Kathleen Mak
About Kathleen Mak
Kathleen Mak is a Cell Therapy Specialist II at Kite Pharma, where she has worked since 2017. She holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology - Regulatory Affairs and has extensive experience in cell therapy processes and specialized laboratory equipment.
Work at Kite Pharma
Kathleen Mak has been employed at Kite Pharma as a Cell Therapy Specialist II since 2017. In her role, she formulates media with antibiotic chemicals, which is a critical component of the cell therapy process. She directs small teams in accordance with the Manufacturing Process Record (MPR) and is responsible for revising processes based on new updates. Her work is centered in El Segundo, California, where she has accumulated seven years of experience in the field.
Education and Expertise
Kathleen Mak holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology - Regulatory Affairs from the University of Maryland University College, which she completed between 2019 and 2021. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, from 2012 to 2016. She also graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School with a GPA of 4.1. Her expertise includes operating specialized equipment such as SEPAX, sterile welders, sealers, and plasmatherms for cell isolation and modification.
Professional Experience
Before joining Kite Pharma, Kathleen Mak worked as a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician at Cacique, Inc. for eight months in 2017. She also served as a Student Lab Assistant II at UC Irvine's James Lab from 2013 to 2016, gaining valuable laboratory experience. Additionally, she worked as a book conservationist at the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum for nearly a year in 2013-2014, further diversifying her professional background.
Technical Skills
Kathleen Mak is qualified to perform various techniques in a Biological Safety Cabinet, adhering to the yearly Aseptic Operator Qualification (AOQ) standards. She operates Control Rate Freezers, Cryopods, and Liquid Nitrogen Freezers for product shipment preparation. Her technical skills are essential in ensuring the integrity and safety of cell therapy products throughout the manufacturing process.