Sadie Kuhn

I've been in the skincare field for about a year and a half, working as the lab manager at Marin Skincare, a startup skincare company in Portland, Maine. We're using a Marine Glycoprotein that's up-cycled from a waste byproduct of the lobster industry! I lead the lab that is responsible for purifying the Glycoproteins used in our product formulations. I lead a small team of purification associates and interns from the University of Southern Maine, and I'm also part of Marin's leadership team working on how to continue growing the company and solve complex problems. What really excites me about this work is the story behind our Glycoprotein - it changed our co-founder, Amber's life when she and Patrick (co-founder) discovered that it completely transformed her skin after dealing with untreatable eczema for all of her life. In starting Marin and sharing their story, we have provided relief to tens of thousands of people with eczema, psoriasis, and other types of dry and damaged skin. I went to Colby College to study biology with a concentration in neuroscience, and also played on the Varsity Women's Ice Hockey team, where I served as captain for two seasons. After graduating in 2022, I worked at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory as a Research Coordinator, where I discovered a passion for translational research and using discoveries in the lab to solve real-world problems and help others, whether that's through developing novel drugs, or in Marin's case, creating innovative skincare. That problem-solving nature of Marin Skincare is what drew me to join the team. In my current role, I also lead research and development efforts, working with academic institutions and contract research organizations to facilitate further investigation of the biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and unique benefits of our Marine Glycoproteins. I'm currently working towards earning a certificate from the Society of Cosmetic Chemistry and planning to attend conferences including the Society of Investigative Dermatology and Supplier's Day from the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in order to further my understanding of skincare and cosmetics.