Michelle Wagner Gardinier

Michelle Wagner Gardinier has a strong background in cancer biology and drug discovery. Michelle currently holds the role of Director of Cancer Biology at Zai Lab since June 2023. Prior to this, they worked at Pfizer, where they held the positions of Senior Principal Scientist from October 2021 to March 2023 and Principal Scientist from September 2019 to October 2021. During their time at Pfizer, they led multiple drug discovery projects and collaborated with academic institutions and industry partners to develop innovative therapies for various types of cancer. Before joining Pfizer, Michelle was a Senior Scientist at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson from October 2015 to September 2019, where they worked on small molecule drug discovery efforts targeting oncology-related pathways. Michelle also established a yeast-based library screening platform for improved vaccine antigens and managed an assay development team. Michelle's earlier experiences include working as a Senior Scientist at Calmune Corporation from September 2008 to October 2010 and as a Ph.D. Graduate Student Researcher at the University of California San Diego from September 2001 to July 2008, where they conducted independent research on cell cycle regulation and analyzed the impact of phosphorylation on cell division. Michelle also worked as a Research Technician in a Virology Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara from January 2000 to July 2001.

Michelle Wagner Gardinier received their bachelor's degree in Cell and Developmental Biology from UC Santa Barbara in 2001. Michelle later obtained a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from UC San Diego in 2008. In 2004, they also attended the Yeast Genetics and Genomics Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.