I joined Genentech in January 2006 to head up the Biochemical Pharmacology group in the Small Molecules Division. Our group is responsible for all the biochemical and cellular assays that provide quantitative structure-activity relationship data to guide Medicinal Chemistry efforts. We work together with the Early Leads group to design robust biochemical assays for high-throughput screening, conduct full HTS campaigns with detailed characterization of hits, and provide mechanism of action and selectivity data. We also develop and execute the cellular SAR assays, and contribute as project team members or project leaders all the way into the clinic.

I was attracted to Genentech because I could see that it is an organization that puts great value in high-quality science. More importantly, the strategic decision-making at Genentech is data-driven with a laser focus on the science. The Small Molecule effort is an exciting place to be right now, where we are focused on starting new projects, hiring the very best people, and building a world-class drug discovery organization. Morale is high, fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and rich scientific discussions.

• My Focus

  Our scientists are working on multiple targets in cancer and immunology, from the early stages of protein expression to Clinical trials. We collaborate with Pathway Biologists to characterize targets, develop the most informative cellular assays, and contribute to selection of the best clinical candidate for the therapeutic indication. We work side-by-side with Early Leads Biology and Chemistry in high-throughput screening and hit-to-lead efforts. We collaborate with Structural Biologists in implementation of a structure-based drug design platform for Medicinal Chemistry, and collaborate with DMPK and Pharmaceutical Sciences representatives as the project nears selection of a candidate. There is an excellent bridge between Discovery and our Clinical Sciences group, which is a source of many fruitful discussions about disease states and clinical trial design.

  I have the opportunity at the moment to serve as a project leader on a Late-Stage Oncology project that has a molecule in clinical trials, while also serving as a team member on early stage Oncology projects as well. I thoroughly enjoy delving deep into the multi-disciplinary scientific aspects of a project, with the goal of delivering the best drug to patients. Shortly after arriving here, I started up a Project Leader Forum, which offers the Small Molecule Project leaders an opportunity to get together regularly to share knowledge and help build the infrastructure. A good part of my efforts have been devoted to hiring the very best people for our group, and the Small Molecules group. I'm excited by some of the tremendous talent we have attracted to our organization.

• Education
  • The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow – 1990-1993
  • College of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN., Ph.D. – 1989
  • University of South Florida, Department of Chemistry, Tampa, FL., B.S. – 1983
• Awards & Honors
  • Fellow of the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research – 1990-1993
  • Doggett Predoctoral Fellowship – 1986-1989
  • Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship – 1984
  • Faculty Scholars Award, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida – 1983
  • Freshman Chemist of the Year Award, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida – 1981
  • United Technologies Tuition Scholarship – 1980