Kirsten E Coleman,

Kirsten Coleman is the Associate Director of the University of Florida Powell Gene Therapy Center Toxicology Core. She obtained both her B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Florida. After completing her undergraduate honors thesis in Dr. Terence Flotte’s laboratory in 2004, she joined the Toxicology Core to participate in the first-in-human trial of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 2 for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Since then, she has participated in bench to bedside research for multiple disorders utilizing the AAV gene therapy platform. Kirsten’s current responsibilities include designing and coordinating numerous aspects of preclinical and clinical testing, as well as overseeing that the Toxicology Core adheres to FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) 21 CFR Part 58 regulations. Her research focuses on the testing of cell and gene therapy vectors to determine their biodistribution, immunogenicity, pathology and efficacy. Along with the team at UF, she has successfully developed FDA-approved investigational new drug applications for the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal, metabolic, ocular and neurological diseases.