Courteney Lai
About Courteney Lai
Courteney Lai is a Research Scientist at AbCellera, specializing in the development of targeted therapies for leukemia. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in scientific research and public outreach, she has contributed to various institutions including BC Cancer and Hannover Medical School.
Current Role at AbCellera
Courteney Lai has been employed as a Research Scientist at AbCellera since 2021. In this role, she focuses on developing targeted therapies, particularly for leukemia. Her work involves applying her extensive knowledge of sequencing technologies to advance drug discovery efforts. AbCellera is known for its innovative approach to antibody discovery, and Lai contributes to this mission through her research.
Previous Experience in Cancer Research
Before joining AbCellera, Courteney Lai worked at BC Cancer as a Postdoctoral Fellow for five months in 2017. She also served as a Research/Co-op Student at BC Cancer from 2007 to 2009, gaining valuable experience in cancer research. Additionally, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Hannover Medical School from 2017 to 2021, where she further developed her expertise in the field.
Educational Background
Courteney Lai holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Experimental Medicine from The University of British Columbia, which she completed from 2009 to 2017. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Cell Biology & Genetics and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, with specializations in Health, Developmental, and Social Psychology, both from 2003 to 2009. Her comprehensive education provides a strong foundation for her research in drug discovery.
Skills and Expertise
Courteney Lai possesses a working knowledge of sequencing technologies and has extensive experience in developing targeted therapies for leukemia. Her research interests include understanding disease progression and applying this knowledge to drug discovery. Additionally, she has a strong background in public outreach and engagement, which complements her scientific expertise.
Early Career and Co-op Experience
Courteney Lai began her career with co-op positions that provided practical experience in the field. She worked at Genentech as a Co-op Student in 2006, focusing on Late Stage Cell Culture and Process Development. Her early involvement in research and development laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles in cancer research and drug discovery.