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Jocelynn Pearl
Senior Scientist at Tune Therapeutics & Host of Lady Scientist Podcast
Professional Background
Jocelynn Pearl is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of molecular biology and gene editing, with years of research experience that spans notable positions in both academic and industry settings. Jocelynn’s career began at Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., during the early days of genome editing. Here, she significantly contributed to the optimization of Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Zinc Finger Protein Transcription factors (ZFP-TFs) for research and translational purposes, establishing her foundation in gene editing technology and its applications.
She continued her academic pursuits by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the prestigious University of Washington. Under the mentorship of revered scientists Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price at the Institute for Systems Biology, Jocelynn's dissertation focused on systems genomics approaches. She adeptly combined experimental and computational tools to unravel the complexities of gene regulation in neurological diseases, showcasing her deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
After completing her PhD, Jocelynn further honed her expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Altius Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Seattle. During this time, she engineered innovative proteins for gene editing and epigenome editing applications, including enhancements in CAR T cell therapy, an essential advancement in cancer treatment. This role underscored her capability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical therapeutic applications.
In January 2019, Jocelynn joined Lyell Immunopharma as a Senior Scientist and Project Lead, where she continued to make significant strides in cellular therapies. Utilizing her expertise in integrating de novo and natural proteins, she contributed to pioneering new therapeutic solutions. Her journey continued in September 2020 when she became part of Tune Therapeutics, bringing her extensive experience to advance epigenome engineering initiatives into clinical settings as a Senior Scientist. Tune Therapeutics, co-founded by recognized leaders Dr. Charles Gersbach and Dr. Fyodor Urnov, represents the forefront of innovation in epigenetic editing, and Jocelynn's role there is pivotal for translating scientific breakthroughs into therapeutic outcomes.
Education and Achievements
Jocelynn’s academic journey laid the groundwork for her successful scientific career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, before pursuing her PhD. Her time at Berkeley was instrumental in shaping her research philosophy and laying the foundation for her later work in molecular biology and genetics.
At the University of Washington, her doctoral studies were complemented by an active engagement in collaborative projects and research initiatives that have left a mark on the scientific community. Her dissertation work, which emphasizes systems genomic approaches in understanding gene regulation, has been recognized for its innovation and potential impact.
Jocelynn's commitment to further research and innovation continued throughout her professional career, marked by significant responsibilities in leading various projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Her postdoctoral work at Altius, particularly in the engineering of proteins for translational applications, is a testament to her proficiency in navigating complex scientific challenges and her dedication to improving patient outcomes through advanced therapies.
Moreover, her collaboration with the Baker Lab while at Lyell Immunopharma demonstrates her ability to work alongside distinguished peers for the greater goal of medical advancement. Tuned to the cutting edge of epigenetic engineering, Jocelynn's presence at Tune Therapeutics plays a crucial role in steering the company’s efforts towards effective clinical applications.
Key Achievements
- Pioneered the optimization of Zinc Finger Nucleases and ZFP-TFs at Sangamo Therapeutics, which were foundational technologies for genome editing.
- Conducted groundbreaking dissertation research at the University of Washington focused on systems genomics and gene regulation in neurological diseases.
- Advanced CAR T cell therapy through her innovations in protein engineering during her fellowship at Altius Institute, contributing to the field of immunotherapy.
- Joined Lyell Immunopharma as a Senior Scientist, where she developed cellular therapies by integrating novel protein engineering approaches.
- Played a pivotal role at Tune Therapeutics in advancing epigenome engineering towards clinical translation, supporting innovative therapeutic solutions for complex diseases.
