Before attending WPI, Mitchell Sanders MS ’88, PhD ’92 admits his professional path wasn’t quite clear. While on the Hill studying biology and biomedical sciences, however, he laid the groundwork for especially rewarding and interesting parallel careers.
Sanders’ impressive professional experience includes successful entrepreneurial initiatives and active involvement with both the Wound Healing Society and Editorial Board of Wound Masterclass. In 1988, Sanders founded his first company, ECI Biotech which he ran until 2014. He then founded and currently serves as chief executive officer for ProDevLabs LLC; a company which specializes in wound care research and development and preclinical CRO.
Beyond his position as an expert in the development of novel drugs and medical devices for healing chronic wounds, Sanders is also a published author. “My first horror book, Climate of Monsters, is already out and the second book of the series, Breath of Fire, is scheduled for release this summer.” says Sanders.
“At WPI I learned to have a thirst of knowledge and to be fearless and honest; those principles drive my career decisions each day.”
Mitchell Sanders MS ’88, PhD ’92
It is no simple feat to build and grow a business, but reflecting on his journey, Sanders acknowledges the role his WPI education played in his success. “The formative training I earned at WPI launched my career in wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration. Through my education, I learned some very powerful lessons on how to persevere and rebuild my client base from the ground up. Nothing in life is easy, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
Sanders stays connected to his alma mater giving back in meaningful and impactful ways. Most recently, he collaborated with the Bioprocessing Lab at WPI on a major pharma project and over the past twenty years he has hired several WPI alumni. “My new company ProDevLabs LLC is rapidly growing and building out new space in Southborough, MA, and I hope to hire more WPI alums as we grow.” says Sanders.