Thomas W. Chalberg, PhD

Thomas W. Chalberg, PhD has extensive work experience in the biotechnology and medical field. Thomas W. currently serves as a Partner at Polymerase Capital and also holds the position of Founder/CEO at Genascence Corporation. Prior to this, Dr. Chalberg was the Executive Chairman at iRenix Medical, Inc. and a Director at both Chameleon Biosciences, Inc. and ethris GmbH.

In 2016, Dr. Chalberg founded SightGlass Vision, Inc. and served as the Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer. Thomas W. led the company in delivering innovative treatments for myopia to children globally. The company was acquired in 2021 by a joint venture between CooperVision and EssilorLuxottica.

Before starting SightGlass Vision, Dr. Chalberg had a key leadership role as the Chief Operating Officer (Interim) at Oncorus, Inc. in 2016. Thomas W. also founded Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc. in 2006 and served as the CEO. The company focused on gene therapy for eye diseases. During their tenure, Dr. Chalberg built a platform for the discovery, development, and manufacturing of adeno-associated vectors (AAV) for retinal disease. Thomas W. continued in this role until 2015.

Dr. Chalberg gained valuable experience in marketing and commercial operations at Genentech from 2005 to 2010. Thomas W. was involved in the ophthalmology and oncology sectors during their time there. Prior to this, they worked as a Biotechnology Consultant at ZS Associates from 1999 to 2003.

Overall, Dr. Thomas W. Chalberg's career has been focused on leading and founding companies in the biotechnology and medical industries, with a particular emphasis on eye diseases and gene therapy.

Thomas W. Chalberg, PhD began their education at Campolindo High School, where they studied from 1991 to 1995. Thomas W. then attended Harvard University from 1995 to 1999, earning an A.B. in Biochemical Sciences. Chalberg later pursued their PhD at Stanford University School of Medicine, specializing in Cancer Biology, Genetics, and Ophthalmology. Thomas W. completed their doctorate degree from 2001 to 2005. Continuing their academic journey, Chalberg went on to obtain an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Thomas W. focused on Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology during their studies, which took place from 2008 to 2011.