Los Angeles, California, United States
A dynamic and visionary operational and scientific leader with deep expertise in translational research, oncology, and immunology, and a strong record of success in R&D and portfolio management. Proficient at navigating fast-paced biotech and startup environments, bringing a collaborative, results-driven approach to cross-functional team leadership. Proven ability to translate cutting-edge science into actionable strategies, driving pipeline advancement from target identification and asset licensing to program design, IND submission, and early clinical development. Areas of specialization in scientific research and drug development include small molecules, mAbs, CAR-T and TCR-T autologous therapies, as well as NK and monocyte-based allogeneic cell therapies. Recognized for strategic thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to align scientific innovation with business growth with a focus on accelerating therapeutic development through precision, vision, and execution.
Lead scientific strategy and translational initiatives to advance Elephas’ functional precision oncology platform and drive business growth through data-driven innovation. Serve as the company’s internal subject matter expert supporting research, publications, and cross-functional development efforts that bridge R&D, clinical, and commercial objectives. Represent Elephas externally as a scientific and strategic spokesperson at conferences, advisory board meetings, and collaborations with key opinion leaders, investors, and industry partners. Develop and deliver scientific content that supports commercial strategy, partnership development, and market positioning. Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and execution to achieve Elephas’ mission of predicting and personalizing cancer therapy while advancing the company’s strategic and commercial impact.
As Director of the Mentoring Program - HBA Pacific Region, I lead the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of a high-impact mentoring experience that supports the professional growth of women across healthcare and life sciences. I oversee mentor–mentee matching, regional engagement, and cross-functional coordination with HBA Central to ensure alignment, scale, and measurable outcomes. I also actively drive recruitment, community partnerships, and program visibility to strengthen participation and long-term impact across the Pacific Region.
As Chair and Co-Founder of the Women In Bio Los Angeles Chapter, I worked closely with a dedicated team to successfully launch the organization in the region. Together, we raised nearly $100,000 in funding to establish and sustain the chapter’s operations. I collaborated with colleagues to draft and present the founding proposal to the National Board of Directors, securing approval to move forward. With the support of volunteers, we assembled the inaugural Steering Committee and formed an Advisory Board comprising influential leaders from the Los Angeles life sciences community. Through these collective efforts, we built the framework for long-term growth, programming strategy, and community engagement, advancing WIB’s mission to support and promote women in the life sciences sector.
Lead discovery and translational research for allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK and myeloid effector cell therapies. Develop and advance differentiated CAR-NK and CAR-MAC platforms and pipelines, driving portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and critical go/no-go decisions. Implement innovative non-viral gene delivery technologies to accelerate therapeutic development from discovery through Phase 1 clinical trials. Provide scientific leadership in content development for advisory board meetings and strengthen the company's success through strategic internal and external partnerships. Promote a high-performance culture that fosters innovation, accountability, and a strong commitment to results.
Drive program management, continuous improvement, and complex cross-functional team interactions for critical development of cell therapy programs. Licensed from the NIH and other academic centers TCRs and CAR technologies and advanced into the clinical stage by managing multidisciplinary teams and interactions with pharmaceutical companies and academic groups. Communicate program initiatives and status to the teams, management, and other stakeholders, escalating strategic decisions to senior leadership as required. Drive decision-making of critical stakeholders, resolve conflicts and maintain the focus of working groups.
Drive the strategic advancement of T-Cure’s T Cell Receptor (TCR) therapy programs from preclinical development to clinical translation. Lead translational science initiatives across solid tumor indications and companion diagnostics to accelerate therapeutic impact. Provide key scientific leadership in shaping and executing pipeline strategy, including defining target candidate profiles and translational research and development plans. Strengthen the company’s intellectual property portfolio to support partnering, financing, and grant funding objectives. Mentor and manage scientific personnel within the preclinical TCR pipeline, fostering excellence and innovation. Effectively communicate program progress, initiatives, and strategic considerations to internal teams, senior management, and external stakeholders, ensuring timely escalation of critical decisions to executive leadership.
Led translational science initiatives for T-Cure’s TCR programs targeting solid tumors, as well as the company’s companion diagnostics strategy. Delivered lead cell therapy candidates by executing the overall cell therapy roadmap and conducting mechanism-of-action studies to support development. Oversaw and mentored core scientific personnel responsible for advancing the preclinical TCR pipeline.