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• Eric Doerr: Bridging Connections and Driving Innovation in Biochemical Engineering

Eric Doerr: Bridging Connections and Driving Innovation in Biochemical Engineering

Eric Doerr, BESc’14, MESc’16, is a dynamic and ambitious leader with a passion for connecting people and solving complex problems. With a formative foundation in biochemical engineering and years of experience managing several multidisciplinary teams, Eric has honed his ability to navigate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and deliver results. His expertise lies not only in his technical skillset but also in his ability to foster meaningful connections and drive collaboration among stakeholders.

During his time at Western Engineering, Eric was an active leader and contributor to several initiatives. In 2013, he led the Western Engineering Soph team and was a theme coordinator for the concrete toboggan team. He also participated in the Western Engineering Competition, later returning as a judge. He has played key roles in enhancing student experience through his involvement in various competitions and events. Most recently, Eric played a pivotal role in reconnecting classmates as the champion of his 2014 class reunion during Homecoming.

We caught up with Eric to learn more about his career journey, his reflections on Western Engineering, and his advice for the next generation of engineers.

 

Can you tell us about your career journey since graduating from Western Engineering and what led you to your current role?

I graduated from Western Engineering with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering Science in 2014 and 2016, respectively, focusing on biochemical engineering processing and design. During my time with Western, I engaged in academic research collaborations with the RWTH Aachen in Germany and contributed to international course development and execution with ENSIC Nancy in France.

Since graduating, I have worked extensively in the biopharmaceutical industry with process development, continuous improvement, and routine manufacturing support for various drug substances across different stages of their lifecycles. I began my career at Therapure Biopharma (now Resilience Therapeutics) in early 2017 as a research scientist and engineer-in-training, contributing to the development of cutting-edge biologics for GMP-grade clinical trials across the globe.

Since late 2018, I have been with Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical manufacturer. In my current role as a Deputy Director within the Manufacturing Sciences and Analytical Technology department, I support the development and manufacturing of next generation pediatric and geriatric vaccines supplied to the global market. Outside of my work at Sanofi, I am continually partnering with academia to strengthen the relevancy and connections between industry and biochemical engineering programs.

Why Western Engineering?

I love this question. I think what makes Western Engineering quite unique compared to other engineering schools is the strong sense of camaraderie and community. Engineering is a lot more than just excelling in academics; it’s about the lifelong connections, ecosystems, and synergies we create through clubs, teams, and shared experiences on campus. 

It’s this sense of closeness and collaboration that really helps shape Western Engineering students and fortifies them for a successful life after graduation. 

What is your favourite memory from your time as a student at Western Engineering?

It’s difficult to pick just one because there are so many, but if I had to choose, it would be attending the final concert for O-Week 2013 with my Soph team in celebration. I was lucky to be the Head Soph for Engineering for that year, and the culmination of all the efforts to deliver a top-tier O-Week experience—with my executive team, the Soph team, and the faculty’s support—was an incredible moment. It was a release of excitement and pride after months of preparation and hard work.

What advice would you give to current engineering students who are looking to succeed in their careers?

Be Brave: You should be able to take as much experience, knowledge, and skill-building from your education and/or co-op placement as much as possible. In the same respect, your employer will request that workload and deliverables be met. Showing initiative and a desire to learn on the spot continually generates confidence in both your growing skillset and actively demonstrating your ability to be a strong team player. 

Be Bright: This attribute should exist in the same duality as the word itself; demonstrate that you can clearly recognize, understand, and act on a new concept/idea that you intake as part of your continuous learning. In that same respect, even when a concept/idea may be beyond your current level, be positive and friendly even when situations may not go how you want them to. A person who is resilient to their emotions and emanates constant positivity independent of circumstance will return that same aspect to them. 

Be Balanced: Take this time for what it is and position yourself as to where you are in your career and what you plan to do. An individual who can harmoniously balance work and life while also recognizing where they are as one fraction of their entire career can better focus on the tasks at hand. Many small steps taken will eventually lead to a fulfilling journey.  

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your professional journey? 

Who/what you are/do is in a continuous dynamic state, and an inability to remain in flux is an inability to grow professionally. Be prepared always to learn and adapt; when you feel yourself plateau and when you have the time/space to grow, plan towards what you want the next stage of your career to approach. Take this approach with the guidance of an appropriate mentor and/or sponsor to help set a proper framework, and you will see to what extent you can repeat this iteration repeatedly. 

How do you see the field of engineering evolving in the next few years, and how should students prepare for these changes? 

Inevitably, the onset of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will once more revolutionize the workforce. As engineers, we are responsible for creating, maintaining, and optimizing complex industrial systems and acting as shepherds to bring GenAI forward as the means to secure a more efficient, effective, and sustainable future. I encourage all future engineers to integrate their learnings alongside GenAI and see what synergies they can take on within their practice to meet these future expectations in the workforce.