"...I’ve worked at GSK since..." is a common way we introduce ourselves, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of long-term commitment to growth. My tenure at GSK since 2001 is marked by a continuous evolution into new roles and challenges that keep me engaged and excited every day.
While growing up I was naturally attracted to science as a career. My parents are both doctors, and I saw the positive effects they had on the lives of their patients. In particular my dad was an oral surgeon and I remember former patients stopping him at the grocery store to thank him. While I share that family value of wanting to help others, I also had a curiosity about how things worked, and how advances in medicine and technology could help not just one person but improve society at large. That curiosity eventually brought me to California to study chemistry at Stanford for my PhD and Berkeley to study enzymology as a postdoc.
Starting at GSK in 2001, I worked on small molecule drug discovery, contributing to the development of HIV and anemia medications. I witnessed the emergence of clinical cancer genomics, a technology revolution that reshaped oncology drug discovery. Eager to be part of this transformation, I joined the Target Sciences department as the oncology therapy area lead.
This role broadened my network and deepened my understanding of how science and technology converge to shape oncology medicine. I am grateful that GSK encourages such career-defining opportunities. A significant shift came in 2018 when GSK acquired Tesaro. This acquisition aligned with the matured genomics revolution, which identified many potential synthetic lethality drugs.
I was involved in building a new unit in 2019, integrating discovery opportunities and lifecycle management for ovarian cancer medication. This move required relocating from Upper Providence to Boston, a transition that was challenging yet supported by my family. Relocating to Boston in July 2020, I began assembling a new research team and identifying a suitable site for our operations.
This involved collaboration with various GSK departments, including real estate, EHS, and facilities. This effort culminated in the opening of the Technology Square site in November 2021, where I became the site head. This role continuously challenges me to learn about our diverse workforce and how to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Living and working in Boston has been a remarkable experience. Commuting via the "red line" subway, I was energized by the vibrant atmosphere of Cambridge, known as a hub for life science innovation. With prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Dana-Farber nearby, the area truly lives up to its reputation as the most innovative square mile on the planet.
Looking ahead, GSK’s presence in Boston is growing, with our Technology Square site now housing new groups such as vaccines and Onyx, and a total of four sites across Cambridge and Waltham. Our Boston workforce will soon approach 1,000 employees. I am passionate about highlighting GSK’s growing presence and the opportunities it offers.
Recently, my group and I transitioned from research into the broader Oncology organization, bringing me closer to our clinical and development teams. This shift has furthered my personal and professional growth. From learning drug development science to navigating clinical paths and now understanding how to turn medicines into impactful products, the journey continues to excite me. The future of GSK oncology looks promising, and I am eager to be part of it.
