Meet the Seattle Local Forum Lead

Silvia Cermelli

Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Immunexpress
Silvia Cermelli is Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Immunexpress where she provides clinical operations leadership and scientific expertise in support of clinical studies, programs, and trial activities. Prior to Immunexpress, Silvia worked at Cell Systems Corporation as Principal Scientist and Scientific Advisor and at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as Postdoctoral Research Associate focusing on biomarker discovery and prioritization, cancer target therapeutic validation, and clinical oncology. Received a PhD in cell biology from the University of California (Irvine), Certificate in Biotechnology Project Management at the University of Washington (Seattle) / University of California (San Diego); Certificate as Clinical Professional from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Silvia is the director of Membership & Board member of the BioPharmaPM.

Melissa Austin MS PMP

Melissa blends neuroscience, positive psychology, and design thinking to strengthen how teams think, decide, and collaborate with more than two decades in the Biotech industry. Her work helps teams build the cognitive and relational agility needed to navigate the volatility and complexity of modern biotech.

• B.S. in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego
• M.S. in Program and Project Management from Brandeis University.
• An EMCC-accredited Global Individual Team Coach Practitioner and certified in designing and facilitating workshops with the LEGO® Serious Play® method, using play and metaphor to unlock creativity, alignment, and courageous conversations within scientific teams.