Questions et réponses avec le Dr Chandra Ghose, premier directeur scientifique de l'EE

Dr. Chandra Ghose joins Emily’s Entourage as its first-ever Chief Scientific Officer

We are so excited to announce that Chandra Ghose, PhD, has joined Emily’s Entourage (EE) as our first-ever Chief Scientific Officer. We caught up with Chandra to learn more about her background, her role, and why she joined the Entourage. 

Welcome to Emily’s Entourage, Chandra! What does your new role as Chief Scientific Officer mean for you?

Thank you so much for welcoming me as the newest member of the EE team. Being the “first” anything is an honor, but I am distinctly touched by my appointment as EE’s first-ever Chief Scientific Officer. EE is a mighty, mission-driven organization. Everyone from staff to board to volunteers, and of course the entire Kramer-Golinkoff clan, have blown me away with the relentless dedication that powers this entire community.  

And of course, I don’t need to tell you what a powerhouse Emily is. Emily and her Entourage’s pursuit for finding fast breakthroughs and a cure for every single person living with CF inspired me instantly. Like so many of you, this cause lit a fire in my belly and I was compelled to act. I remain spellbound!

Can you tell us about yourself and how you got here?

I was born in Kolkata, India and educated in both the U.S. and Spain, eventually earning my PhD from New York University School of Medicine in microbiology. Today, I live in New York City with my family and our pandemic puppy, Jaws, who fancies herself ferocious but is actually a sweetheart. Most recently, I was the founder and CEO of Bioharmony Therapeutics, an early-stage biotech startup specializing in the development of novel antimicrobials to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections – a lifelong passion of mine which is all too familiar to many CF patients. I am looking forward to leveraging my experience as a scientist-turned-entrepreneur in my role as CSO.

What will be your focus as the Chief Scientific Officer of Emily’s Entourage?

My main role will be to define the organization’s research priorities and then set them into motion – fast! I’ll direct our critical research dollars toward the most promising ideas. I’ll consult with the brilliant and esteemed members of EE’s Scientific Advisory Board and broader scientific community. I’ll work with stakeholders of all stripes including academics, industry professionals, nonprofits, government entities, and of course people with CF and their families. My goal every day: to speed therapeutic developments for individuals in the final 10% of the cystic fibrosis community that do not benefit from currently available mutation-targeted therapies – no one left behind. 

What attracted you to Emily’s Entourage?

Something that sets EE apart is a tolerance for – or truly, a celebration of! – taking big, bold risks. Early stage research is almost always risky, but as Emily often says, the status quo with CF is risky too, which is why we have to be bold and swing for the fences. The CF community does not have time to waste. EE’s appetite to fund early stage research and lay the groundwork for more translational research is the fastest way to deliver transformational treatments for people with CF. Big risks, big rewards! The entrepreneur in me sees so much potential in this ambitious approach; the scientist in me sees infinite promise in the research trajectory. What an exciting time to join this organization! 

The entrepreneur in me sees so much potential in this ambitious approach; the scientist in me sees infinite promise in the research trajectory.

Is there anything else you’d like the Entourage to know?

I want to extend a sincere thank you to the EE team and the Kramer-Golinkoff family for an incredibly warm welcome. I want to thank all of you in advance, Entourage, for trusting me with the precious entity you’ve built. I am so grateful to add my voice to the chorus of brilliant, passionate minds behind this Entourage. I am certain we will accomplish great things together.