FACES
OF
T E C H N O LO G Y
the leaders in the
world of technology
2018
amanda ST R A M E R
Process Development Associate Scientist
Iovance Biotherapeutics | www.iovance.com
A
manda Stramer, process development associate scientist with
Iovance Biotherapeutics, always wanted to pursue a career in
medical science. A volunteer role in college paved the way for her
to pursue her passion in a lab environment. While volunteering at a
nearby hospital, Amanda received a firsthand account of the complexity of
cancer and the interactions it has with the immune system. “Ever since then
I’ve always wanted to join the fight against cancer,” she noted.
Amanda enjoys the sense of accomplishment when she and the team solve
a challenging process development question. “When you work in the biotech
industry, you are the front lines for new technology. Whenever a product is
improved, the community is impacted in a positive way. And that’s what gets
me to wake up in the morning and go to work.”
The technology that she contributes to daily is unique in that it delivers highly
potent and personalized immune-oncology therapies against aggressive
solid tumors through a product called Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL).
It’s not a one-size-fits-all therapy. Every treatment is specifically meant for the
patient that is infused.
During her studies in undergraduate school, Amanda couldn’t recall a
time when educators talked about the biotech industry, let alone process
development. “I didn’t know that process development existed,” she pointed
out. “Process development is the science of enhancing the performance
of manufacturing goods. We’re responsible for identifying and developing
new processes, studying process parameters and controls, and ensuring
standardization within manufacturing processes to receive reproducible
results.”
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Amanda loves the warmer climate here in
Florida and believes “it’s a great spot for us as a company.” She added, “we
were at one point a small company and we’ve grown, but I think that’s what
makes it exciting. I expect other biotech companies within the Florida High
Tech Corridor to also experience the same trend.”
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