Title: Chief Scientific Officer
Company: GeneSegues Therapeutics, Inc.
Location: Chaska, MN United States

Following her desire to have an impact on the world, Gretchen Unger used a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in pharmacology in a variety of engineering positions, including process engineer and sales support engineer, until she became the chief scientific officer for GeneSegues Therapeutics, Inc., in 2003. Her greatest career accomplishment was using the cancer drug she had been working on to cure her own cancer. This also inspired her to not only continue her career, but to also participate in advocacy work with patients.

The biggest challenge of Dr. Unger’s career so far has been raising money because a venture funding company with female leadership is rare. However, she uses her strengths in problem solving, persistence, and high energy support to help her change the face of medicine. Looking to advance the biotechnology field to becoming more female-friendly, she wants to change the fact that women often need to work four times as hard as men to be recognized in their field.

In addition to her work with GeneSegues, Dr. Unger wants to be remembered as a scientist and an aunt. She participates with the American Association of Cancer Researchers, is a graduate of Women in Science, and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, fitness, pole dancing, golf and social dancing.

Contact Dr. Gretchen Unger