Aaron Edwards

Aaron is a seasoned leader in gene editing and cellular immunotherapy, with a decade of experience driving advancements in CAR-T and TCR-T therapies. He has held significant roles at Beam Therapeutics, where he led in vitro biology for the BEAM-201 program, and bluebird bio, focusing on gene editing applications. termeerinstitute+1

As the Co-Founder and CEO of KiraGen Bio, Aaron is pioneering the use of ML-driven multiplex gene editing to develop CAR-T cells that can overcome the immunosuppressive solid tumor microenvironment. His work focuses on creating effective, off-the-shelf treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer. kiragenbio+4

Aaron is an entrepreneurial and academic force, holding a dual MS/MBA in Biotechnology from Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School, an MS in Medical Sciences from Boston University, and a BS in Biology from Centre College. He is a Blavatnik and Henri Termeer Foundation Fellow, recognizing his leadership and potential in life science entrepreneurship. termeerinstitute+3

Beyond his scientific and entrepreneurial pursuits, Aaron is a vocal advocate for inclusivity and diversity in biotech. As a member of Centre College’s Alumni Council and Science Council, he is committed to fostering supportive environments and serving as a visible role model for LGBTQ+ students and those outside traditional academic paths. centre