Aikaterini Stavrou, PhD

- Designed and led 8 integrated in vivo and in vitro studies across 3 concurrent therapeutic programs, incorporating efficacy, PK/PD, and safety/tolerability endpoints spanning antibody-based and RNA-based modalities across oncology and I&I programs. - Led mechanism-informed nonclinical safety assessments evaluating immune activation, target engagement, and on/off-target liabilities using in vivo readouts and in vitro functional assays including primary cell models, immunoassays, and biomarker profiling. - Directed 4 external CROs on non-GLP studies - drafting study plans, reviewing protocols, monitoring execution, and interpreting reports. - Partnered cross-functionally with discovery biology, protein engineering, translational science, and data science teams to integrate findings into broader development strategy and align with program objectives. - Generated decision-enabling datasets supporting a data-driven no-go recommendation that directly shaped oncology portfolio reprioritization. - Drove operational efficiency by implementing automated data summary templates, clinical monitoring tools, and inventory alert systems - reducing manual burden and improving data accessibility across concurrent programs.

- Led oncology drug discovery programs focused on glioblastoma (GBM), investigating immune-modulatory mechanisms driving tumor progression and therapeutic response. - Developed and executed 6 novel fit-for-purpose in vitro assays to characterize mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of CHI3L1 inhibitors and SLIT2/ROBO1-targeting degraders in GBM. -Designed 2 in vivo study frameworks to evaluate therapeutic mechanism and tolerability of immune-modulating GBM-targeted therapies, supporting early translational feasibility assessment of novel targets. - Discovered and characterized novel immune-modulatory pathways impacting tumor microenvironment reprogramming, establishing scientific rationale for novel therapeutic approaches in GBM. - Independently evaluated and selected cost-effective, time-efficient vendors and technologies to support assay development and program objectives, ensuring scientific rigor within resource and timeline constraints.

PI: Dr. Max Costa - Investigated mechanistic drivers of toxicant-induced carcinogenesis and cancer progression, with emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated signaling in tumor microenvironment modulation, metastasis, and disease progression. - Designed, executed, and led in vivo cancer studies using 4 transgenic mouse models, including in-house breeding and genotype selection, to investigate epigenetic drivers of tumorigenesis. - Developed 10 novel fit-for-purpose assays for extracellular vesicle research, characterizing EV biogenesis, signaling, and therapeutic targeting to inhibit cancer progression. - Mentored 6 junior researchers, supporting study design, data integrity, and scientific rigor across ongoing projects. - Authored 3 peer-reviewed publications directly from PhD research in toxicology, cancer biology, and translational science.

Masters PI: Dr. Max Costa - Investigated cadmium-induced carcinogenesis mechanisms, identifying EGFR/STAT5 signaling as a key driver of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). - Conducted in vitro studies characterizing calcium chelation bypass mechanisms and their role in malignant transformation. - Authored 2 peer-reviewed publications directly from MS research.

Mentor: Dr. Blase Billack - Conducted in vivo and in vitro research evaluating antifungal efficacy and safety of selenium-based compounds against Candida albicans, including cytotoxicity, pH drop, and antioxidant assays. - Performed tissue extraction, preparation, and histopathology analysis to assess compound toxicity and therapeutic potential.

GPA: 3.9/4.0 Thesis: Cadmium Exposure Induces the Release of Extracellular Vesicles That Promote Cancer Progression

GPA: 4.0/4.0 Thesis: Activation of EGFR Signaling Transduction via the STAT-5 Pathway Induces Cancer Initiation and Malignant Transformation

Minored in Chemistry