Leonardo Velazco Cruz
About Leonardo Velazco Cruz
Leonardo Velazco Cruz is a scientist currently working at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. and serving as the Founder and CEO of Salentra Biosciences, with a focus on diabetes cell therapies and human pluripotent stem cells.
Work at Sana Biotechnology
Leonardo Velazco Cruz has been employed as a Scientist at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. since 2021. His role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he has contributed to the company's research and development efforts in the field of biotechnology. His work focuses on advancing the understanding and application of human pluripotent stem cells.
Current Role at Salentra Biosciences
In addition to his position at Sana Biotechnology, Leonardo serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Salentra Biosciences, a role he has held since 2020. Based in St. Louis County, Missouri, he leads the company in its mission to innovate and develop solutions in the biomedical sector.
Education and Expertise
Leonardo Velazco Cruz earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, completing his studies from 2016 to 2021. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Evolutionary Genetics from California State University, Fresno, where he studied from 2011 to 2016. His academic background supports his expertise in human pluripotent stem cells and diabetes cell therapies.
Professional Experience
Before his current roles, Leonardo worked as a PhD Candidate at Washington University School of Medicine from 2016 to 2022, focusing on research related to stem cells. He also served as a Consultant at The BALSA Group from 2018 to 2020. His experience includes over six years of work with human pluripotent stem cells, contributing to advancements in biomedical life sciences.
Research Contributions and Grants
Leonardo is recognized as an innovator in diabetes cell therapies, particularly in the differentiation of stem cell-derived Beta-islets. He is a recipient of the NIH F31 grant, which supports doctoral candidates engaged in health-related research, highlighting his contributions to the scientific community.