Nakisha Rutledge, M.S.C.I-Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer @ Temprian Oncology Incorporated

About

I am a translational scientist with specializing in nonclinical drug development and IND-enabling strategies for early-stage therapeutic programs. My background spans tumor immunology, pharmacology, precision medicine, and biomarker development, with a focus on advancing programs from discovery through preclinical development.My work has included target evaluation, in vivo pharmacology, translational biomarker strategy, and mechanistic studies across immuno-oncology, inflammation, and rare disease programs. I have supported both small molecule and biologic therapeutic approaches within academic, startup, and collaborative research environments.In addition to scientific leadership, I have experience overseeing CRO/CDMO partnerships and contributing to strategic collaborations that support preclinical execution, scalability, and regulatory planning. I have also participated in fundraising activities and investor relationship management for early-stage biotech companies.My technical expertise includes the development and optimization of translational and immunoassay workflows to support mechanistic and biomarker-driven studies.

Country

United States

City

Greater Chicago Area

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Skill

Nanoparticle Synthesis, In vivo tumor models, Bioassay, Science Outreach, Mentorship, STEM outreach, STEM Education, Experimental Design, E. coli, Electrophoresis, Gene Editing, Molecular Cloning, SOP Development, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), People Management, FACS, Materials Science, Tissue Engineering, Mechanobiology, Cardiovascular Disease

Experience

Chief Scientific Officer

Temprian Oncology Incorporated

2025-11 - Present · 11 mos

Greater Chicago Area

Entrepreneurial Scientist

Temprian Oncology Incorporated

2024-11 - 2025-11 · 1 yr 1 mo

Greater Chicago Area

Founder and CEO

STEMulating Potential

2023-12 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos

Founder | CEO

Sci In The City

2021-10 - Present · 5 yrs

Greater Chicago Area

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago

2022-9 - 2024-11 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Greater Chicago Area

-Mechanistic analysis of novel subpopulation of Dendritic Cells. -Synthesized liposomes for drug delivery systems to innate immune cells. -Cell-cycle analysis for functional studies. -Awarded NIH-T32 Immunoengineering

Sr. Program Director

MEAN Girls Empowerment | Mentoring Program

2020-9 - 2024-8 · 4 yrs

Chicago, Illinois, United States

-Developed and implemented initiatives positively impacting more than 10 communities in the Chicagoland area. -Managed a team of 17 managers and interns. -Devised strategic plan and budget, securing over $200, 000 in grant funding using technical writing skills.

Graduate Research Scientist

Northwestern University

2014-9 - 2022-7 · 7 yrs 11 mos

Chicago, Illinois, United States

-Spearheaded and managed multiple drug discovery projects. -Engineered antibodies. -Purified proteins for targeted therapies. -Developed inflammatory mouse models. -Developed immunoassays and in vivo disease models to test antibody and fc-protein function. -Awarded NIH T32 IMPOEST Fellowship -Awarded 5 years of NIH F31 NRSA Fellowship.

Research Technician

Wayne State University

2013-5 - 2014-9 · 1 yr 5 mos

Detroit, Michigan, United States

-Developed novel methods in maternal immunology, advancing preterm delivery research. -Managed multiple reproductive immunology projects.

Undergraduate Research Fellow

Spelman College

2011-12 - 2013-5 · 1 yr 6 mos

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

-Managed and led cancer drug discovery projects.

Research Assistant

Morehouse School of Medicine

2009 - 2011 · 2 yrs

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

-Spearheaded biomarker discovery for HIV-associated diseases. -Studied oxidation reduction signaling mechanisms.

Research Intern

Wayne State University

2007-6 - 2009-8 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Detroit, Michigan, United States

-Pioneered innovative cardiovascular tissue engineering research. -Engineered insect products for artificial heart valve construction. -Assay Development to test material strength and function.