NAKISHA S. RUTLEDGE
Chicago,IL
Summary
Preclinical Scientist with 10+ years of R&D experience spanning pharmacology, PK/PD assay development, in vivo models, biomarker strategy, functional immunology, and CMC-related process development. Demonstrated success designing IND-enabling plans, leading cross-functional execution, developing study protocols, and managing CRO/CDMO partners to advance therapeutics from concept to IND. Also contribute to fundraising efforts—supporting pre-seed and seed rounds through scientific communication, investor engagement, and data-driven program positioning. Recognized for strong communication skills, effective leadership of scientists and external partners, and contributions to intellectual property, including assay development, nanoparticle characterization, and therapeutic design.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Entrepreneurial Scientist | Preclinical R&D Lead
Temprian Oncology, Inc.
11.2024 - Current
- Directed preclinical oncology strategy by aligning project plans with program objectives and overseeing in vitro/in vivo pharmacology studies—ensuring milestones were achieved while effectively balancing speed, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation.
- Oversee and manage CRO activities and CDMOs on scale-up feasibility and analytical method transfer to execute preclinical plans and generate high-quality data in compliance with GLP standards
- Developed PK/TK, PD, and toxicology protocols and synthesized preclinical data into clear recommendations supporting key go/no-go and IND-enabling decisions.
- Raised $1.2M+ in soft commitments by leading investor outreach and early seed-round strategy.
- Actively contribute to scientific and development strategies in exploring new therapies and intellectual property.
- Developed machine-learning–driven cell counting system using Linux.
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Chicago
09.2022 - 11.2024
- Designed and implemented protocols for nanoparticle synthesis, functional assays, and immunogenicity testing.
- Developed and executes mechanistic PK/PD-driven immunology studies.
- Supervised junior researchers in immunoassay development and preclinical model execution.
- Developed and optimized experimental protocols to enhance reproducibility and efficiency of research studies.
Researcher
Northwestern University
09.2015 - 07.2022
- Led recombinant protein production/engineering, purification, and analytical characterization for multiple drug programs.
- Designed in vivo pharmacology models including stroke, peritonitis, and multiple sclerosis.
- Developed PK/PD assays, biomarker strategy, and early mechanistic studies.
- Identified and led interactions with CDMOs on protein and peptide-based therapeutic projects.
- Developed and implemented data collection protocols for various research initiatives.
Education
Ph.D. - Vascular Immunology
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL04-2022
Master of Science - Clinical Investigation
Northwestern University
Chicago01-2018
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Math Minor
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA05-2013
Skills
- ELISA
- Luminex
- qPCR/RT-PCR/dPCR
- Recombinant protein expression (CHO/HEK/E coli)
- Protein engineering, SEC/IEX/affinity purification
- SEC-MALS
- Nanoparticle engineering
- FlowJo
- GraphPad
- Linux
- Assay development
- Good Laboratory Practices
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Preclinical Drug Development
- IND-Enabling Strategy
- PK/TK/PD Study Design
- Protocol Development (Pharm/Tox/CMC)
- CRO/CDMO Management & Vendor Oversight
- CMC Support for LNPs, Peptides & Recombinant Proteins
- In Vivo Pharmacology
- Protein Engineering
- Inflammatory/Autoimmune disease models (Stroke, Peritonitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer Metastasis, ect.)
- Immuno-Oncology
- Rare Disease Models
- Immunoassay Development (ELISA/MSD/Luminex/AlphaLISA)
- Nanoparticle & Liposome Engineering
Timeline
Entrepreneurial Scientist | Preclinical R&D Lead
Temprian Oncology, Inc.
11.2024 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Chicago
09.2022 - 11.2024
Researcher
Northwestern University
09.2015 - 07.2022
Ph.D. - Vascular Immunology
Northwestern University
Master of Science - Clinical Investigation
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Math Minor
Spelman College