uCity Square Life Science Luncheon

Montaner studies the mechanisms of disease in HIV-1 infection, cancer, COVID-19, and emerging viral infections (monkeypox), exploring new strategies to boost the natural function of the immune system in order to combat viral-associated disease or cancer progression.

Montaner obtained his D.V.M., Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1989 and his D.Phil. in Experimental Pathology from University of Oxford, U.K., in 1995. He joined The Wistar Institute in 1995 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2007. Montaner was named the Herbert Kean, M.D., Family Endowed Chair Professorship in 2015.

Andrew Davies is the Co-Founder and Better Meetings Director of Artly Working, which uses improv and theatre to help build stronger teams made up of happier people, and higher performers. Since starting in 2019, Artly Working has led programs with over 100 innovative companies like Netflix, Roblox, Meta, and Google.

With training In improvisation from The Magnet Theatre, and Facilitation from Georgetown University, Andrew is passionate about bringing his skills to strengthen company culture, and people experience. His Better Meetings workshop helps teams to gather with purpose and play, designing and facilitating more effective meetings that people actually want to attend!

Joan Lau is Chief Executive Officer of Spirovant, responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the gene therapy company. She delivers more than 20 years of biopharma leadership experience, including as CEO for several venture-capital-backed biotech companies. Dr. Lau co-founded Spirovant (then called Talee Bio), envisioning the potential for advanced gene therapy to treat cystic fibrosis and other patients in need.

Previously, Dr. Lau co-founded and served as Managing Partner of Militia Hill Ventures. Dr. Lau also has served as President and CEO of Azelon Pharmaceuticals; President and CEO of Locus Pharmaceuticals; and in various leadership roles at Merck. In addition, Dr. Lau is an adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on several boards including the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice and the Roy & Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences Management, and she co-founded the nonprofit PhillyBio.

Lara advocates for national policies that incentivize the research and development of medicines and technologies and works to ensure our Congressional delegation and federal officials understand Pennsylvania’s life sciences ecosystem and its positive affect on patients and the economy. Lara also oversees our patient advocate group members and works to facilitate connections with researchers, scientists and business leaders working on their respective diseases.

Barb’s 25-year background in finance and accounting management ranges from life science start-ups to commercial-stage companies. Prior to joining Danforth she served as CFO of Enterin, where she established the financial infrastructure to support the company’s progress in its clinical trials and preparing for the company’s capital raise. She previously held finance leadership roles at Egalet Corporation (Zyla Life Sciences), Sobi, Topaz Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Sanofi-Pasteur), Genaera Corporation and Vicuron Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Pfizer). Barb served as Director of Client Service at Resources Global Professionals (RGP). She began her career as an auditor at Deloitte.

Heather A. Steinman, Ph.D., M.B.A., joined The Wistar Institute as vice president for business development and executive director of technology transfer in October 2014. Dr. Steinman was hired into a newly created position to forge new strategic partnerships with industry, nonprofit, and local academic institutions and advance Wistar’s growing pipeline of biomedical research discoveries. Dr. Steinman leads and oversees the implementation of Wistar’s intellectual property strategy and all technology commercialization activities.

Dalfoni Banerjee is an award-winning, solution-focused entrepreneur. Beginning her career over 25 years ago in academic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology research laboratories, she went on to lead inspection-readiness efforts, drive clinical research and clinical operations, manage relationships between pharma and key opinion leaders, develop marketing strategies/tactics, and launch new drug products – across 12+ therapeutic areas. Dalfoni is an invited speaker and moderator on a variety of topics, has authored and co-authored several publications, and has received over 30 awards.

Sharon Willis, Ph.D., is a co-founder of Integral Molecular and has led its growth from a research-based start-up to a trusted biotechnology provider serving top pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. As VP of Sales and Customer Relations, she oversees the company's commercial operations, guiding products from development through manufacturing, quality control, sales, and customer support. A dedicated science ambassador and mentor, Sharon drives Integral Molecular’s student and community outreach efforts, including partnerships with Wistar’s Biomedical Technical Training Program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, and the Science Center’s FirstHand STEM programs.

Michelle Cully, Ph.D, is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship in life sciences and healthcare. In her role as the life sciences economic development specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), she leverages her experience as a scientist to provide strategic advisement to DCED, the Governor's Office, and statewide executive leadership on the life sciences industry. Michelle is responsible for managing and implementing programs that drive innovation, increase workforce development, and grow life sciences business in the Commonwealth.