk environments. As part of the UX team, I help design workflows, software tools, and device interactions to streamline users through their day-to-day work in high-risk environments.
Life Science Marketing Consultant and Designer
Patrick Wu
My consulting work has connected me to many different clients, primarily working in life sciences and digital technology. My main services are user experience design and consulting, graphic design, desktop publishing, and brand development.
I continue to work on community development projects to build a robust and sustainable ecosystem for life science and technology innovation in Alberta.
Manager, Memberships and Partnerships (Contract)
BioAlberta
2015 – 2016
BioAlberta is the central voice and industry advocate for the life sciences in Alberta. I managed and maintained connections to over 140 member companies, learning about their specific business and advocacy concerns and helping to shape programming and initiatives to help them.
I helped recruit over 20 new members and partners over the year, increasing membership revenues by over 20%. To support those companies, I also helped raise over $50,000 of sponsorship for programs and events.
Sales and Account Manager
Synbiota Inc.
2015
I researched sales leads for a synthetic biology startup that produced educational toolkits that allowed students to engineer their own bacteria and learn about biotechnology. I also provided technical support for early adopters and beta testers that we sponsored at the iGEM competition using our platform.
Volunteer Experience
Member, Medicine Alumni Advisory Committee
University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine
2020 – Present
The MAAC is a committee of alumni from all programs in the Cumming School of Medicine. We are responsible for evaluating and selecting recipients for the Alumni of Distinction Awards each year for distinguished graduates of the School, and to celebrate their contributions to medicine and society.
Judging Program Committee Member
iGEM
As a member of the Judging Program Committee, I help make the overall judging experience better for both the iGEM teams and the judging panel, including revisions to the judging criteria and support for the judging panel at the competition.
Workshop Mentor and Judge
geekStarter
2014 – Present
I have mentored high school and undergraduate iGEM teams from across Alberta at various workshops aimed to prepare them for the competition. I have given a number of talks on applying graphic design theory to presentations and websites (“wikis”), and have also judged at the Alberta-centered “aGEM” competition.
iGEM
2013 – 2018
As a former iGEM student, I had the pleasure of being invited to be part of the judging team at iGEM starting in 2013. Each year I go back to see the amazing work and creativity coming from young innovative synthetic biologists.
In 2018, I had the great honour of winning the Best Veteran Judge prize at the iGEM Giant Jamboree.
Education
Master of Biomedical Technology (MBT)
University of Calgary
2013 – 2014
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), Bioinformatics
University of Calgary
2009 – 2013