Yvonne Will
Senior Principal Scientist-Exploratory Medicinal Sciences

Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT

Yvonne Will's ideal day involves "having a smile on my face, making a difference and making safer drugs." She goes about this as a Senior Principal Scientist in Exploratory Medicinal Sciences at Pfizer Global R&D in Groton, CT.

Yvonne is the lead in Exploratory Safety Differentiation in cell-based assays, a role in which she provides global mitochondrial toxicity assays as well as mitochondrial biology support to DKTP projects across all of Pfizer's therapeutic areas. Deep Knowledge of Targets and Pathways (DKTP) focuses on developing deeper, fuller understanding of targets and their associated pathways and mechanisms. It allows the therapeutic areas to identify the best targets-those that can safely bring benefit to patients.

Though her area of interest was biochemistry, and she was a state-licensed biochemical technician in her native Germany, when it came time to pursue her undergraduate degree, she was faced with the dilemma that there were only 30 biochemistry slots at her university. So after receiving a degree in human nutrition, Yvonne moved to the U.S. and enrolled at Oregon State University, where she would go on to receive her Masters degree and PhD in biochemistry/biophysics.

Before assuming her current position, Yvonne worked at Pfizer La Jolla, where she found inspiration from a fellow colleague and mentor, Senior Director Greg Stevens. She recalls his encouragement and how it reinforced in her the mindset of "one more step, one more time." She notes, "To be good at science, you need a passion. An obsession. Every day."

As a self proclaimed 'mitochondriac', it's Yvonne's goal to use this passion and her strong work ethic to set an example for young scientists and to be a role model.

Of course, she's already a role model for her 4-year old daughter, which whom she shares her life-long love of horses and the outdoors.