BIO

Her academic research focused on understanding drug targets at the atomic level, assessing their therapeutic potential, and using structural insights to guide drug discovery. She has led research projects to develop new classes of antimalarial drugs, new antibiotics, biologics and to develop phage enzymes as disinfectants. Driven by a desire to translate early-stage discoveries into real-world solutions, she chose to leave academia and Australia, and moved to the biotech hub of San Diego, US.

Dr. McGowan is deeply committed to addressing the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Her current focus is to develop innovative therapies that avoid immunosuppression, ensuring that patients maintain a protective immune system for life. Now, as co-founder and CEO of Scudo Biosciences, she is developing immune-shielding technology to revolutionize transplant medicine—ensuring safe, durable, and lasting outcomes for patients. Scudo, meaning “shield” in Italian, reflects the company’s mission to protect immune function in patients.