Mark Charest

Mark earned his PhD in chemistry and chemical biology from Harvard University as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, his MS in chemistry and chemical biology from Harvard University, and his BA in chemistry, with Highest Honors, from Rutgers University.

Mark provides strategic advisory services and conducts fundamental, thesis-driven investments in the life sciences. He is currently Portfolio Manager at Phenomic Capital, a life sciences investment and advisory firm. 

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Previously, Mark was SVP at Tekla Capital Management, focused on public and private healthcare technology investments. Before that, he was Portfolio Manager at New Leaf Venture Partners, focused on public healthcare technology investments. Mark performed his fellowship at Panorama Capital, focused on public and private healthcare technology investments. While at Panorama, Mark served on the boards of directors of Itero Biopharmaceuticals and was a board observer at Presidio Pharmaceuticals and PowerVision. 

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Mark has also previously worked as a Consultant at ZS Associates, a healthcare-focused management consultancy, and as an Associate at Great Point Partners, a healthcare-focused public and private equity investment firm. Prior to joining Great Point, Mark held an operating role in the oncology area as a Medicinal Chemistry Lab Manager at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. 

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During his graduate studies, Mark completed the chemical synthesis of tetracycline and made key contributions to intellectual property out-licensed to found Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ TTPH).

A member of Class 15, Mark served his fellowship at Panorama Capital under the mentorship of Dr. Rod Ferguson and Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal. He was the recipient of the 2012 Jeff Timmons Memorial Award in recognition of his contributions to the Kauffman Fellows organization and service to the Kauffman Fellows Program.