F. Michael Yakes

F. Michael Yakes has a solid scientific background with over 20 years of experience in various roles within the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. F. Michael most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Pacific BioLabs, Inc. since January 2020. Prior to that, they held the position of Executive Vice President from May 2017 to August 2022. From April 2015 to May 2017, they served as the Vice President of Toxicology Services and Responsible Official for Federal Select Agents & Toxins at Pacific BioLabs, Inc.

Before joining Pacific BioLabs, Inc., Yakes worked as the Vice President of Drug Discovery and Exploratory Development at Zenith Epigenetics Inc. from August 2014 to March 2015. Within this role, they were responsible for leading drug discovery efforts focused on cancer-associated epigenetic targets and implementing translational medicine development strategies.

Prior to their time at Zenith Epigenetics Inc., Yakes held the position of Senior Director of Translational Biology at Cleave Biosciences, Inc. from November 2012 to July 2014, where they played a key role in bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical development.

Yakes also gained extensive experience during their tenure at Exelixis, where they held the role of Senior Director of Pharmacology from January 2007 to August 2012. F. Michael was responsible for overseeing pharmacology studies and contributed significantly to the company's drug discovery programs. Before that, they served as a Research Scientist/Senior Scientist at Exelixis from July 2001 to January 2007.

Yakes started their career at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they worked as a Research Assistant Professor from 1997 to 2001.

Overall, F. Michael Yakes has demonstrated expertise in drug discovery, translational medicine, and preclinical research, making him a valuable asset to any organization in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.

F. Michael Yakes began their education at Northern Michigan University, where they earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry from 1985 to 1989. F. Michael further pursued their education at Wayne State University, where they obtained a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry between 1989 and 1994. Following this, they attended The University of Texas Medical Branch from 1994 to 1997 for a Post-Doctoral program specializing in DNA Damage and Repair as well as Biomarker Development. Finally, they attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine from 1997 to 2001, although the degree name and field of study are not provided.