Join us in Seattle, one of the world's hubs for immune cell therapy innovation, to explore cutting-edge advancements in engineered T-cell therapies. Learn about the successes and challenges driving the industry forward, and gain valuable insights into what's next for this transformative science.

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Welcome and Networking
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Q&A
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Networking

Speaker Bios

Laurie Beitz, MD, Executive Director of Discovery Research at Umoja Biopharma

Laurie has a passion for bringing new and impactful therapeutics to patients, particularly in the fields of oncology and rheumatology. Laurie is trained as a pediatric rheumatologist, having practiced at Tufts Floating Hospital and Seattle Children's Hospital, but her undergraduate and graduate studies spurred her interest in scientific endeavors. Her career has variably touched early basic academic research, biotech discovery and translational research and the directorship of small biotechs. With a passion for early-stage, first-in-human drug development, Laurie currently serves as Executive Director of Discovery Research at Umoja Biopharma, a company developing lentiviral products for in vivo CAR-T generation to treat solid and liquid cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Michelle Blake, PhD, Vice President, Translational Sciences at Sonoma Biotherapeutics

Michelle is a translational researcher with a passion for early-stage, first-in-human drug development. She is currently VP, Translational Sciences at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, a company that develops engineered regulatory T cells to treat and potentially cure autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Prior to joining Sonoma, Michelle led translational research efforts in support of novel immuno-oncology therapeutics at several Seattle-area companies, including Juno Therapeutics, Seattle Genetics, and Aptevo. She received her PhD in pathology from the University of Washington prior to a post-doctoral fellowship at Immunex.

Melissa DeFrancesco, Director, Head of Process Development at Lyell Immunopharma, Moderator

Melissa is an accomplished leader in cell therapy and biologics development, currently serving as Head of Process Development and MSAT at Lyell Immunopharma. She has guided multiple programs from early development through pivotal milestones and IND submissions, combining scientific rigor with creative problem-solving and people-centered leadership. Melissa is passionate about building empowered teams and advancing innovative approaches that bridge discovery science with clinical and manufacturing success.

Shari Kaiser, Executive Director, Cell Therapy Translational Research at Bristol Myers Squibb 

Shari currently leads a team of scientists in BMS’s Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center (CT TRC) in Seattle, focused on the translational strategy and execution of BMS’s cell therapy assets to accelerate clinical development and inform next-generation cell therapy engineering strategies. Shari is also the Executive Sponsor for the Washington B-NOW (BMS Network of Women) and is active in community efforts to develop our next generation of scientists.

Maria Steele, Senior Scientist at Outpace Bio

Maria is currently a Senior Scientist at Outpace Bio, specializing in immuno-oncology and developing next-generation cell therapies for treating solid tumors. Her scientific experience spans CAR-T, TCR T, and gamma-delta T cell therapies, with a focus on developing novel strategies to improve cell therapy efficacy within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. 

Pricing Information

• Members: $20
• Student Members: Free
• Non-members*: $40
• Student Non-members*: $10

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Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

135