Courtney Parker – Enemy to Ally: Using Modified Viruses to Heal
This talk will touch on lentiviruses and AAVs- two of the most commonly used viral vectors in biomedical research and clinical trials. We will discuss how they are being genetically engineered to remove known harmful effects then deliver therapeutic genes to target tissues in the body, in turn treating and curing genetic diseases. Along with how they are currently being used, attendees will learn a bit about their history and potential future applications!
Courtney is a cell and gene therapy scientist born, raised, and educated right here in the Kansas City metro with a B.S. in Biology from UMKC and soon to be MBA from Avila University, Courtney has been working in various labs for the past 8 years, switching to CRO industry labs in 2021. In her current position she works with biotechs and pharmaceutical companies that are performing clinical trials for treatments and potential cures for diseases that are linked to genetic defects.