SAN DIEGO, CA, February 28, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Xiaokui Zhang, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Zhang is a distinguished leader in the field of cellular therapy, currently serving as the chief scientific officer at Aspen Neuroscience Inc. in San Diego, California. With over two decades of experience, she has been instrumental in advancing innovative cellular therapy candidates, including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuron replacement therapy and genetically modified NK cells. Her expertise has led to more than a dozen successful investigational new drug applications, showcasing her profound impact on the field.

Dr. Zhang's career began as a research fellow at Novartis in New Jersey from 2001 to 2003 before joining Helicon Therapeutics as a senior scientist from 2003 to 2006. Her journey continued at Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, now part of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where she held various roles from senior scientist to senior principal scientist between 2006 and 2013. She later became the director of discovery research and subsequently the senior director of research and development until 2017.

Dr. Zhang then joined Celularity Inc. in New Jersey as executive vice president and chief scientific officer and served the following four years, focusing on developing placental stem/progenitor cell-derived cell therapy for various degenerative, oncological and hematological diseases. She then assumed her current position at Aspen Neuroscience, excited to shift her focus to developing innovative autologous iPSC-derived neuron replacement therapy targeting degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.

Throughout her career, Dr. Zhang has been recognized for her contributions to science and innovation. She holds several patents, including those related to immunotherapy using human placental CD34+ cells-derived natural killer cells and placental hematopoietic cells. Her dedication to advancing cellular therapies is further evidenced by her involvement with global organizations like the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy and the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine.

Additionally, Dr. Zhang's research has been published extensively in reputable journals, such as Science, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. Her works include, "Characterization and ex vivo expansion of human placenta-derived natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy," published in Frontier in Immunology, "Efficacy of human placental-derived stem cells in Collagen VII knockout (recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) animal model," published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, and "Human placenta-derived adherent cells prevent bone loss, stimulate bone formation, and suppress growth of multiple myeloma in bone," published in Stem Cells, and "Requirement of serine phosphorylation for formation of STAT-promoter complexes," published in Science, among many others.

In recognition of her various achievements, Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards in her industry, including the Top 25 Chief Scientific Officers from Women We Admire in 2024 and 2021 Thomas Edison Patent Award Winners by Research & Development Council of New Jersey. She has also been granted the Liberty Science Center Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Award and was nominated for the Celgene Healthcare Businesswomen's Association Rising Star award.

Dr. Zhang's academic background laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in molecular cell biology from The Rockefeller University and a Bachelor of Science in physiology from Nanjing University in China. Her education, coupled with the influence of her mother — a pioneering female leader in Chinese academia — has been pivotal in shaping her professional journey.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Zhang is actively involved in civic associations, such as the SDHB Pheo-Para Coalition, where she serves as vice president and a member of the board of directors. She also mentors early-stage professionals through programs like the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy.

Outside of her career, Dr. Zhang cherishes time spent with her family and enjoys traveling to new destinations, reading for personal growth and engaging in creative collaborations with others. Looking ahead, she aims to broaden the therapeutic applications of cell therapy and enhance patient access to innovative treatments while advocating for underprivileged communities and supporting individuals pursuing careers in STEM fields.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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