Alumni Profiles Series: Sumedha Roy

Sumedha (Sumi) Roy completed her bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering and her master of technology in bioinformatics at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. At Duke University, she studied the development of innate-like T cells in Yuan Zhang’s lab. After completing her Ph.D. in immunology there, she then worked in early drug discovery at Amgen and is currently with Genentech, where as a principal scientist she works on biomarker and drug discovery in oncology. Her unique blend of expertise in immunology, bioinformatics, and biochemical engineering allows her to collaborate across disciplines.

What career plans did you have in mind as you were completing your graduate degree?

I originally thought I would stay in academia after graduating and do research in cancer immunotherapy. Shortly before my defense, I realized I was really curious to explore industry opportunities that would bring me closer to patient-focused research. I shared this with my advisor, who was very supportive of my career exploration. 

When you finished at Duke, what led you to your position at Amgen?

One of my thesis committee members had a colleague at Amgen who was looking to hire a scientist to test new immuno-oncology drugs in pre-clinical models. They connected me with their colleague, which led to an interview. This opportunity came right after my defense, and the role was a perfect match for my skills and research interests.

During graduate school, your committee not only guides your research but also gets to know you as a person. The relationships you build during your time in graduate school are invaluable, whether you stay in academia or transition into industry. It's these personal connections that can open doors and provide opportunities, but ultimately, it’s your ability and passion for science and innovation that will make a lasting impression and help you succeed.

What are some challenges you faced as you worked your way from a graduate student in academia to a scientist in industry?

In the biotech industry, networking can play an important role in securing your first job and supporting your career growth. While it can be challenging to transition between career tracks, remember that your connections are valuable across diverse fields and companies. It is never too early to network!

It's equally important to actively cultivate your network. Leverage existing connections to meet new people and expand your professional circle. Allow your network to grow organically, knowing that it’s a necessary piece of the puzzle in your overall career development.

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What does your day-to-day at Genentech look like?

My current role at Genentech is in translational medicine with a focus on immuno-oncology. Traditionally, the process of developing new therapies moves from in vitro studies to pre-clinical models, and then to clinical trials. With reverse translation, we take data from our clinical trials and work our way back to preclinical drug development. In my role, I follow a “bedside to bench” approach, collaborating with clinical teams to access clinical trial samples and data, with the goal of identifying promising targets and bringing them back to the lab to drive early-stage research.

With my background in immunology and bioinformatics, my team and I help generate and analyze datasets from clinical samples. Our mission is to uncover the mechanisms of drug action and resistance and test those hypotheses in preclinical models. By applying this approach, we hope to reduce the risks in early drug development, improve the success rates of clinical trials, and ultimately bring us closer to breakthrough therapies that can transform patients' lives.

What additional ways did Duke help prepare you for where you are now?

Graduate school teaches critical thinking and problem-solving, but it also offers opportunities to master new techniques, like bioinformatics, and discover what excites you. I encourage students to explore beyond their research, such as taking programming classes, to expand their skill set. The relationships you build with peers and mentors are invaluable, and my time at Duke helped me create a strong network of fellow Blue Devils, many of whom I’m lucky to connect with here in San Francisco.

AUTHOR

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Courtney Covolo

Ph.D. student, Immunology

Courtney Covolo is a third-year Ph.D. student in the immunology graduate program. She is a member of the Pisetsky lab at the Durham VA Medical Center and studies the interaction of antibodies to DNA in autoimmune diseases. In her free time, Courtney enjoys hiking and cooking.