Mike Chrostowski was a PhD student in the MiNDS program working with Dr. Suzanna Becker and Dr. Ian Bruce. Mike defended his thesis in August of 2012. While working with Drs. Becker and Bruce, his PhD work focused on modeling the development and treatment of tinnitus in the auditory cortex after hearing loss. Since graduating from the MiNDS program, Mike has begun a very successful career. Recently, Mike’s business and research were highlighted in the Globe and Mail. In the midst of his busy schedule, Mike was able to answer a few questions for us about how he transitioned from a MiNDS student, into the working world.
Please explain in some detail what it is that you are currently working on (give us an idea of your ‘job description’) I am the founder and CEO of Sound Options Tinnitus Treatments and we provide customized sound therapies for tinnitus. As the founder of a startup, I have to wear many hats, so my job description varies. Because of my background, I have to work on pushing the technology forward so that we can deliver effective products to our customers and partners. To grow our business, I also have to do sales: it is my role to bring new hearing clinics onboard to distribute our treatment. In addition to this, I pitch to investors and work on business plans.
In what ways do you feel that the MiNDS program helped prepare you for your current career? The idea for my business stemmed from my graduate work, but the integrative approach that we are using to provide tinnitus treatments is something that was always emphasized in the MiNDS program. When I was a part of the MiNDS program, I also remember starting off with professional development sessions that covered topics like effectively communicating science. This has been critical in our interactions with potential customers, investors and the media. Scientists should always be able to convey their research to the public effectively, but it also benefited me in this specific endeavor.
Could you elaborate on how you went from being a MiNDS student to the position you have today? What steps did you take to launch your career specifically? I had always had an interest in starting a business (my first was a photography business before grad school). While doing research on tinnitus, I had the motivation to be able to use my knowledge towards providing a potential solution. Towards the end of my PhD studies, I heard about the Ontario Brain Institute and an entrepreneurship program they were starting. I applied for the program, pitched my business idea, and got some initial funding to start a business. These days, there are many incubators and support services for those wanting to start a business, but I still think that getting initial funding is extremely helpful for a life science startup.
What were some of your fondest memories of being a MiNDS student? I really enjoyed the first year shared with fellow inaugural MiNDS students (21 of us). It was a new experience in many ways, and I met some good people in that year and subsequent years with whom I still keep in touch.
Do you have any advice for current MiNDS students who are unsure of how to translate their current research interests into a potential career path? In short: network. If you feel that you have a passion for doing research and staying in academia, stay up to date on your field and relevant fields, and attend events where you have a chance to meet great researchers in the field who may offer postdoctoral positions in the future. Working to establish collaborations, even during grad school can be very fruitful in the future. On the other hand, if you feel you may want to use your background in a different setting, there are definitely opportunities out there. Work to stay in touch with other MiNDS students and grads, but also try to attend networking events for relevant organizations like the Ontario Brain Institute or Life Sciences Ontario. There are opportunities out there that you would not even be aware of unless you meet people at all sorts of events.
To read the globe and mail feature article on Mike’s startup company click here.
