Background: Cancer Immunology, Viral Immunobiology, Cell BiologyResearch & Development: Biological insights from my lab spawned 4 pipeline programs which I was team lead of 3. My target discovery and validation efforts established 1 pipeline program where I served as team lead and several other pre-early-stage research programs. I developed T cell-based functional assays including HTP screening platforms currently being used to support multiple pipeline programs.Management: I have served as program team lead, biology lead or as a member for multiple programs at varying stages in pipeline development. All program teams were cross-functional groups which I effectively organized and worked across to move projects forward or terminate them based on biological or clinical development rationale. I acted as team lead for a small molecule business development opportunity that we declined based on strong data under my leadership. I run a successful lab of up to 5 individuals where we perform discovery, target validation and mechanistic studies for pipeline programs. The main goals of my lab are: 1) Identify/validate novel targets, 2) Obtain mechanistic insights into targets/therapeutics & 3) Support outside programs where possible to improve path to success.Leadership: I believe that a leader is only as good as their team and a team is only as good as their leader. It is a reciprocal relationship that requires respect, trust and integrity. A leader needs to provide direction, delegate appropriately and utilize resources efficiently. More importantly, a leader needs to listen to their team members, take their suggestions to heart and pivot pending sound rationale. For all of my program teams we have performed critical experiments when the appropriate tools/assays were available to either move the program forward or deprioritize it. All pertinent data is compiled and presented to the team including recommendations based on the data and the decision are made as a unit. Empowering your team, encouraging them to provide their suggestions as well as incorporating their ideas on the direction of the program creates a strong team that is more contiguous and efficient. Lastly, leading by example through hard-work, dedication, initiative and integrity is critical to effective leadership and what I strive for on a daily basis.