Elise Brownell, PhD
About Elise Brownell, PhD
Elise Brownell, PhD, is a Limited Partner and Executive Board Member at How Women Lead, with extensive experience in project management and operations across various biotechnology firms. She has held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President at Todos Medical and Interim Executive Vice President at Amarantus BioScience, while actively supporting women-focused initiatives in her professional endeavors.
Work at How Women Invest
Elise Brownell, PhD, has served as a Limited Partner at How Women Invest since 2021. In this role, she contributes to the organization's mission of empowering women in investment and leadership. Her involvement aligns with her broader commitment to supporting women-based initiatives across various sectors.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to her position at How Women Invest, Elise Brownell holds several significant roles. She has been the Vice President of Research and Development Project Management at Todos Medical since 2018. She also serves as the Executive Vice President of Portfolio and Project Management at Vivacitas Oncology Inc. and as the Interim Executive Vice President of Operations and Project Management at Amarantus BioScience, both since 2016. These roles demonstrate her extensive experience in project management and operational leadership.
Education and Expertise
Elise Brownell earned her PhD and MPhil in Biology from Yale University, where she studied from 1975 to 1980. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in English from Allegheny College. Additionally, she studied Piano at the Eastman School of Music. Her educational background supports her expertise in scientific research and project management.
Background in Project Management
Elise Brownell has a substantial background in project management, having held various leadership roles since the 1980s. She worked at Bayer for eight years as Director of Project Management and has experience in licensing and technology acquisition. Her previous positions include Senior Director at Aerovance and Scientist Associate at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, showcasing her extensive experience in both the scientific and management aspects of the industry.
Commitment to Women-Based Initiatives
Elise Brownell is dedicated to fostering women-based initiatives in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She has served in leadership roles within organizations such as Women In Bio and Women in Consulting. Her commitment is evident in her efforts to create operational and strategic processes that empower teams and support women's leadership.