Dr. Jessica Baker Flechtner has over 20 years of international biotechnology experience and a proven track record of success in vaccine and cell therapy development. Jessica has been a leader throughout an entire company life cycle, including company creation, IPO, recapitalization, and closing. Her unique multidisciplinary background spans science, manufacturing, operations, IP, data science, BD, and IR/PR in both private and public companies, allowing her to adapt to change and motivate teams toward common goals. Currently Jessica is co-founder of DoriNano, a DNA origami nanoparticle delivery company originating from the Wyss Institute at Harvard University and separately consults for multiple groups who are developing vaccines and T cell therapies, advising entrepreneurs on company building and spin-out from academic institutions. She repeatedly serves as a reviewer for the NIAID and NCI. In her previous operating role, Jessica raised funds from both private and public firms while expanding the small company pipeline through strategic use of non-dilutive funding. She marketed the company to public investors for an IPO, along with the CEO and CMO. Dr. Flechtner also led a strategic pivot, refocusing the company from infectious disease to immuno-oncology, and wound down operations when the company closed. Under her guidance, multiple vaccine and cell therapy candidates went from whiteboard through IND filing to clinical evaluation in under five years each. Jessica has developed vaccines and immunotherapies for cancer, infectious disease, autoimmunity and allergy in several small companies. She conducted post-doctoral research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and received her PhD in Cellular Immunology and BS in Animal Science from Cornell University. Dr. Flechtner is an inventor on dozens of pending and issued patents and has over 25 peer- reviewed publications. Dr. Flechtner is a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She has mentored emerging scientists/leaders in STEM careers, volunteered for Harvard’s MEDScience program, and participated in the National Symposium for the Advancement of Women in STEM. Jessica is also a sustaining member of The President’s Council of Cornell Women and is on the Board of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Science Alumni Association, serving on the finance and engagement committees. She is the Recording Secretary for the Wayside Inn Chapter DAR.

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