My role as Head of External R&D and Strategic Alliances in Oncology is to maximize the value of our oncology portfolio by establishing collaborations and engaging with external experts. Sharing scientific knowledge with external partners and building alliances is crucial to drive innovation forward and accelerate the delivery of our next wave therapeutics.

In my current position, I am responsible for establishing and nurturing these external partnerships within oncology. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Partners of Choice Network, a global consortium between AstraZeneca and some of the top academic institutions and oncology medical centers. Our mission is to achieve the best outcomes for our potential therapeutics, which will ultimately improve the lives of patients.

I first joined AstraZeneca in 2017 as the Head of Immuno-Oncology External Development and Product Development Team Leader where I led oncology early and late programs, including the filing and approval of Lumoxiti to treat hairy cell leukemia. My career in oncology research started with my PhD in Tumor Immunology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York. Since then, I have gained over 20 years of research and industry experience in oncology including biologics, immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugates.

Over the course of my career, I have led and managed cross-functional teams spanning all phases of research and development, from discovery and preclinical research up to early and late development, including life cycle management. It has been inspiring to work with so many dedicated and hardworking colleagues with the common goal of propelling novel cancer therapeutics towards the clinic.