Spencer McKinstry

Spencer McKinstry is a highly experienced scientist with a robust background in gene therapy and neurological research. Currently serving as Scientist III/Supervisor at Precision BioSciences, Inc., since February 2021, McKinstry leads a project focused on developing gene therapies for central nervous system diseases. Prior to this role, extensive experience at Duke University as a Postdoctoral Associate involved preclinical testing for ALS therapies and developing mitophagy assays. McKinstry also held the position of Senior Scientist at Rescindo Therapeutics, where skills in assay development and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing were applied to create disease models. A PhD in Cell Biology from Duke University complements McKinstry's academic foundation, which began with a BA in Biology from Pomona College. Early career roles included legislative correspondence and donor management for political campaigns.