Rachel Burga

Rachel Burga has a diverse and extensive work experience in various scientific and research roles. Rachel is currently working as a Principal Scientist at Obsidian Therapeutics since February 2022. In this role, they lead projects and collaborates with cross-functional teams in the development of controllable cell and gene therapies.

Prior to their current position, Rachel held the role of Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy at Obsidian Therapeutics from September 2020 to February 2022. Rachel played a pivotal role in pioneering cell and gene therapies and worked collaboratively with teams in areas such as Cell Therapy, Early Development, and CMC.

Before joining Obsidian Therapeutics, Rachel worked as an Assistant Editor, Cytotherapy at ISCT, International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy starting in January 2022.

Rachel's academic experience includes positions as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Northwestern University from June 2019 to September 2020, where they focused on generating cellular nanoimmunotherapies and RNAi gene therapies for brain cancers. Rachel also contributed to research aimed at enhancing adaptive immune responses. Prior to this, they were a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The George Washington University from February 2019 to June 2019.

Rachel's educational background includes being a PhD student at The George Washington University from August 2014 to December 2018, where they conducted research in their field of expertise. Rachel also gained research experience as a Research Assistant at Roger Williams Medical Center from October 2011 to August 2014, where they worked on projects related to targeted immunotherapy for colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Early in their career, Rachel gained valuable experience as a Biomedical Research Engineer at the Biomaterials and Interface Tissue Engineering Laboratory from January 2009 to May 2011. Rachel also held a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Columbia University from May 2010 to January 2011, where they focused on tissue engineering therapies for osteoarthritis.

Rachel's work experience also includes roles as an Applications Engineering Intern at IRphotonics from June 2009 to August 2009 and as an NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence - Intern at Roger Williams Medical Center from January 2007 to June 2007.

Overall, Rachel Burga has a rich background in scientific research and a strong focus on developing innovative therapies in the field of cell and gene therapy.

Rachel Burga obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Immunology from The George Washington University, where they studied from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that, they completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia Engineering in 2011. Rachel also earned another Bachelor of Science degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University in the same year.