Tsun Wen (Sheena) Yao
About Tsun Wen (Sheena) Yao
Tsun Wen (Sheena) Yao is a Senior Scientist at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb, with extensive experience in cancer cell biology and translational development for oncology clinical trials.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
Tsun Wen (Sheena) Yao is currently serving as a Senior Scientist at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in San Diego, California. She also holds a similar position at Bristol-Myers Squibb in the Greater San Diego Area. In these roles, she leverages her extensive background in oncology and translational development to drive forward key research initiatives.
Professional Background and Experience
Sheena Yao's career includes significant tenure at several prestigious organizations. From 2016 to 2019, she worked at Celgene in roles progressing from Contracting Scientist to Scientist I and II in San Francisco & San Diego. Prior to that, she spent two years as a Postdoctoral Scientist at UCSF Mission Bay, focusing on cancer cell biology. She also held postdoctoral positions at The J. David Gladstone Institutes and Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, specializing in neuro-cell biology and cancer cell biology respectively.
Educational Qualifications
Sheena Yao's academic journey began at the University of Sydney, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology from 2003 to 2005. She then pursued a Master of Applied Science in Molecular Biotechnology, completing her studies in 2006. Yao earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Hepatology from the same university, spanning from 2007 to 2011.
Research Expertise and Specializations
Sheena Yao has accrued 13 years of experience in managing research projects related to translational development for solid tumors and hematological oncology clinical trials. She specializes in targeting aberrant molecular signaling in gliomas through kinase inhibitor combination therapy and has experience in targeting peptidases in hepatocellular carcinomas using small molecule inhibitors. Her expertise also extends to targeting heme and solid tumors using PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras).
International Work Experience
Yao has a diverse international background, having lived and worked in Taiwan, Australia, and the USA. Her career includes significant stints in major urban centers such as San Francisco and San Diego, allowing her to bring a global perspective to her research and professional engagements.