Shikha Agarwal
About Shikha Agarwal
Shikha Agarwal is an Associate Director of Product Quality at Kite Pharma, with over 20 years of experience in biotechnology, specializing in GMP grade viral vectors. She holds Master's degrees in Biotechnology and Biochemistry from The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, respectively.
Work at Kite Pharma
Shikha Agarwal has been serving as the Associate Director of Product Quality at Kite Pharma since 2019. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the quality aspects of product development and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Her work focuses on the large-scale production and purification of GMP grade viral vectors, which are critical for Kite's innovative therapies. Based in Santa Monica, California, she has contributed to the company's mission of advancing cell therapy solutions.
Education and Expertise
Shikha Agarwal holds a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, she earned another Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland. Her educational background provides her with a solid foundation in molecular biology and microbiological techniques, which are essential in her current role. She possesses expertise in technology transfer and customer support within the biotechnology sector.
Background in Quality Assurance
Prior to her position at Kite Pharma, Shikha Agarwal worked as a Quality Assurance Manager at City of Hope from 2012 to 2020. In this role, she managed quality assurance processes within the Centre for Biomedicine & Genetics. Her experience in quality assurance is complemented by her earlier role as a Research Scientist at Third Wave Technologies from 2006 to 2008, where she contributed to research initiatives in the biotechnology field.
Experience in Academia
Shikha Agarwal began her career in academia as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Maryland from 1993 to 1995. This role provided her with valuable experience in research methodologies and teaching, which contributed to her development in the biotechnology sector. Her academic background has been instrumental in shaping her professional journey.
Extensive Biotechnology Experience
With over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, Shikha Agarwal has developed a strong focus on molecular biology and microbiological techniques. Her extensive background includes various roles that have enhanced her skills in production, quality assurance, and research. This breadth of experience positions her as a knowledgeable professional in the field.