Raffaella Spina, Ph.D.

Raffaella Spina, Ph.D. has a diverse work experience in the field of biosciences. Raffaella started their career as a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II from October 2002 to March 2005. Raffaella then pursued a Master of Science in Medical Biotechnology at the same university from October 2005 to March 2007. After completing their master's, they worked as a Quality Control Intern at CLINICA MEDITERRANEA - STRUTTURA OSPEDALIERA AD ALTA SPECIALITA' from February 2008 to July 2008. In this role, they performed tasks related to patient derived tumor samples logging and analysis, as well as administrative duties within the QC department.

Raffaella continued their education by becoming a Ph.D. student in Molecular Oncology and Experimental Immunology at Università 'Magna Graecia' di Catanzaro from June 2008 to September 2012. During their Ph.D., they conducted research related to molecular oncology and experimental immunology.

After completing their Ph.D., Dr. Spina joined Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as a Pathology Trainee student from July 2011 to December 2012. Here, they investigated the regulatory role of zinc finger protein 521 in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma, as well as conducted studies on chromatin remodeling proteins in glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) pathogenesis.

Dr. Spina then joined Case Western Reserve University as a Research Scientist from July 2018 to July 2019. During this time, they investigated cellular adaptation to hypoxia and nutrient deprivation orchestrated by hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) and the Monocarboxylate Transporter-4 (MCT4). Raffaella also studied the crosstalk between micro-environmental factors and "stemness" signaling pathways, as well as mechanisms of drug resistance. In addition to their research, they mentored and supervised undergraduate, graduate, and high school students.

Raffaella then moved to the University of Maryland School of Medicine where they worked as a Faculty Research Scientist from July 2019 to June 2021. Raffaella'sresearch during this period focused on cellular adaptation to hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, specifically looking at the roles of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) and the Monocarboxylate Transporter-4 (MCT4).

After their time at the University of Maryland, Dr. Spina joined RemeGen Biosciences as a Senior Scientist I from June 2021 to March 2023. Here, they played a leadership role in various projects, developing quantitative, target-specific cell-based assays and validating lead compounds. Raffaella also managed and mentored junior employees.

Currently, Dr. Spina is the Senior Scientist at Slingshot Biosciences, starting in May 2023. In this role, they are responsible for process research and early development in support of the company's product for synthetic cell-based therapies. Raffaella also develops new assays and products addressing customer needs in the cell therapy and diagnostics space, as well as supports process science activities and technology transfer of cell therapy processes.

Raffaella Spina, Ph.D. has a comprehensive education history in the field of biology and oncology. Raffaella completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Health Biotechnology and Medical Biotechnology from the University of Naples Federico II in 2005. Raffaella further pursued their education at the same institution and obtained a Master's Degree in Biotechnological Sciences in 2007. In August 2007, Raffaella achieved Board Certification in Biology from the University of Naples Federico II.

Continuing their academic journey, Raffaella began their Ph.D. studies in Molecular Oncology and Experimental Immunology at the Università 'Magna Graecia' di Catanzaro in 2008, which they completed in 2012. During this period, they also undertook State Examinations for admission to the Italian Board of Biologists at the University of Napoli Federico II.

In 2011, Raffaella served as a Pathology trainee student at The Johns Hopkins University, focusing on Glioblastoma and Medulloblastoma. Raffaella'sdedication to education and specialization led their to pursue a further academic opportunity in the field of Neuropathology at Case Western Reserve University in 2012.

Additionally, Raffaella has obtained various certifications to enhance their knowledge and skills. Raffaella completed the "Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research Course" at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in August 2020. In July 2020, they successfully completed the "Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research 2019-2020" program offered by The National Institutes of Health. Lastly, Raffaella achieved Board Certification in Biology from the University of Naples Federico II in August 2007.