Dr. Christine Santos: Engineering a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Dr. Christine Santos, Chief Technology Officer at Manus and one of our esteemed 2025 Catalyst Awardees, is a trailblazer in biomanufacturing whose work is shaping the future of sustainable technology. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to mentorship highlight the power of diverse voices in STEM. Christine’s story is a powerful reminder that when young women and gender-expansive youth have the chance to explore STEM, they bring fresh ideas that drive real change.

A Lifelong Passion for Science and Engineering

Christine’s fascination with STEM began at a young age, inspired by her parents—both scientists—who nurtured her curiosity about the world. "My dad was a chemist who led product development at Procter & Gamble, and my mom was a chemical engineer," Christine recalls. "They not only served as role models for me but also encouraged a lot of that early scientific thinking and exploration."

This foundation, combined with a strong public school education that offered math and science clubs and hands-on learning opportunities, set Christine on a path toward innovation. Her story underscores the importance of early STEM exposure—experiences that not only sparked her curiosity but also shaped her career trajectory.

Christine’s passion led her to Stanford University, where she majored in chemical engineering at a pivotal moment—when the field was expanding to include biological engineering and biotechnology. Through undergraduate research, she discovered biomanufacturing, setting the course for her future.

The Power of Mentorship and Representation

Christine credits much of her success to the mentorship she received along the way. “I've been really fortunate to have many great mentors and role models who guided me early on,” she shares. "My mom was one of them. She deliberately chose chemical engineering as her major in college because women traditionally never selected it; it was seen strictly as a male-dominated field. I've always admired that intentional decision to defy expectations, and I think I get a lot of my persistence and perseverance from her.” 

“My high school math teacher also had a profound impact. She was a passionate, no-nonsense educator who recognized my strengths early on and encouraged me to challenge myself by entering competitions. When I had exhausted all the advanced math courses at my school, she helped pave the way for me to take college-level courses during my senior year. Both of these early role models instilled in me a love for learning, a love for a challenge, and a drive to push boundaries—values that continue to shape my career today."

Inspired by the support she received, Christine has made it a priority to give back. From organizing STEM outreach programs for elementary students to mentoring graduate students and young professionals, she continues to foster a culture of inclusion and opportunity. "Having role models and mentors along the way has been extremely important in expanding my vision of what's possible," she says. "That’s why I’m passionate about supporting programs like the ones offered by Science Club for Girls, to give underrepresented groups the same opportunity to experience the joy of science."

A Pivotal Career Moment and a Mission for Impact

Christine went on to earn her PhD at MIT, where she was immersed in a culture dedicated to translating ideas into real-world solutions. “The motto at MIT is ‘Mens et Manus’—mind and hand—which reflects the emphasis on turning research into practical applications and impact,” she says. “That environment not only introduced me to cell factory engineering but also reinforced my drive to solve complex, real-world problems through industry.”

Now, as the CTO of Manus, Christine leads efforts to develop sustainable, bio-based alternatives to traditionally sourced chemicals. Her defining moment came when she first set foot in Manus' large-scale biomanufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia. "Standing on top of an eight-story tall, 600,000-liter fermenter, overlooking the entire manufacturing site was a stark contrast from the research labs I was used to," she recalls. "In that moment, everything became very real—there was a clear route to scale the technology, manufacture products, and deliver impact."

Her work not only advances sustainability but also underscores the need for diverse leadership in STEM—where fresh perspectives drive innovation and progress.

Overcoming Challenges and Leading the Way

As a woman of color in STEM, Christine has encountered challenges that many in underrepresented communities face—being the only woman or person of color in the room, learning to assert herself, and finding allies to champion her work. "Early in my career, that was very intimidating," she admits. "I had to learn to trust my expertise and be deliberate about making my voice heard."

Now, as a leader, she is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment where others don’t have to navigate those challenges alone. Her journey is a testament to the resilience and support systems that help young women and gender-expansive youth find their place in STEM.

A Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration

With over 30 patent families and bio-based solutions sold in more than 40 countries, Christine’s impact is undeniable. She sees biomanufacturing as a way to democratize access to critical materials—making rare or costly chemicals more sustainable, scalable, and accessible worldwide.

Equally important to her is building a more inclusive future for STEM. "We actively recruit diverse talent and invest in mentorship and professional development programs to grow diverse leadership—not just within our company, but across the industry as a whole," she says.

For Christine, diversity in STEM isn’t just about fairness—it’s about driving progress. "The most creative and groundbreaking discoveries happen when people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds come together to challenge and push each other's thinking. That kind of collaboration is what we need to tackle the world’s most pressing problems and continue advancing technological innovation."

Christine Santos is more than an awardee—she’s proof of what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose align. Her leadership, mentorship, and groundbreaking work embody the values Science Club for Girls champions, demonstrating that representation and opportunity don’t just change lives—they shape the future of STEM.

Join us at the 2025 Catalyst Awards on May 8th in Boston to celebrate Dr. Christine Santos’ incredible contributions and support the next generation of diverse women in STEM.