Independent consultant - Drug Development in Immunology and Immuno-Oncology.Project-based | In-house | KOL | SABPast and Current Clients include:Third Rock Ventures | Bristol Myers Squibb | Astra-Zeneca | Pfizer | Merck | Merck-KGaA | Amgen |3M Pharmaceuticals | Immatics | Forte Biosciences | 7 Hills Pharmaceuticals | Memgen

• Led the company’s external collaborations program comprising over 30 preclinical research programs with academic investigators, biotech and pharma companies resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications, highly engaged clinicians, and increased enrollment in clinical trials• Created the clinical development plan for a lead investigational new drug and a novel application for a large medical need in collaboration with both clinical and commercial groups resulting in a C suite-approved new strategy for the drug with a potential market size of >$1B.• Crafted the scientific rationale for the application of a lead drug candidate in COVID-19. Co-designed a Phase 1 clinical trial that was executed and resulted in invaluable data on safety and immune-modulatory activity in patients with COVID-19.• Co-authored the scientific messaging and the marketing messaging to medical professionals and patients for three clinical-stage drug candidates.• Conducted scientific due diligence on multiple drug in-license candidates.• Created and led the 2-year, in-house company mindfulness and meditation program with participation of up to 40 employees throughout the Covid pandemic and lock down.

• Hired, developed, funded and led a diverse laboratory team totaling over 40 researchers, resulting in 14 years of high-impact preclinical studies and clinical trials in Immuno-Oncology, detailed in 100+ peer-reviewed publications. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=overwijk%2C+w&sort=pubdate).• Developed 11 distinct preclinical therapeutics and published the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Of these, translated nine into active clinical trials.• Trained and mentored dozens of graduate and post-graduate students and medical fellows in laboratory research and career development.• Fostered a culture of love for science, individual excellence and generous collaboration. As a result, team members achieved academic success while in my lab and subsequently secured independent leadership positions in academia and industry.• Served 12 years on the faculty to teach over 200 graduate and postgraduate students in immunology and oncology.• Received Faculty Research Award, Translational Research Award, Best Mentor Award and Best Teacher Award.

Postdoctoral laboratory research - cancer immunology, cancer vaccines

Graduate Training - Laboratory research in Tumor Immunology, Cancer Vaccines