Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient
College of Biological Sciences, October 25, 2023
Cheryl L. Quinn is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1985 with a bachelor of science dual degree in biochemistry and microbiology. Excited by discovery-based research, she matriculated to the University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana and obtained a PhD (1991) in biochemistry and was subsequently a postdoctoral fellow at Oxford University. Named as an inventor on over four dozen patents, Quinn stands out in her field due, in part, to her ability to spot potential new therapeutic targets and move them toward real-world applications, particularly related to infectious disease therapies. Her nearly 30-year career has included 13 years as a pharmaceutical drug discovery scientist, project team leader, and laboratory/group manager with tenure at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Pharmacia, and Pfizer. Quinn later transitioned from the laboratory to a senior R&D executive leadership role with aTyr Pharma, Inc., before assuming the role of CEO for ImmunVen, a privately funded discovery research company acquired by AbbieVie in 2014. Quinn divides her time between her (bio)pharma consulting business, QNA Pharma Consulting, LLC, and a broad portfolio of scientific and community-focused volunteer service activities. She has also served on over 35 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections for review of grant applications in infectious diseases, and served on the editorial board of Applied and Environmental Microbiology for nearly a decade. In addition, Quinn’s philanthropic efforts exemplify her commitment to science and young scientists, having established scholarships with her husband, Dr. Robert Buck, for students transferring to the University of Minnesota to study in the College of Biological Sciences (CBS). These scholarships are intended to expand the diversity of students in CBS and invest in the next generation of college students. She is a “proud and engaged Gopher” maintaining a strong connection to her alma mater while giving generously of her time and resources.
Biography is at the time of award presentation.