Bethany, W.Va. (Dec. 16, 2025) – When Michelle Chen ’91 arrived at Bethany College, she found herself in an environment that encouraged curiosity, exploration, and a sense of purpose. Those values have guided her ever since, and today, they’re at the heart of her work leading one of the most innovative biotechnology companies in the world.
Michelle, a 1991 Bethany graduate, serves as the Chief Business Officer at Insilico Medicine, a global leader in artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she oversees corporate strategy, business development, and U.S. operations for a company that uses generative AI to design and develop new therapeutics, technology that has the potential to transform how medicines are discovered and delivered to patients worldwide.
Her journey from the rolling hills of Bethany to the frontiers of biotech innovation reflects both scientific excellence and a human-centered approach to leadership. After earning her degree from Bethany, Michelle went on to complete a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington and postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco, later pursuing bioinformatics studies at Stanford University. She has since built a distinguished career spanning both large pharmaceutical organizations and emerging biotech firms, including Roche, Merck & Co., and BioMarin Pharmaceutical.
“I really cherished my time at Bethany, where I spent many hours in Richardson Hall, Old Main, and the Bethany House,” said Michelle “Not only did Bethany provide me with a strong liberal arts foundation and the opportunity to learn from exceptional, caring professors, but it also allowed me to build lasting friendships with students who were genuinely curious about other cultures and the world beyond our campus. Bethany was a very special chapter in my life.”
At Insilico Medicine, Michelle’s leadership has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships. Among them, a groundbreaking collaboration with Sanofi valued at more than $1 billion. Her ability to bridge science and business has earned her recognition as one of the Top 25 Biotechnology Executives of 2024 by “The Healthcare Technology Report.”
Despite her global reach, Michelle has remained deeply connected to her alma mater. In 2024, she joined the Bethany College Board of Trustees, bringing with her a wealth of experience in science, technology, and international leadership. Through this role, she hopes to inspire current students to see the power of a liberal-arts education as a foundation for innovation and purpose-driven work. 
“Leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about the ‘why’ behind what we do,” Michelle shared in “The Enterprise World.” “For me, that ‘why’ has always been about helping people live healthier lives through science and collaboration.”
Whether she’s negotiating international partnerships, mentoring young professionals, or helping guide Bethany’s future, Michelle embodies what it means to lead with purpose—a value she traces all the way back to her days on campus.
Her story reminds us that the impact of a Bethany education can reach far beyond the classroom, sometimes all the way to the front lines of global innovation.
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