Wendy Halpern ’88 is a veterinary pathologist with more than 20 years of drug development experience. She earned her DVM from the Ohio State University, where she also completed an MSc in Veterinary Pathobiology, followed by a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of New Mexico. Drawn by the appeal of biotechnology, she joined Human Genome Sciences in 2000, and subsequently transitioned to Genentech as a Scientist and Veterinary Pathologist in 2007. In addition to specific project support at Genentech, she actively contributes to the nonclinical strategy and safety assessment for pediatric drug development, with emphasis on challenges in pediatric oncology. She represents the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) on an International Committee for Harmonisation (ICH) Working Group which recently completed a new globally harmonized nonclinical safety guidance document for pediatric medicines (ICH S11). She has been an active member of the American College of Veterinary Pathology, the BioSafe group of BIO, the Birth Defects Research and Prevention Society, Safety Pharmacology Society and the Society of Toxicologic Pathology.
Dr. Wendy Halpern ’88
Q. How do you use your liberal arts education in the work you do today?
A. I write. I read. I make choices about where to focus my energy and thoughts. I try to see things from more than one perspective. I recognize the value of others, and their strengths, to enable a team accomplishment. I know how little I really know, but also the joy in continuing to ask, explore and learn.