Samantha Koo-McCoy

Samantha Koo-McCoy is an accomplished scientist with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Currently a Senior Scientist in Cellular Pharmacology at Merck since May 2025, Samantha previously held a Senior Scientist II role at CARGO Therapeutics, where significant contributions included leading in vitro screening efforts for a trispecific CAR-T project. Samantha's career at Ardelyx, Inc. spanned over a decade, during which responsibilities included project leadership in molecular pharmacology, development of 3D and 2D assays, and management of CRO activities. Previous roles at Genelabs Technologies, Chemocentryx, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania provided a strong foundation in virology, immunology, and clinical research techniques. Samantha earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from the University of California, Davis.