RENEE SADOWSKI
Lake Villa
Summary
Accomplished Principal Scientist with a strong track record of leading transformative research initiatives that drive significant scientific advancements. Expertise in designing and executing experiments that yield impactful results, complemented by a commitment to fostering team collaboration in fast-paced environments. Demonstrated proficiency in defining in vivo strategies and guiding multidisciplinary teams while effectively integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into preclinical workflows to enhance data quality and inform strategic decision-making. Results-oriented leader dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and innovation.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Research Scientist I
AbbVie
01.2024 - 2025
- Lead and managed a team of biologists supporting in vivo studies across a broad portfolio of age-related disease indications.
- Provide scientific and operational leadership in the selection, development, and optimization of in vivo disease models.
- Partner closely with neuroscience, immunology, pharmacokinetics, chemistry, and formulation teams to design integrated preclinical strategies.
- Coordinate internal and external study execution, including CRO-based activities and development of inducible genetic models.
- Serve as a key contributor to the Digital In Vivo Alliance, driving adoption of digital technologies, automation, and AI-enabled tools to modernize in vivo assays, enhance data integrity, and support scalable decision-making.
- Spearhead training and change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new digital platforms and methodologies across in vivo teams.
- Serve as IACUC Chairperson for the Lake County site, advancing improvements in communication, culture, and compliance across in vivo research groups.
Senior Scientist II
AbbVie
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Served as in vivo biology lead for discovery and early development programs.
- Designed and oversaw internal and external in vivo studies supporting portfolio decisions.
- Managed genetic mouse model colonies and mentored in vivo scientists.
- Evaluated translational relevance and feasibility of in vivo models.
Senior Scientist I
AbbVie
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Designed PK/PD and efficacy studies to support compound progression.
- Conducted behavioral and biological characterization of novel and transgenic models.
- Expanded in vivo capabilities through adoption of new behavioral and surgical techniques.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2013 - 2016
- Developed and optimized experimental protocols, enhancing research efficiency and reproducibility.
- Conducted advanced research in molecular biology, contributing to innovative scientific advancements.
Education
PhD - Neuroscience
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL01-2013
BS - Biology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
BS - Psychology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Skills
- In Vivo Model Strategy
- Preclinical & Translational Research
- Neuroscience & Aging Biology
- PK/PD & Efficacy Studies
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- CRO Management
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Animal Welfare & IACUC Leadership
- Scientific writing
Timeline
Principal Research Scientist I
AbbVie
01.2024 - 2025
Senior Scientist II
AbbVie
01.2020 - 01.2024
Senior Scientist I
AbbVie
01.2016 - 01.2020
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2013 - 2016
PhD - Neuroscience
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
BS - Biology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
BS - Psychology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
AWARDS
R&D President Award, AbbVie (2022)
Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2013-2016
NIH Predoctoral Traineeship in Endocrine, Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology, 2011-2013
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Nacham O, Brown JW, Maneshi MM, Kurschner V, Sheehan M, Sadowski RN, et al. Scientific Reports. 2025.
- Lee CM, Sadowski RN, Schantz SL, Llano DA. eNeuro. 2021.
- Sadowski RN, Stebbings KA, Slater BJ, et al. Neurotoxicology. 2016.