Panel Session
CM (Chung-Ming) Hsieh, DSc
VP, Protein Therapeutics,​
Gilead Sciences​
CM is currently the Vice President of Protein Therapeutics at Gilead Sciences. He is an experienced professional with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical industry, holding increasingly significant leadership roles. Prior to joining Gilead, CM served as Executive Director at Discovery Biologics at Merck and spent over 14 years at AbbVie in various roles, where he led the Antibody Generation Group, spearheaded biologic projects targeting aging and age-related diseases, and established in vitro antibody discovery platforms. CM is a strong scientific leader specializing in protein therapeutics, antibodies, biotechnology, and biopharmaceuticals. CM earned his PhD in Biological Sciences from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and his ​​Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from National Taiwan University.
Keith Chun,
MD
VP, Business Development & Alliance Management,
GRAIL
Keith Chun is the Vice President of Business Development and Alliance Management at GRAIL, whose mission is to leverage AI/machine learning to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. As an accomplished professional with Chemical Engineering undergrad and M.D. from Stanford University, Dr. Chun has extensive experience spanning diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and strategic consulting. He has held significant roles at top-tier companies, including McKinsey & Company, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and Guardant Health. His expertise in driving business growth and innovation within the healthcare industry makes him a respected leader and influencer in the field. Dr. Chun’s comprehensive experience in both the clinical and corporate sides of healthcare uniquely positions him to navigate and shape the future of the industry.
Andrew Quong,
PhD
EVP & GM,​​
​InterVenn Biosciences
Dr. Andrew Quong is currently the Chief Science Officer at InterVenn Bioscience, which is focused on delivering on the promise that the quantitative evaluation of the glycoproteome will unlock new biology and a new class of biomarkers which will impact patient outcomes in a variety of diseases. Holding a PhD in Physics from the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Quong has served in prominent roles such as Chief Science Officer & Microfluidics Business Leader at Fluidigm Corporation and Director of Strategic Scientific Initiatives and Partnerships at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. Before embarking on his industry journey, Dr. Quong held faculty positions at Thomas Jefferson University and Georgetown University. With over thirty years of experience, he has led multidisciplinary teams at the intersection of physical and computational sciences with medicine and biology. His areas of expertise include computational physics, big data, bioinformatics, machine learning, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, oncology, cancer biology, and materials science. Dr. Quong also has extensive knowledge in product management, marketing, operations, quality management, strategic planning, clinical research, research administration, project management, technology transfer, and business development. His ability to quickly master and integrate new information makes him a pivotal figure in advancing scientific research and innovation.
Vivien Ho
Moderator​
Partner,
​​Pear VC
Vivien is a Partner at Pear VC. Vivien invests in healthcare and AI. She leads Pear’s Female Founder Circles program supporting the next generation of female technical founders that has resulted in 115+ female founders fundraised. Previously, she worked on executive business strategy, new products and product growth for Airbnb Homes and Transportation, and was a consultant at BCG, focused on defining innovation and growth strategies for healthcare, consumer, and technology companies. She also hosts the Pear Healthcare Playbook Podcast, featuring successful founders on discussing how they built a digital health business from 0 to 1 and beyond. She is passionate about backing and supporting mission-driven founders who hope to improve the world we live in with technology. Vivien grew up in an immigrant family, originally from Taiwan. She then moved to Hong Kong, Shanghai and then pursued engineering after falling in love with robotics and physics. She earned an MBA in Healthcare Management and Entrepreneurship at The Wharton School and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Northwestern University. She now serves on the Wharton Healthcare Alumni Board.
Career Breakout Session
Li-Ming Liang,
MS, MBA
VP and Head of Business Development US,​
Mycenax Biotech
Li-Ming Liang is a seasoned business development leader with a demonstrated track record in the biotech and drug discovery, development, and manufacturing industry. She currently serves as the VP and Head of Business Development at Mycenax Biotech Inc., where she leads strategic initiatives in the US market. With over a decade of experience, Li-Ming has held pivotal roles, including Executive Director of Business Development and Regional Director at BioDuro-Sundia, where she led the US West BD Team CRDMO business. She has also worked at WuXi AppTec (now WuXi Biologics), Nexcelom Bioscience, and BioMedicure in various business development, strategy, sales, and marketing roles. Her leadership and strategic vision have significantly advanced the biotech sector, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in business development. Li-Ming holds an MBA from the University of Denver, Colorado, was a PhD candidate at Colorado State University, and received an MS and BS in Life Sciences from National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan. She moved to the United States from Taiwan in 2000 and has lived in several states and cities, including Lexington, KY, Fort Collins, CO, and San Diego, CA. Since 2015, she has resided in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Christina (Ping-Chuan) Tsai, PhD
Associate Director of CMC,​
IGM Biosciences
Christina Tsai is the Associate Director of the CMC team at IGM Biosciences, specializing in cell line development and fostering cross-functional collaborations with CMC and research teams. With over a decade of expertise in process development, she has significantly contributed to advancements in biotechnological processes. Before joining IGM, Christina held positions at Hengenix Biotech and Samsung Biologics. She also co-founded EpiBiome 2013, a pioneering microbiome company, which was successfully acquired by Locus Biosciences in 2018, underscoring her entrepreneurial acumen in the biotech industry.
Alvin Lin,
MBA
VP, Commercial Strategy,​
Vera Therapeutics
Alvin is a vice president of commercial strategy experienced commercial & launch leader including IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) and SOLIRIS (eculizumab). Prior experiences include Franchise Lifecycle Leader, Global Strategic Marketing, US Marketing, EU Marketing, Specialty Buy & Bill Field Sales, Market Access, Market Research, Analytics, and Business Development. Proven ability to attract and develop high-caliber talent. Therapeutic Area expertise within Hematology Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology, Rare Diseases, Vaccines, Dermatology, Immunology, Auto-Immune Disorders, and Infectious Disease. Prior company affiliations with Harvard Medical School, MGH, MIT Technology Licensing Office, Merck, Alexion, Sanofi Genzyme, Pharmacyclics - AbbVie, Portola, and Zai.
Eric Peng,
PhD
Founder,
​​​@US Biotech Cafe
Eric is the visionary founder and creative host behind "US Biotech Cafe," a platform connecting influential figures in the biotech world. Each week, he hosts the "Clubhouse/Podcast," where experts from various fields share their real-world experiences with a global audience. On his show, they discuss a wide range of topics, from career development, medical practices to cutting-edge technologies like cell therapy and medical devices. Eric's expertise covers medical devices, cell therapy, gene therapy, and manufacturing of biologics following strict quality standards. Currently, he shift to regulatory field specializing in overseeing the safety and quality of medical products before and after they enter the market. This involves handling various regulatory pathway like 510k, IDE, PMA, and De Novo. In his previous role at Precision Biosciences, Eric led the development and production of essential components for CAR-T therapies, which are advanced treatments for diseases like cancer. Before that, at Biogen, he focused on improving the production processes for biologic drugs used in treating conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Hemophilia, and Alzheimer's. His role was crucial in ensuring the success of large-scale manufacturing, both in research and for commercial use.
Dolly Chang,
MD, MPH, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer,​​​
Kodiak Sciences
Dolly S. Chang, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. is the Chief Scientific Officer at Kodiak Sciences, where she oversees pipeline development and clinical programs, advancing transformative therapies for retinal diseases. An accomplished ophthalmologist and biotech leader, Dr. Chang has extensive experience in clinical development across all stages of ophthalmic drug development. Previously, as Group Medical Director at Genentech Research and Early Clinical Development (gRED), she served as the disease area expert in ophthalmology, co-led the Digital Health Team, and provided expertise in corporate development due diligence activities. At Genentech, she steered complex molecule programs, championed new therapeutic areas including glaucoma neuroprotection, and contributed to ocular cell therapy strategy. Dr. Chang earned her M.D. from National Taiwan University, and her M.P.H. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, where she also completed her ophthalmology residency. She further specialized with a glaucoma fellowship at Stanford University. Currently, she maintains a position as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Stanford University's Byers Eye Institute, continuing her clinical practice, research, and mentoring. Dr. Chang also serves on the external scientific advisory board for the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative.
Yuan-Ping Huang,
PhD
Principal,
​​​@Applied Ventures
Yuan-Ping (YP) Huang is a Principal at Applied Ventures where he focuses on the intersection of Life Sciences and semiconductor manufacturing. He aspires to help accelerate development of next-generation diagnostic and research tools as well as novel therapeutic modalities by bridging capabilities of Applied Materials and emerging biotechnologies from portfolio companies. Prior to joining Applied Ventures, YP was an early member of Lam Capital, where he built comprehensive proteomics product strategy and led investments in molecular profiling space. He also worked as an associate at McKinsey & Company, where he advised global pharmaceutical clients on R&D and operations. YP holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Columbia University as well as an M.S. degree in molecular medicine and a B.S. degree in zoology from National Taiwan University. In his spare time, he enjoys long runs, travel, and casual cooking.
Dannis Chang,
PharmD
Director, Medical Info & Comm, US Medical Affairs
Genentech
Dannis Chang, PharmD., brings nearly 14 years of experience in the oncology industry within the Global Medical Affairs capacity. He has held key leadership roles in Medical Affairs at Mirati Therapeutics, Myovant Sciences, and Halozyme Therapeutics, where he established and led medical information and communication services, educational programs, digital strategies, business operations, and internal training initiatives. Previously, Dannis contributed significantly to Genentech's Medical Network and Communications functions, supporting programs such as the Tecentriq Expanded Access Program and the launch of Tecentriq in bladder cancer. Currently at Genentech, Dannis serves as the leader of the Content Design and Execution team, focused on creating clear and impactful content tailored to diverse customer needs. His commitment to the biotechnology industry extends beyond his professional roles; he has served as President of the Chinese Bioscience Association and holds committee positions with DIA and MAPS, contributing to advancements in regulatory and Medical Affairs trends and Digital Strategy. Dannis received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California. He completed a two-year postdoctoral Pharm.D. Fellowship with Novartis Oncology, gaining expertise in U.S. and global medical affairs. Additionally, he has shared his knowledge as adjunct faculty at Rutgers University's Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. Residing in Burlingame, CA, with his wife and two sons, and their dog, Dannis finds joy in exploring new recipes and staying active through basketball, tennis, and running.
Co-Presidents
Donna Pu,
MS, MBA, PMP
Marketing Manager, Biopharma
​​​​Grail
Donna has 10+ years cross-functional experience from research and development, cGMP manufacturing, product management, marketing, and commercial business development in the life sciences industry across biotech, pharma, and medical devices. In her recent Sr. Product Manager role at Becton Dickinson (BD), Donna utilized her relationship-building and cross-functional communication skills to navigate through internal stakeholders and external partners in global matrix organization, identified and corrected the portfolio and processes gaps, and restored team trust and confidence on her product lines. She also worked with regional field teams to enable the commercial sales of her product lines. Donna holds a Bioengineering masters with a publication from National Tsing Hua University, and a Duke MBA in healthcare market analysis and strategy. She is currently leading marketing for biopharma partnership business at Grail.
Molly Ting-Yu Lin,
PhD
Scientist,
​​​Calico Life Sciences
Molly is a biochemist and cell biologist with over 10 years of experience studying protein function and cell signaling in cancer and metabolic diseases. She is currently a scientist at Calico Life Sciences, a company dedicated to understanding the biology that controls human aging and lifespan. Molly is passionate about implementing cutting-edge technologies and developing complex cellular systems to model various biological phenomena associated with aging and age-related diseases. Before transitioning to the industry, Molly completed her Ph.D. in Cell & Developmental Biology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. She holds a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from National Taiwan University. Outside of her professional pursuits, Molly enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring diverse cuisines.