Sherry Hikita
About Sherry Hikita
Sherry Hikita serves as the Director of PSC Process Development at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. She has extensive experience in the biotechnology field, having held various scientific roles at Asterias Biotherapeutics and Novo Nordisk, and she holds a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Current Role at Sana Biotechnology
Sherry Hikita serves as the Director of PSC Process Development at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. since 2022. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the development of pluripotent stem cell processes. Her work focuses on advancing the company's initiatives in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. She operates within the San Francisco Bay Area, contributing to the organization’s mission to harness the potential of stem cells for therapeutic applications.
Previous Experience at Asterias Biotherapeutics
Prior to her current position, Sherry Hikita held multiple roles at Asterias Biotherapeutics. She worked as a Scientist from 2014 to 2016, then advanced to Senior Scientist from 2017 to 2018, and later served as Associate Principal Scientist from 2018 to 2019. Her tenure at Asterias involved significant contributions to the development of biotherapeutic processes, enhancing her expertise in the field.
Experience at Novo Nordisk
Sherry Hikita worked at Novo Nordisk in two capacities. She served as a Senior Process Development Scientist from 2019 to 2022, where she focused on process development strategies. In 2022, she briefly held the position of Principal Scientist for one month. Her roles at Novo Nordisk contributed to her extensive background in pharmaceutical development.
Educational Background
Sherry Hikita holds a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She also earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Davis. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in stem cell biology and process development.
Leadership Role at UC Santa Barbara
From 2007 to 2014, Sherry Hikita served as the Director of the Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering at UC Santa Barbara. In this leadership role, she managed research initiatives focused on stem cell biology, contributing to advancements in the field during her tenure.