Dr. Julie Huang is a staff scientist at Alector, Inc. where she leads the scientific strategy for clinical trials assessing cutting-edge therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Prior to joining Alector, Julie was a lead scientist at Caribou Biosciences where she conducted proof-of-concept studies testing CRISPR-engineered microbes as a potential therapy for cancer. Julie was a post-doctoral fellow in Amgen, Inc.'s Inflammation and Oncology Department and holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford, a Bachelor of Science in Geobiology from Caltech, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Germany where she conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology. Julie is passionate about communicating science to broad audiences and mentoring students and early career professionals from under-resourced backgrounds. Her science has been featured on iBiology and she recently received the AWIS Spark Award recognizing her efforts and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Lisa is a Principal Scientist at NGM Biopharmaceuticals, where she serves as a global Translational Science lead for early-stage immuno-oncology clinical programs. Her past industry experience spans both small biotech and large pharmaceutical companies. She received her PhD in Immunology from Cornell University, and performed her postdoctoral work at Stanford University School of Medicine. Lisa is committed to giving back, inspired by the support and mentorship she has received throughout her career. She is driven by a passion for advancing precision medicine and translating innovative ideas into life-saving and life-changing therapies. 

Jen is the Director of Translational Science at Pheast Therapeutics, a Stanford spin-off that is developing novel therapies that activate the innate immune system to fight against cancer. Prior to Pheast, Jen worked in several biotech/pharmaceutical companies (namely Gilead, 47 Inc and AbbVie) in the field of oncology. She received her PhD degree in Molecular Genetics from University of Toronto, and her postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Jen is passionate about science advocacy and mentorship. She is co-chair of AWIS Palo Alto Mentorship Program this year. 

Kiren Khanduja is the director of CMC at Pheast Therapeutics  brings more than 15 years of experience in the biotechnology industry across process development, manufacturing, and CMC strategy for biologics. Prior to Pheast, Kiren was Director of Process Development and Manufacturing at Pionyr Immunotherapeutics, where she led outsourced CMC activities and had a key role in stakeholder management with CDMO partners in Europe and corporate partners Gilead Sciences and Ikena Oncology. Prior to Pionyr, Kiren worked at Boehringer Ingelheim, leading late stage development activities for CDMO clients, including process characterization and validation. Earlier in her biotech career, she worked at Perseid Therapeutics and Genentech. She is passionate about leadership development and creating opportunities for other women in STEM. Kiren earned an M.S.E/B.S. from the Johns Hopkins University in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and lives in San Francisco. 

Ivy is the Head of Human Resources Consultant for several Series A/ B biotech companies in the SF Bay Area and Seattle. She has supported several life sciences organizations from inception through IPO.  She acts as a thought partner to leadership, focused on building working relationships, supporting culture and cultivating a growth mindset among her teams. Prior to consulting, she led Human Resources activities at Forty Seven Inc., from Series B through IPO and its eventual acquisition by Gilead Sciences.  She is passionate about empowering and supporting Women in STEM and advocatiing for DEI&B at all of her clients. 

Lisa recently served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Pionyr Immunotherapeutics a privately held biotech company focused on developing immuno-oncology therapies prior to the company’s merger with Ikena Oncology. Lisa currently provides senior HR consulting support to emerging biotech companies in the Bay Area. She has over 30 years’ experience leading the HR function within growing life sciences organizations from their erly seed financing through M&A as well as IPO transactions. Lisa has held HR executive roles at agricultural biotech and life sciences organizations such as Monsanto, Exelixis, KAI Pharmaceuticals, Labrys Biologics and Antiva Biosciences. She fosters a culture of learning, inclusivity and community within the organizations she’s a part of. Lisa holds an MBA from the University of California, Davis. 

Parking lot: Roble Field Garage

Address: Via Ortega Dr, Stanford, CA 94305 

Estimated time to walk from the parking lot to the seminar room is 7 minutes.