Oct 19 - 23, 2026
Los Altos High School
Dr. Kristen Douglas
VP, Drug Substance Process Development & Manufacturing Sciences
Vir Biotechnology
The Evolution of Biotechnology: Transformation Through Science, Technology, and Innovation
Biotechnology is all around us, shaping the way we live, eat, and stay healthy. From the earliest days when humans discovered fermentation to make bread and cheese, to today’s cutting-edge advances like gene editing and mRNA vaccines, biotechnology has always been about transformation. This presentation will take students on a journey through the history of biotechnology, highlighting the key moments when science and technology changed how we understand and use living systems.
Meet the Speaker:
Kristen Douglas is Vice President of Drug Substance Process Development and Manufacturing Sciences at Vir Biotechnology, where she leads teams developing innovative biologics and vaccines. She has played a key role in advancing transformative medicines, including antibodies that helped millions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristen is also active in the broader scientific community as chair of the Gordon Research Conference on Biotherapeutics and Vaccines, and she is committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scientists. On weekends you can find her at a farmers market or hanging out with her two kids.