Dr. Dennis Fernandes’ Extensive Experience Prepares Students for Real-World Success

Last winter, Biotechnology Assistant Teaching Professor Dr. Dennis Fernandes integrated a unique component into his Cutting-Edge Applications in Molecular Biotechnology classroom. He shaped the final project into a mock-pitch competition inspired by Shark Tank. There were no cameras or celebrity investors, but the pressure was real as students presented realistic valuations of their mock ventures—challenging themselves to think beyond the lab bench.

This immersive project highlights Fernandes’ dynamic teaching approach, which is rooted in real-world application and focused on preparing students for the industry. The professor, whose career spans research, industry, and education, now aims to build on this model through university-wide interdisciplinary experiential learning initiatives.

“The students had to draw on their scientific knowledge while also building a strategy for commercialization,” says Fernandes of the Shark Tank-style project. “They had to consider market access, regulatory pathways, pricing models, and patient demographics. It helped them see the bigger picture and grow their skill set.

“Projects like this align closely with Northeastern University’s emphasis on experiential learning. I’m excited to foster a spirit of cross-functional collaboration at the university by designing projects that bring together students from Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Regulatory Affairs, and Data Analytics, for example.” 

Bridging Research, Industry, and Education

Fernandes joined Northeastern University in Toronto in January 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in academia, research, and the biotechnology industry into the classroom.

His scientific journey began during his PhD in Physics, where Fernandes employed fluorescence spectroscopy—a method that utilizes glowing dyes to track molecules—to investigate how various drug compounds affect the structure and behaviour of proteins in the body. Fernandes concentrated on a group of proteins known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which regulate vital functions such as mood, sleep, taste, heart rate, and perception.

“One receptor I studied closely was the M2 muscarinic receptor, found in the heart, which helps regulate heart rate and blood flow,” he explains. “The malfunction of this receptor can contribute to various cardiovascular diseases.

“My PhD research sparked my interest in the business side of drug development—specifically, how the molecules I studied actually make it to market.”

The fascination led Fernandes to pursue a Master of Biotechnology in a program designed to help scientists understand the different pathways from research to commercialization. In early 2022, Fernandes joined Sanofi, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, as a Market Access Analyst. The role allowed him to expand his expertise in bringing drug products to the market.

“My role involved bridging the gap between scientific innovation and drug reimbursement to help patients gain access to life-saving medicines,” Fernandes says. “I helped demonstrate how treatments could be both clinically effective and cost-effective, making a case for coverage by private insurers and public health programs.”

Just a year later, Fernandes advanced to the position of Business Analytics and Insights Lead at Sanofi, where he led financial forecasting initiatives for the launch of novel drugs. In this role, Fernandes collaborated closely with cross-functional teams including business, marketing, and medical affairs. He also communicated with physicians to support the promotion and rollout of drug programs. One of these was Dupixent, a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody developed to treat atopic dermatitis—a common, long-lasting form of eczema.

Innovation in Biomedical Physics and Experiential Learning

Throughout his industry career, Fernandes remained connected to academia, first as a teaching assistant and sessional instructor, and later as an assistant professor before joining Northeastern University in Toronto. That ongoing academic engagement has helped shape his evolving research interests. His current focus centres on pushing the boundaries of protein biophysics, biomedical imaging, and healthcare analytics technologies through the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms.

For example, Fernandes is currently developing ultrasound imaging tools powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning for clinical applications. This platform aims to examine how AI-powered imaging tools can improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosing cardiovascular diseases in children and adults.

“If a patient needs a heart ultrasound today, there could be weeks-long delays for an appointment and then more time for results to reach the physicians,” he says. “I’m working on software that can analyze such images and identify key differences between healthy and diseased hearts, helping clinicians diagnose faster and get patients the care they need.”

Fernandes sees strong potential for this project to develop within Northeastern’s interdisciplinary and experiential learning environment. He envisions collaborating with students on exploring regulatory pathways, for example, particularly those focused on software as a medical device, a field that requires rigorous approval from Health Canada.

“What we’re building is a companion tool for physicians, but getting it to market means navigating complex regulatory systems,” he says. “What excites me is getting Northeastern students involved.

“In the spring, we hosted an experiential learning fair for students, and I had the opportunity to see a wide range of work happening across the university. I know Northeastern students are well-positioned to take on these projects with real-world impact.”

Why It Matters

The professor’s journey exemplifies the hands-on, forward-looking education that distinguishes Northeastern University in Toronto. By merging deep scientific expertise with business insight and real-world applications, Fernandes provides students with a model of what modern biotechnology careers can look like.

“I want my students to keep an open mind and not feel restricted to a single career path,” he says. “It was by being open to new opportunities—and taking risks—that I found my path through undergrad, my PhD, industry experience, and eventually into teaching.

“That’s the mindset I try to instill through my courses and mentorship. In today’s competitive job market, adaptability and willingness to explore different directions are more important than ever.”

By Izabela Shubair