Meet The Connect Team: Taryn Goode

May 26, 2022

Get To Know Connect’s Head of Life Sciences

I recently joined the Connect Team in March of 2022 after five years working with early-stage healthcare entrepreneurs at the San Diego site of Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. I earned my undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University (Go Aggies) and majored in Biology with minors in Chemistry, English, and Molecular Biology. The children of first generation immigrants from Ireland and Poland, my parents met at a Hippie Commune in rural New Mexico. We didn’t have much growing up but I earned a scholarship to study dance and trained in classical ballet for 18 years. My feet will never be the same (ouch). My mother earned her bachelor’s degree when I was in middle school – becoming the first woman in our family to complete college while my Dad worked as a heavy equipment operator and a land surveyor. My parents inspired me to prioritize my education and to stay curious, encouraging my love of science during hiking and camping trips in the wilderness.

My science degree led me to the beaches of San Diego for a Research Assistant position with 2022 Nobel prize winner Dr. Ardem Patapoutian at The Scripps Research Institute. Together with a young post-doctoral scientist we studied the expression of novel genes involved in pathophysiological conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis & complications due to diabetes. I’m grateful for the tuition-reimbursement program at TSRI that allowed me to continue to work at the lab bench full-time while pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Health at San Diego State University (Go Aztecs).

Harnessing my strength in coordinating research and development projects, I transitioned into Laboratory Management at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. At SBP, I supported multi-project research objectives for early-stage drug development targeting degenerative disorders including cancer, diabetes & heart disease while leading a staff of more than 20 scientists and undergraduate students.

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I served on the Crisis Management Team for the Johnson & Johnson La Jolla campus. Together with a small on site support team we dedicated ourselves to keeping the facility running safely and effectively for the entrepreneurs and their employees. By continuing to manage operations in person we ensured the continuity of life-changing research for patients.

Hiking to ancient ruins in Croatia

Exploring the Night Markets in Taipei

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kyoto, Japan

I am thrilled to be here at Connect and continue to help life science entrepreneurs build great companies and even better communities. I will lead, manage and execute a high-level strategic life sciences plan for the organization, designed to be impactful to our unique San Diego ecosystem. I’m a terrible singer, I hate to iron and love being an Aunt to my three nephews and one niece. You can find me at live music venues all around the city, running mountain trails or practicing yoga on my SUP board. Thanks for reading a bit about me and can’t wait to connect.

Start A Conversation

Taryn Goode

Head of Life Sciences

Taryn will lead, manage and execute a high-level strategic life sciences plan for Connect, designed to be impactful to our unique San Diego ecosystem.

Back to All Posts