Lorena Barrón

Lorena Barrón, Ph.D. has a diverse and extensive work experience in the biotechnology industry. Lorena started their career at Genentech, Inc. as a Research Associate from 1992 to 1998. Lorena then joined Amgen as a Scientist/Principal Scientist, where they played a crucial role in drug product development, formulation, and manufacturing processes. At Amgen, they also served as the Principal Product Quality Leader, responsible for ensuring product quality and managing quality risks.

Following their time at Amgen, Lorena joined Kite Pharma, Inc. as the Director of Product Quality. Lorena oversaw quality strategies and ensured product suitability for their intended uses. After their tenure at Kite Pharma, they joined Atara Biotherapeutics, where they held multiple leadership roles. As the Director of Product Quality, they provided technical expertise and leadership to ensure product quality and managed cross-functional teams.

Later, Lorena became the Senior Director and Head of Manufacturing Sciences & Technology at Atara Biotherapeutics, responsible for T-cell manufacturing across the company's manufacturing network. Lorena provided scientific leadership in technology transfer, process scale-up, and troubleshooting. Following this role, they became the Head of Product Quality at Atara Biotherapeutics, responsible for overall product quality strategies and compliance.

Currently, Lorena is the Vice President of Viral Vector Development and Early Platform Research at Atara Biotherapeutics. Lorena leads a team accountable for viral vector cell line, process, and analytical development, supporting the company's allogeneic and autologous cell therapy pipeline. Lorena also ensures regulatory compliance and represents the viral vector technical functions in regulatory interactions.

Throughout their career, Lorena has been actively involved in mentoring programs, supporting diversity and promoting the careers of underrepresented scientists in the biotechnology industry.

Lorena Barrón, Ph.D., holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Stanford University. Lorena also earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from The University of Kansas.