Andrea Pennati
Madison,Wisconsin
Summary
Project and translational research leader with more than 15 years of experience managing multidisciplinary preclinical drug development programs across biologics, cell therapies, and immunotherapies. Experienced coordinating cross-functional scientific teams, CROs, CDMOs, manufacturing groups, and external collaborators to advance programs toward IND-enabling milestones. Proven record of building project plans, tracking deliverables, managing budgets, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely execution of complex therapeutic development programs.
Experienced with strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder communication. Utilizes these skills to enhance operational efficiency and drive team success. Track record of effective leadership in high-stakes environments. Research and development professional with robust background in managing high-impact projects and driving innovation. Proven ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional results through collaborative efforts. Reliable and adaptable, with strengths in problem-solving and strategic execution.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Research & Development
Program for Advanced Cell Therapy, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WI
01.2022 - Current
- Lead multiple concurrent translational therapeutic development programs involving cell therapies, biologics, and immune engineering technologies.
- Led development of four therapeutic platform technologies, enhancing the portfolio's potential for translational applications.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across immunology, manufacturing, analytical development, in vivo studies, bioinformatics, pathology, and clinical collaborators to advance project goals.
- Develop and maintain integrated project timelines, monitor milestones, and proactively manage program risks.
- Coordinate collaborations with CROs, CDMOs, core facilities, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
- Support IND-enabling activities including potency assays, biodistribution, tumorigenicity, analytical characterization, and manufacturing readiness.
- Managed program budgets, funding milestones, scientific reports, and executive presentations to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Associate Director, Research & Development
Program for Advanced Cell Therapy
- Coordinated operational activities to enhance translational research and streamline manufacturing processes.
- Managed scientific personnel and prioritized projects to ensure effective technology implementation.
- Supported process validation and strengthened manufacturing robustness through cross-functional collaboration.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement advanced cell therapy protocols.
- Developed and refined operational strategies to enhance program efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in advanced cell therapies.
Research Scientist
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Led translational immunotherapy research programs, advancing therapeutic strategies from bench to bedside.
- Conducted experiments to explore gene expression and regulation in model organisms.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement research protocols.
- Analyzed complex datasets using statistical software to derive meaningful conclusions.
Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Fellow
Emory University, Georgia State University, University of Milan, University of Pavia
- Coordinated collaborative preclinical studies and developed assays to advance research objectives.
- Facilitated grant-funded therapeutic development initiatives to contribute to project goals.
Education
PhD - Molecular Cell Biology
University of Milan
ITALY2010
MSc - Molecular Biology
University of Milan
ITALY2007
Skills
- IND-enabling preclinical programs
- Biologics and cell therapy development
- Cross-functional project leadership
- Timeline and milestone management
- Budget and resource planning
- Assay development
- GMP manufacturing
- Risk management
- Regulatory documentation support
- Scientific communication
- Project coordination
- Strategic leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
- Directed multiple NIH, Department of Defense, foundation, and industry-supported translational programs.
- Inventor on multiple patents related to immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
- Author of 40+ peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Extensive experience coordinating multidisciplinary scientific teams and external collaborators.
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Italian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Research & Development
Program for Advanced Cell Therapy, University of Wisconsin–Madison
01.2022 - Current
Research Scientist
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Associate Director, Research & Development
Program for Advanced Cell Therapy
Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Fellow
Emory University, Georgia State University, University of Milan, University of Pavia
PhD - Molecular Cell Biology
University of Milan
MSc - Molecular Biology
University of Milan