Carmel Chan, Ph.D.

Carmel Chan, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience starting in 1997 as a Student Research Assistant at BC Cancer Agency. Carmel then pursued their Ph.D. and worked as a Ph.D. Candidate at City of Hope National Medical Center from 1998 to 2004. Following that, they joined Stanford University School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Scholar from 2004 to 2008.

After their postdoctoral work, Carmel had a long tenure at Stanford University, where they held various roles. Carmel started as a Research Scientist from 2008 to 2015, leading projects in the development and application of split-luciferase reporter gene systems for drug discovery and validation in rodent tumor models. Carmel also conducted independent research, including engineering high-throughput screening assays and validating novel inhibitors for various cancers.

In 2015, Carmel was promoted to Senior Research Scientist at Stanford University, continuing their work on molecular imaging and target validation in living mice. Carmel also collaborated externally with renowned researchers and institutes, such as the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research and Quadriga Biosciences. Carmel held this position until 2017 when they were promoted to Senior Scientific Manager at Stanford University. In this role, they led the integration of ex-vivo diagnostics and optical imaging strategies for non-invasive detection of immune rejection in small rodent orthotopic models.

Moving forward, Carmel joined Nkarta, Inc. in 2021, initially as a Senior Scientist in Preclinical Research and later promoted to Principal Scientist, their current position. At Nkarta, they contribute expertise in preclinical research, focusing on the development and implementation of innovative strategies for therapeutic advancements.

Overall, Carmel Chan, Ph.D. has a strong background in biomedical research, particularly in preclinical drug discovery, target validation, molecular imaging, and collaborations with external partners.

Carmel Chan, Ph.D. completed their education in a chronological order. Carmel started their academic journey in 1994 at the University of California, Davis, where they pursued studies in Biochemistry. In 1995, they transferred to The University of British Columbia and earned a B.Sc. (Honors) degree in Cell & Developmental Biology in 1998. Afterward, from 1998 to 2004, Chan attended the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, specializing in Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer, and obtained a Ph.D. degree.

In addition to their formal education, Chan has also obtained various certifications in the field of professional development. Some of these certifications include "Negotiation Skills," "Using Feedback to Drive Performance," "Get Unstuck: Make a Plan to Move Your Career Forward," "Building Resilience," "Leading with a Growth Mindset," "Asking for and Getting What You Want," "From the Laboratory to Leadership" (obtained twice), "Leadership Stories: 5-Minute Lessons in Leading People," "How to Ask Productive Questions," "Jodi Glickman on Pitching Yourself," and "How to Make Strategic Thinking a Habit." These certifications were obtained from reputable institutions such as LinkedIn and Leadership Edge, indicates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.