Elena Chikunova

Elena Chikunova has extensive experience in the field of science and technology. Elena began their career in 2006 with a summer work experience at Goldman Sachs, where they handled office management duties, performed stock market research, and assisted with other day-to-day operations. In 2007, they completed a summer internship at Goldman Sachs, where they were responsible for sending out weekly transaction summaries and cleaning up outdated databases. In 2008, they were promoted to Analyst at Goldman Sachs. In 2010, Elena began working as a freelance translator (Russian-English). In 2013, they joined University College London as a Research Programme Administrator, where they were responsible for day-to-day administrative tasks, office and diary management, order processing, and travel arrangements. In 2015, they joined hVIVO as a Laboratory Technician, where they were responsible for performing virology assays, processing samples, cell culture maintenance, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness. In 2017, they joined the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult as an Industrialisation Scientist and Process Development Technician. Most recently, in 2021, they joined Ori Biotech as a Scientist, where they are assisting the development of novel technology for automated production of gene therapy products. Her roles include primary T-cell culturing, isolation, activation and scale up, experiment planning, data analysis and presentation, and project management.

Elena Chikunova has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedicine from Birkbeck, University of London, which they obtained between 2013 and 2017. Prior to that, they obtained a Cert HE in Subjects Allied to Medicine from the same institution in 2012 and 2013. Elena also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, which they obtained between 2005 and 2008. Additionally, they hold certifications from Active IQ, including a Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF) obtained in May 2015, a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Fitness (QCF) obtained in May 2015, and a Level 3 Diploma In Fitness Instructing and Personal Training (QCF) obtained in May 2015. Elena also holds a Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training (REPS Level 3) and a Premier Training International certification from Active IQ.