Cathy Vrentas
Cathy Vrentas is a molecular biologist and protein biochemist who has been passionate about bioanalysis since discovering the field after a career pivot from research/discovery earlier in her career. After training at Penn State (PA, USA) and the University of Wisconsin (WI, USA), Cathy held a variety of roles at the USDA, NIH, Frostburg State University and the National Animal Disease Center, before venturing into the world of ligand-binding in her first role in regulated bioanalysis, developing and validating PK, ADA and biomarker assays at the bench.
In her 6 years in the GLP/GCLP laboratories at PPD/ThermoFisher in Richmond (VA, USA), Cathy and her team developed, qualified and/or validated over 100 ligand binding and enzymatic assays, with experience in antibodies, bispecifics, biosimilars, oligonucleotide drugs, cell therapies, gene therapies and any new modality that came their way. At PPD, Cathy led a large team of scientists with a variety of different levels and functions, and it was a highlight of her career so far to work with the team and to explore training, project management, and organizational strategy approaches.
After PPD, Cathy supported a high-value biotech investment portfolio for ARPA-H as a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton (VA, USA), specializing in cell and gene therapies and also facilitating investments in women’s health. Most recently, Cathy leads bioanalytical outsourcing for preclinical studies and clinical trials, with experience in clinical trial operations and biomarker setup, biomarker strategy, CRO partnerships, assay design and validation, regulated document review and management of sample analysis and assay troubleshooting.
In addition to her work in bioanalysis, Cathy’s career and columns are shaped by complementary experiences in public health, business and volunteering. For example, Cathy has volunteered with dementia education, public health clinics, science outreach for all ages, and the child welfare system. She recently received a RAC regulatory certification in drug development and enjoys connecting scientists, such as through her work starting the “Boston Biomarkers” networking group.
What three things would you take if stranded on a desert island?
- A satellite phone to call for help
- A tent to keep the creatures at bay
- A big bag of chocolate cake and Diet Coke to drink while waiting for my rescuers after calling them on my phone
If you weren’t a bioanalyst, what would you be?
- Likely a cheese maker or another food science role that involves fermentation and microbes.
What is your favorite city?
I’ve moved around the Midwest and East coast of the US for different roles, and I’ve enjoyed everywhere that my career has taken me, including the DC area; Boston; Philadelphia; Des Moines, Iowa; Madison, Wisconsin; and mountain Maryland. Richmond, Virginia, has a special spot in my heart due to all of the amazing people I met during my time there and also the excellent food!
Why have you decided to become a Zone Leader?
I think building scientific communities is a critical endeavor to share knowledge, learn, mentor, and overall work together to advance the field. It’s a privilege to be able to connect with others in those field through Bioanalysis Zone.