Polly Y. Chang

Polly Chang is the Senior Scientific Director of Nonclinical Development in SRI’s Biosciences Division.  Dr. Chang received her PhD in Biophysics from University of California, Berkeley, and has dedicated most of her early career in the area of radiation biology at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, focusing on understanding the impact of highly energetic particle radiation on cells and tissues. This work transitioned to NASA-supported research using in vitro and in vivo models to understand the risks for manned space missions. During her tenure at SRI, Dr. Chang applied her basic mechanistic experience to translational preclinical drug development and has led multiple preclinical vaccine and small molecule development programs funded through grants, contracts, as well as commercial sources that have resulted in over 10 approved Investigative New Drug (IND) applications. Dr. Chang is intimately familiar with the regulatory processes involved in IND applications and product development. She is leading the sole product development support contract for NIAID to test countermeasures for radiation protection since 2015. Dr. Chang is active in the radiation biology community and is on the Board of Directors for the National Council for Radiation Protection (NCRP). In addition to serving as co-editor and reviewer for multiple journals, she serves as an advisor for a number of scientific committees and as Chair in a number of review panels and committees, including the financial committee for the Radiation Research Society and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory.