Divya Chandra

Scientist at Merck

Speaker

Divya Chandra, PhD is currently an Associate Principal Scientist in Downstream Process Development within the Biologics’ Process R&D organization at Merck Research Laboratories where she began her industry career in 2017. Prior to joining Merck, she was at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she did her PhD and postdoctoral research in Chemical & Biological Engineering with a focus on rational biomolecular design and engineering of affinity peptides for biomedical and biotechnological applications. At Merck, she is working on early and late-stage development of biologics along with advancing the state-of-the-art in technologies for biomanufacturing. Few examples of these include – strategies for host-cell protein (HCP) clearance and control and process analytical technology (PAT). Divya is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace, passionate about science alongside building the next generation of scientists through recruiting and mentoring.