Sandra J. Miller Appointed Executive Director at University Lab Partners, Driving Life Sciences Growth

Sandra J. Miller Joins University Lab Partners as Executive Director

University Lab Partners (ULP), a premier nonprofit life sciences incubator located in Orange County, California, has appointed Sandra J. Miller as its new Executive Director. This noteworthy decision comes as part of ULP's ongoing commitment to enhancing innovation and support within the life sciences sector.

Miller, who brings over 20 years of extensive experience as an innovation leader, is expected to drive ULP's mission through her expertise in incubation, acceleration, and education. Under her leadership, the organization aims to foster an environment that supports early-stage life science startups, enriches educational opportunities, and promotes cutting-edge research.

A Focus on Growth and Development

The addition of Miller reflects ULP's vision of expanding its state-of-the-art facilities and programs designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs in the life sciences domain. With her background in developing startup ecosystems, Miller is poised to enhance ULP’s existing support structure for innovators in this vital industry.

As part of her role, Miller plans to strengthen ULP's incubation initiatives, enabling early-stage companies to access vital resources, mentorship, and robust infrastructure. ULP's wet lab facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo have already seen considerable success, contributing to the growth of 70 startups over the past five years. With Miller's guidance, ULP anticipates further expanding these capabilities to accommodate the increasing demand for support in the life sciences sector.

Expanding Programs for Impact

Miller’s appointment also aims to enhance ULP's Accelerator Programs, which have been instrumental in guiding life science startups during their critical early stages. Moreover, ULP's I-CREATE Accelerator — a significant hub for innovation in medical devices and diagnostics — is expected to gain momentum under her leadership. This initiative is part of the broader BARDA Accelerator Network and aims to drive impactful outcomes for startups and the life sciences ecosystem.

Miller stated, "I am thrilled to join University Lab Partners and continue its vital work in advancing life sciences innovation. It's an honor to be part of an organization that uniquely supports our region’s brightest minds and their groundbreaking ventures."

Empowering the Next Generation

Miller recognizes that education is critical to building a sustainable future in life sciences. One of her primary objectives is to develop ULP's workforce initiatives that empower high school, college students, and early-career professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector. By cultivating a robust talent pipeline, ULP will contribute to a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Southern California.

In addition to her role at ULP, Miller has previously co-founded and led several influential initiatives, including the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign and the Kauffman Foundation’s Labs for Enterprise Creation. Her efforts successfully increased the portfolio of Singularity University’s accelerator from five to over 30 startups, attracting significant investments exceeding $100 million within a short period.

Looking Ahead

Miller’s vision aligns closely with the goals of ULP to stimulate economic growth within Orange County and beyond through innovation in life sciences. Kenneth Beall, ULP's Founder and Board Chair, expressed enthusiasm about Miller's appointment, stating, "We are excited to welcome Sandra, whose extensive expertise aligns perfectly with ULP's vision. Her leadership will advance our mission of supporting life science innovation, creating jobs, and fueling economic growth."

As ULP embraces this new chapter under Sandra J. Miller, the organization is poised to expand its influence and role within the life sciences innovation space. The collaborative efforts between entrepreneurs, scientists, and education professionals fostered by ULP will continue to position Orange County as an essential hub for transformative technologies in the industry.

For more information about University Lab Partners and their initiatives, please visit University Lab Partners.