David Leon Rousso

David Leon Rousso has a diverse work experience that spans over several industries. David Leon started their career at the Sam and Rose Stein Education Center as a Teaching Assistant, where they taught language, math, and living skills to children with pervasive developmental disorders. David Leon then worked as a Field Biology Intern at the City of San Diego, monitoring impacted wetlands and contributing to the conservation efforts of an endangered invertebrate species.

Rousso then transitioned to the scientific field, working as a Research Assistant at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where they studied the function of neuropeptides in the regulation of metabolism and behavior. David Leon then pursued their academic career, completing their PhD in Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, where they developed genetic models to elucidate mechanisms of motor circuit formation.

Continuing their research, Rousso joined Harvard University as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Visual Neuroscience, identifying novel cell types in the mammalian retina. David Leon then moved on to the University of Michigan as a Graduate Student Researcher, characterizing transcriptional programs guiding neuronal fate choice and studying the effects of a genetic model for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.

Returning to the field of neuroscience, Rousso embarked on a career in the pharmaceutical industry, joining Spark Therapeutics, Inc. as a Medical Science Liaison and later progressing to the role of Senior Medical Science Liaison. David Leon then took on various leadership roles within the company's Medical Affairs department, including Interim Global Therapeutic Area Lead and US Medical Affairs, Therapeutic Area Lead for Ophthalmology. Currently, Rousso holds the position of Director, USA Medical Affairs at Spark Therapeutics, Inc.

David Leon Rousso earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Molecular Biology from San Diego State University, where they attended from 2000 to 2005. David Leon then pursued a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan Medical School from 2005 to 2007. Following that, David obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Neurobiology and Neurosciences from UCLA, completing their studies from 2007 to 2010.