Rhodes L.

Dr. Rhodes was educated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VMD) and Cornell University (PhD). As a senior research fellow at Merck Research Laboratories for 10 years, she led pre-clinical biology evaluation of several marketed human drugs. Dr. Rhodes practiced clinical veterinary medicine for five years, with experience in both companion and farm animal practice. She worked for Merial Ltd. as director of development projects, leading project teams developing novel compounds for a variety of indications and headed new technology assessment.

In April 2001, Dr. Rhodes formed AlcheraBio, a contract research firm specializing in developing new drugs for animals, working with biotechnology and animal health companies. AlcheraBio was acquired in 2008 by Argenta. In 2011, Dr. Rhodes accepted a position as CEO of Aratana Therapeutics, a company developing innovative new medicines for dogs and cats, and subsequently, when the company became public (PETX) served as its Chief Scientific Officer. During her tenure, the company obtained FDA approval for three novel drugs for dogs. She is retired and serves as an independent consultant. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Zoetis and Dalan Animal Health, as well as serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Michelson Prize and Grants Foundation. She is an adjunct member in the Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Graduate Program at Rutgers University.