Michi Izumi Willcoxon
Palo Alto,CA
Summary
Visionary biotech leader with a proven track record in protein science, drug development, and strategic R&D leadership. Extensive expertise in protein engineering, purification, high-throughput screening, and scaling processes to pilot and commercial levels. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and accelerating product development timelines in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Experienced in overseeing CRO partnerships, regulatory strategy, and IND-enabling CMC processes to advance therapeutic and biotech solutions. Passionate about fostering high-performance teams, operational excellence, and scientific breakthroughs to drive business success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
08.2023 - Current
- Built and led a high-performance protein production team, successfully advancing novel protein purification and production programs within one year
- Designed and executed a strategic roadmap for product development, aligning scientific innovation with business objectives
- Managed cross-functional collaborations with process development and engineering teams to scale protein production
- Oversaw CRO partnerships for protein production, analytical assessments, and regulatory studies, ensuring high-quality data for commercialization
- Optimized budget allocation and resource management to drive cost-efficient R&D operations
Director of Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
06.2022 - 08.2023
Director, Protein Sciences
SECOND GENOME
05.2018 - 06.2022
- Led discovery-to-IND-enabling studies, integrating machine learning, immuno-oncology, and cellular biology to advance novel biologics
- Established and managed a high-performing team of 10 FTEs, specializing in protein sciences and mass spectrometry analytics
- Developed therapeutic lead candidates across various molecular entities, including proteins, peptides, Fc-fusions, and bispecific antibodies
- Designed structure-function libraries, leveraging alanine scanning, homology-based mutagenesis, and bioinformatics to enhance molecule properties
- Pioneered high-throughput automation screening and bioanalytical method development for early-stage drug discovery
Senior Scientist
SECOND GENOME
11.2016 - 05.2018
Research Scientist II
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
06.2013 - 10.2016
- Spearheaded the creation of protein libraries using 3D structural modeling, saturation mutagenesis, and DNA shuffling
- Achieved a 300-fold increase in target protein activity through innovative protein engineering approaches
- Developed and implemented high-throughput screening systems, increasing screening efficiency by 400%
- Led technology transfer efforts, scaling recombinant protein production from small-scale to commercial levels
- Secured competitive research grants, leading to advancements in cell-based insecticidal protein screening
Research Scientist I
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
09.2008 - 05.2013
Education
Ph.D. - Engineering
Osaka University
M.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
B.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Drug Development & IND-enabling CMC
- Protein Engineering & Production
- High-Throughput & Automation Screening
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Process Development & Scale-up
- Budget & Resource Management
- CRO/CMO Partnerships & Vendor Management
- Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Scientific Innovation & IP Development
Patents And Publications
8+ U.S. patents in protein therapeutics, insecticidal proteins, and protein expression systems., Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles in top scientific journals on protein science, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
Timeline
Senior Director, Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
08.2023 - Current
Director of Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
06.2022 - 08.2023
Director, Protein Sciences
SECOND GENOME
05.2018 - 06.2022
Senior Scientist
SECOND GENOME
11.2016 - 05.2018
Research Scientist II
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
06.2013 - 10.2016
Research Scientist I
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
09.2008 - 05.2013
M.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
B.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
Ph.D. - Engineering
Osaka University
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