Jackson “Jack” Pellett, 1995
B.S., Denison University
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Director
Genentech
Burlingame, Calif.
As a scientist and director of synthetic molecule analytical chemistry at Genentech, the world’s first biotechnology company, Pellett pursues groundbreaking science to develop medicines for life-threatening diseases. Among Genentech’s transformational discoveries are the first targeted antibody cancer treatment and the first medication for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Prior to his work at Genentech, Pellett was an analytical research and development scientist for Pfizer. Known for his commitment to technical excellence, he is a recognized expert in pharmaceutical stability modeling and the use of quality by design (QbD) in manufacturing and measurement systems.
Pellett specializes in drug development at the stage when new chemical entities are human-tested on their way to becoming potentially life-saving medicines. Over the course of his more-than-25-year career in pharma and biotech, he has authored more than 20 papers and book chapters.
Pellett’s Denison connections run deep. His fourth-great-grandfather, Deacon Daniel Shepardson, supervised construction of the first campus buildings. His parents, Jackson and Patricia, met as first-year students on the East Quad. During his time at Denison, Pellett was very involved in campus life through theatre, as a member of the university’s Chemical Society, as president of the Outdoors Club, and more.
He continues his family’s multigenerational commitment to Denison as a speaker, mentor, and founding member of the board of advisors, as well as through his efforts to make Denison accessible to all students through the establishment of the Pellett Family Endowed Scholarship.
He lives in Burlingame, Calif., with his wife, Karen, and their three sons. Pellett is a community leader and father active in Cub Scouts and youth sports, serving as a team coach and on the board of the Burlingame Youth Baseball Association.