Alissa Brandes

Alissa Brandes is a highly experienced scientist with a diverse background in biopharmaceutical research and development. Currently serving as Principal Scientist at Umoja Biopharma since January 2021, Alissa also held the position of Senior Scientist. Prior experience includes roles at the Allen Institute as Scientist II, and at Prevail Therapeutics as a Scientist, focusing on gene therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Alissa completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, researching genomic drivers of rare cancers. Educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, alongside a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Alissa's career also features significant involvement in various organizations such as serving as a Life Sciences Specialist at Prescouter and co-founding the Innovation Forum New York chapter, demonstrating a commitment to linking academia and industry.