Adrienne Watson

Adrienne Watson has a long and impressive work history. In 2023, they began working as the Chief Scientific Officer at World Precision Instruments, LLC. Prior to that, they were the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Therillume from 2021-2023. During their time there, they created a novel gene editing platform for in vivo production of 6 genetically induced brain tumor models, resulting in foundational IP. Additionally, they accessed 10 neuro-oncology assets for therapeutic development through co-development and licensing deals valued at over $100MM. From 2013-2021, they were the Vice President of Research and Development and Senior Director of Preclinical Development at Recombinetics. During this time, they drove investor outreach for a subsidiary spin-out, managed supply chain challenges, directed a USDA licensed swine facility, developed the world's first swine model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 & 2, and applied genomic engineering to establish, characterize, and validate biomedical swine models. From 2004-2013, they were a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Graduate Research Assistant, Scientist, and Undergraduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota. During this time, they worked on projects involving electrophysiological analysis of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, axon guidance, heparan sulfate proteoglycan sulfation patterns, the PI3k/mTOR/Akt pathway, dietary intake, and transcriptional control of growth hormone regulated genes.

Adrienne Watson began their educational journey in 2003 when they attended the University of Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development. Adrienne also earned a B.S. Minor in Chemistry from the same institution in 2007. In 2009, Adrienne returned to the University of Minnesota and earned their Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics in 2013.