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Rebecca Hemenway

Innovator - Precision Medicine - -Omics - Digital Health - Tech - Diagnostics & Wellness - Startups - Mentor

Professional Background

Rebecca Hemenway is a dynamic and innovative leader in the biotech industry, sporting a multifaceted career as a serial intrapreneur. With a vast experience that spans over three start-ups, she has made an indelible mark in corporate entrepreneurship, particularly in the realms of genomics and precision medicine. Her remarkable contributions include two start-ups that were acquired by Illumina, known for the DRAGEN FPGA BioIT processor and Helixis, which specializes in personalized qPCR. Additionally, her career features another start-up acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Compendia Biosciences, recognized for Oncomine Precision Oncology Decision Support for RUO and IVD NGS Clinical Diagnostics.

As a co-founder of Illumina's genomic cloud computing platform, BaseSpace, and the founder of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Global Corporate Innovation Program, Rebecca has naturally evolved into a thought leader who emphasizes innovation and strategic thinking throughout her projects. Her role as Vice President of Commercial Operations at Planet Innovation further expands her influence in the biotech space, as she drives commercial success through innovative operational strategies.

Rebecca’s career is characterized by her commitment to transformative change and the application of strategic relations that harness product innovation. Her approach transcends traditional business practices, focusing instead on making a meaningful impact through a human-centric lens. As a mindful catalytic thought leader, she brings a unique blend of focus, intensity, humility, and humor to her work, fostering environments where innovation can thrive.

Education and Achievements

Rebecca’s educational background is impressive and reflects her dedication to the dual fields of business and biology. She studied Business at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, between 2009 and 2010, where she honed her leadership and strategic skills. In addition to her business studies, Rebecca pursued advanced studies in Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamic Complex Technical Systems and the Max Planck Society, showcasing her commitment to understanding complex biological systems.

Highlighting her dedication to the integration of biology and technology, Rebecca also studied at Harvard Medical School, further expanding her knowledge in the field of biology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Computer Science, and Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, underscoring her diverse academic expertise that serves as a foundation for her successful career in a high-tech and rapidly evolving industry.

Achievements

Rebecca Hemenway's accomplishments within the biotech and tech industries mark her as a true innovator and a pioneer in her field. Some of her notable achievements include:

  • Serial Intrapreneur: Successfully launching and scaling three startups, leading to notable acquisitions by industry leaders such as Illumina and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
  • Strategic Leadership: While at Illumina, she co-founded BaseSpace, which became a cornerstone of genomic cloud computing, enabling researchers and clinicians to work with genomic data seamlessly.
  • Innovation Programs: As the founder of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Global Corporate Innovation Program, she played a crucial role in integrating new ideas and driving operational excellence at the global level.
  • Commercial Operations Leader: Her current role as Vice President of Commercial Operations at Planet Innovation exemplifies her capability to lead and innovate within complex organizational structures while focusing on the commercial potential of novel solutions in the biotech field.
  • Mentorship Roles: Rebecca has also been dedicated to nurturing future innovators as a mentor at Techstars, where she shares her extensive knowledge and fosters the growth of new industry talent.

Overall, Rebecca Hemenway's journey is one of continuous growth and innovation, with her diverse background in business and science propelling her success as a leader in the biotech and tech industries.

Related Questions

How did Rebecca Hemenway become a leader in the biotech industry?
What inspired Rebecca to pursue both biology and business in her educational journey?
What specific strategies did Rebecca implement to drive innovation at Illumina and Thermo Fisher Scientific?
In what ways does Rebecca combine mindfulness with her professional endeavors?
How has Rebecca's experience as a mentor influenced her approach to leadership and innovation in biotech?
Rebecca Hemenway
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Location

San Diego, California, United States