MassBioEd

Dr. Michael Luther has over 37 years’ experience as an entrepreneurial scientist and executive in the biopharmaceutical industry including various senior leadership roles ranging from biotech start-ups to global pharmaceutical companies and CROs. In addition to serving as STRM.BIO’s CEO, he is currently the managing partner for BioInnovations, LLC where he acts as a board member and consultant for various start up biotech companies. Previously, Mike led North American Business Development efforts for Astellas as Global Head of Search & Evaluation in Business Development and Astellas Ventures to support Astellas’ drug discovery and development efforts. This included over 9 deals signed and 2 NewCo spinouts in less than two years.

Before joining Astellas, Mike was the CEO and founder of Bantam Pharmaceutical, a biotech company focused on the clinical development of cancer therapeutics targeting the mitochondrial stress response pathway and targets. He remains an active advisor and member of the board of directors and their SAB. In other past roles, Mike was the Senior Vice President for Drug Discovery & Development at Curio and founding CEO for the David H. Murdock Research Institute at the North Carolina Research Campus, a public-private partnership created to accelerate bench to market activities in life sciences. Mike also has 20 years in various senior executive roles in the global pharmaceutical industry including Vice President and head of global drug discovery divisions for both Merck and GSK.

Mike holds Bachelor of Science degrees from North Carolina State University, a doctorate from St. Louis University School of Medicine, and an MBA from Duke University. He is the author of over 80 publications and patents.

Robbie Tantoco has served as the Vice President of Finance at Syros since September 2020, helping the company manage, prioritize, and fund the company’s development portfolio by helping raise approximately $200M amidst a challenging market environment. Robbie has almost two decades of experience in the life sciences industry. After spending the first half of his career as a finance business partner in commercial stage companies, including Idenix, AMAG, Cubist, and Keryx (now Akebia), Robbie pivoted midway to support and guide development stage companies in the gene-editing and oncology space. With his experience in drug development and commercialization, along with his understanding of the financial markets, Robbie helps guide and influence leadership teams in making informed, data-driven, strategic decisions to navigate the risk and uncertainty of drug development. Robbie holds an MBA from Babson College and a BS in Finance from Bentley University.

Jaana Rask is the Head of People & Organization (P&O) in the US division of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. She is an internationally recognized HR leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with over a decade of HR experience within Novo Nordisk across global, regional and local roles in the U.S., Europe and Middle East. Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, Jaana worked as management consultant in the oil and gas sector, as well as an organizational and sport psychologist in Canada.

In her current role, Jaana leads a team of HR professionals and is responsible for the P&O strategy to enable the strategic growth and operational excellence across all R&D sites in the US, within a larger global matrix. Her responsibilities include enabling and developing core P&O functions, strategies and activities including DEI&B, P&O operations, capability development, talent development, and employee relations. Additionally, Jaana works closely with the Executive leaders on strategic priorities, organizational development and change management initiatives as the organization experiences exciting growth and transformation.

Jaana’s passion and personal mission lies in unleashing the potential of people, teams and organizations. She thrives on opportunities to drive meaningful change and impact in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Jaana is a true global citizen. Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Jaana has lived abroad for over 25 years. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in psychology and an Executive Management MBA, all from Canada. She is certified as coach under International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Jaana is married to a Dane and as a couple, they enjoy physical activity, traveling, hiking and cross-country skiing.

Jessica Driscoll is Vice President and Head of Litigation at Sarepta Therapeutics, where she oversees Sarepta’s litigation function.  Prior to joining Sarepta, Jessica was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Boston U.S. Attorney’s office, focusing on affirmative and defensive civil matters, including health care.  Jessica started her legal career as a federal law clerk for the U.S. District Court in Arizona, before practicing in private practice in two different litigation boutique law firms in Boston and New York.  Jessica received her B.A. and J.D. from Georgetown University.   

Pamela Obando is a Principal Engineer for Pfizer Global Supply in Andover, MA.  With over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, she brings a wealth of expertise in automation, process, validation, and manufacturing support engineering to her role at Pfizer. Pamela leads engineering teams in designing and implementing the automation systems for large-scale manufacturing suites, including new and existing manufacturing areas, ensuring seamless integration with vendor and site systems.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a proven track record in managing and leading teams for large-scale projects, driving them to successful completion through strategic planning, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. She has extensive experience supporting a wide variety of biotechnology process equipment and highly automated process control systems. She began her career as an engineer with Genzyme prior to joining Pfizer, supporting the startup of Genzyme’s Allston facility.

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing from Stevens Institute of Technology. In addition to her professional achievements, Pamela is deeply committed to mentoring and workforce development. She has served as a mentor and leadership team member for the Pfizer Women’s Resource Group Mentoring Program, and has actively contributed to various educational initiatives, including teaching biotech and engineering classes to high school students, mentoring students from Lawrence middle school through Merrimack Valley Family Services Stand and Deliver program, and mentoring apprentices through the MassBioEd Apprenticeship Program.

Pamela has been recognized for her contributions to industry and the community with several prestigious awards, including the Northeastern Massachusetts YWCA Tribute to Women Honoree in 2023, and the Manufacturing Institute STEP Ahead Award in 2022, which recognizes women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers through positive impact on their company and their industry.

Ligia Del Bianco is a multilingual corporate affairs and advocacy leader with two decades of global, U.S. and international healthcare experience.

Ligia is the Executive Director of the Biogen Foundation and Global Head of Patient Advocacy, Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement. Her remit includes leadership over patient advocacy group engagement, Biogen’s philanthropic efforts, community outreach and partnering with high-impact groups that prioritize health equity programs for the benefit of local communities.

Previously at Biogen, Ligia was the Head of External Communications & Patient Advocacy, leading a global team responsible for internal and external-facing communications as well as patient advocacy group engagements across neurology, rare diseases, Alzheimer’s and mental health. During her decade long tenure in the company, Ligia has helped launch a half-dozen new medicines to help those living with devastating diseases.

Prior to joining Biogen, Ligia worked as a PR consultant in the U.S. and Europe to healthcare companies such as J&J, Sanofi, and Merk. She was responsible for integrated communications including media relations, scientific data reporting, leadership messaging, brand and reputation management.

Ligia was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and International Relations from Boston University and a masters in marketing from London’s Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Marie Muniz is a results‐driven and award-winning leader with 18 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry at companies such as Genzyme, Alnylam, and most recently PTC Therapeutics. With nine product launches throughout her career, she specializes in market development, launch strategy, and business innovation with a focus on rare disease. Marie has held senior roles in global commercial strategy, US marketing, and patient advocacy. Her passion for helping patients drives business success, inspires teams, and fosters collaboration across key stakeholders. Furthermore, Marie is committed to connecting the biopharmaceutical industry and bringing STEM resources to historically under-served communities. Marie co-founded Alnylam’s D&I program, participated in PTC’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Council, and currently serves Latinos in Bio as a founding board member.

Kelly Pitt is the Vice President, Legal and Head of Compliance at Nuvation Bio Inc. She has over 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry supporting oncology, rare disease, and specialty businesses. Prior to joining Nuvation Bio, Kelly held roles of increasing responsibility in legal and compliance at MorphoSys US (acquired by Novartis), Mirati Therapeutics, Sobi North America, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, and EMD Serono. Kelly received her B.A. from Palm Beach Atlantic University and her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University. 

Monique S. Cooper is an equity-minded higher education professional who is passionate about creating and sustaining inclusive campus climates where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Her extensive professional experiences include teaching, counseling, advising, and administration at a variety of institutions. Her multicultural and equity-minded philosophy focuses on optimizing holistic development, cultural empowerment and empathy, and career readiness and satisfaction for all students. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in School Counseling from Cambridge College, and a PhD degree in Learning, Leadership, and Educational Policy from the University of Connecticut. Her dissertation focused on examining perceptions and enactment of equity-minded, culturally sustaining career services. She has delivered trainings, keynotes, and workshops nationally on a variety of topics including anti-racist career services, building and sustaining culturally responsive teams, and enhancing DEI efforts in higher education.

Currently, Dr. Cooper is the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic and Career Engagement and Success at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She oversees a team of academic and career advisors and career services professionals who are tasked with implementing a holistic, student-centered advising model. Through collaborative efforts, she has secured over $1M in donor funding to support equitable student outcomes and career success.