Michelle Blake
About Michelle Blake
Michelle Blake serves as the Vice President of Translational Sciences at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, where she leads research efforts for novel therapies in early clinical development. With extensive experience in immuno-oncology and cellular therapy, she has held various leadership roles in prominent biotech companies.
Current Role at Sonoma BioTherapeutics
Michelle Blake serves as the Vice President of Translational Sciences at Sonoma Biotherapeutics. In this role, she leads translational research efforts focused on developing novel therapies that are in early clinical development. Her leadership is pivotal in advancing innovative treatment options within the organization.
Previous Experience in Translational Research
Prior to her current position, Michelle Blake held several significant roles in the field of translational research. She worked at Celgene as Director of Immuno-oncology & Cellular Therapy Translational Sciences from 2018 to 2020. Before that, she was a Lead Scientist in Translational Research at Emergent BioSolutions from 2014 to 2015, and a Senior Manager for Diagnostics & Biomarkers at Seattle Genetics from 2015 to 2016.
Educational Background and Expertise
Michelle Blake earned her Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Washington, where she studied from 1995 to 2001. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology, which she obtained from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo between 1989 and 1993. Her academic background supports her expertise in developing therapies for hematologic and solid tumor indications.
Specialization in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies
Michelle Blake specializes in advanced therapeutic technologies, particularly CAR-T and enhanced antibody technologies. Her expertise includes bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) modalities. This specialization is integral to her work in translational sciences and therapy development.
Career Progression and Key Positions
Throughout her career, Michelle Blake has held various key positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. She worked at Juno Therapeutics as Principal Scientist in Biomarkers from 2016 to 2018, and at Shape Therapeutics, Inc. as Senior Director from 2020 to 2021. Her early career includes roles at Amgen, ImmunoGen, and Agios, where she contributed to significant advancements in translational research.