The Chemistry of Confidence: Aha Moments That Shape Scientific Careers
- Dr. GPCR Podcast
- Jun 17
- 1 min read
Success in science is rarely linear. It’s a mosaic of risks, setbacks, and tiny wins that lead to clarity. Dr. Maria Majellaro’s story, shared in Episode 168 of the Dr. GPCR Podcast, is filled with such moments, from bombing her first high school chemistry test to co-founding a startup delivering tools for GPCR drug discovery.
“The first time I wore my lucky cactus shirt to a major meeting... and it led to a game-changing collaboration.” — Dr. Maria Majellaro
Maria didn’t always know she’d end up in a startup. In fact, her early decisions were based on curiosity, instinct, and a surprising love of cooking (yes, she even compares molecule design to perfecting focaccia). She studied pharmacy with a specialization in pharmaceutical chemistry, a degree that allowed her to see the full picture from synthesis to biology to formulation.
Her turning points? Getting accepted into a PhD program during a personally difficult time. Saying yes to a postdoc opportunity abroad. Choosing not to overthink major career decisions, because as she puts it:
“A lot of friends of mine told me also, you already know what you want to do.” — Dr. Maria Majellaro
Now, she leads a team of talented chemists at Celtarys, developing fluorescent ligands that help drug discovery teams better understand GPCR function. With the new Dr. GPCR x Celtarys partnership, she’s extending those insights to researchers worldwide.
👉 Explore Celtarys’ tools and partnership with Dr. GPCR on the company page.
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