Dr. Hurlbert considers himself one of the luckiest people in the world since he knew at a young age that he wanted to go into science and patient-focused research. Dr. Hurlbert’s interest in human biology was driven from the loss of his mother who died of an autoimmune disease four weeks after he was born.
Fortunate that his dad soon remarried, Dr. Hurlbert was inspired by a loving dad, mom, and five other siblings through his formative years. Dr. Hurlbert had his first research laboratory internship at age 16 (at the University of Missouri-St. Louis). By 18, he was a technician in a pharmacology research laboratory at the University of Kansas.
Dr. Hurlbert learned a patient-centered mindset working 8 years as a phlebotomist — exceptionally talented at providing care to newborns and those undergoing cancer treatment. His gentle touch was welcomed by many patients with cancer who had been poked multiple times or veins ‘hardened’ by chemotherapy.
After earning his doctorate in pharmacology, Dr. Hurlbert launched his professional career as a scientific program manager at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Over 20 years, he has administered $730 million to support 3,325 grant awards, developed innovative new programs, and led strategy for disease-oriented nonprofits spanning from diabetes, breast cancer, skin cancer (melanoma), lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Parkinson’s disease.
