Pamela B. Besada-Lombana, Ph.D.

Pamela B. Besada-Lombana, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience spanning various research and scientific roles. Pamela is currently the Head of Early Stage R&D at Helaina since September 2022. Prior to that, they served as a Lead Scientist in Strain Engineering at Helaina from October 2020 to September 2022.

Before joining Helaina, Pamela worked as a Post-doctoral Scholar at UC Irvine from January 2019 to October 2020, where they specialized in developing molecular tools for thermotolerant non-conventional yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus. Pamela also administered progress in assay techniques related to Acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. Pamela'skey achievement during this role was testing a CRISPR-based gRNA library to probe the genome of different strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus.

Pamela also worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Irvine from March 2014 to October 2018, under the guidance of Prof. Nancy A. Da Silva. Pamela'sresearch focus was on innovative applications for consolidated bioprocessing of second-generation feedstocks.

Additionally, they gained experience as a Research Scientist at Sagetis Biotech in 2013, where they conducted cell-based tests for evaluating nanoparticles drug release and contributed to improving transfection efficiency of BBMVECs through DNA encapsulation with proprietary polymers. Pamela also performed in vitro testing of polymeric nanoparticles and AAV coating during this role.

Furthermore, they worked as a Junior Specialist at UC Irvine - GMAT from January 2012 to March 2013. Pamela'sresponsibilities included expanding, preserving, and managing three different types of human primary cell lines. Pamela also developed a method for gene expression analysis of endothelial cells in co-culture and designed a 3D culture consisting of multiple primary human cell lines.

Earlier in their career, Pamela served as a Research Assistant at GEMAT and Almirall from August 2010 to December 2011. Pamela also worked as a Research Assistant in the Formulations Department at IQS Barcelona from February 2010 to July 2010, where they determined physico-chemical properties of surfactants and contributed to the development of a semi-empiric model for determining surfactant properties based on their structure and molecular parameters. Pamela also worked as a Research Assistant at IQS Barcelona from July 2009 to September 2009.

Through their work experience, Pamela has demonstrated expertise in various areas such as strain engineering, molecular tools development, consolidated bioprocessing, nanoparticles drug release, transfection efficiency improvement, gene expression analysis, and physico-chemical properties determination. Pamela'sresearch experiences have contributed to their strong background in the field of science and research.

Pamela B. Besada-Lombana, Ph.D. received their Bachelor of Applied Science (BSc) degree in Organic Chemistry from IQS Barcelona in 2010. Pamela then pursued their Master of Science (MSc) degree in Bioengineering at IQS Barcelona from 2010 to 2013. Later, from 2013 to 2015, they obtained their Master of Science (MS) degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from UC Irvine. Lastly, they completed their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Irvine, where they studied from 2013 to 2018.