Mary Loveras brings a distinctive blend of scientific expertise and leadership to the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapy. As the director of manufacturing sciences and technology and process development at BioCentriq, Ms. Loveras oversees a team of scientists and engineers at the organization’s Princeton, New Jersey, facility. She leads the development laboratory, coordinating critical functions between development and manufacturing teams, managing client onboarding, facilitating technology transfer, and ensuring process testing aligns with the highest quality standards. Her deep knowledge in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine continues to guide her strategic decisions and drive results.
Ms. Loveras holds a Master of Science in molecular biology from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and chemistry from the same institution. Her academic training gave her the technical acumen and scientific discipline to excel in complex therapeutic development. She has also completed professional certifications in communication, business writing, graphic design, and presentation through Coursera, as well as leadership and influence training through Results By Design and The Ken Blanchard Companies.
Before joining BioCentriq, Ms. Loveras held several key roles in the biotechnology industry. She was senior manager of external manufacturing at Rubius Therapeutics and held a similar position at Novavax. At MaxCyte, she was manager of manufacturing operations and process development, gaining experience in scalable production techniques. Earlier in her career, she worked at Minaris Regenerative Medicine, rising from manufacturing associate to development engineer and lab manager. Her journey in the life sciences began with a research fellowship through the Research in Science and Engineering program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
In addition to her full-time leadership responsibilities, Ms. Loveras is the founder of Spiritual Atlas LLC, a venture that reflects her broader interests in creativity and personal growth. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, the International Society for Cellular Therapy, and the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. These affiliations help her stay connected to new research and trends while contributing to the collaborative advancement of therapeutic science.
Ms. Loveras also dedicates time to community service and advocacy. She serves on the advisory council for Visions and Pathways, supporting vulnerable youth, and has worked with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to advocate for children in foster care. Her commitment to these causes is reflected in her memoir, “Borrowed Wings,” which explores her personal journey, and in “Torchbearer Chronicles,” a book she co-authored.
Outside of her professional and civic activities, Ms. Loveras enjoys staying active and creative. She plays field hockey for the New Jersey Field Hockey Team, runs regularly, and expresses herself through blogs, poetry, and short stories. She credits her husband Peter for being a constant source of support in her personal and professional life.
In the future, Ms. Loveras aims to advance cell therapy innovation and help bring transformative treatments closer to commercial readiness. Her focus remains on creating therapies that improve patient outcomes and establishing New Jersey as a leader in regenerative medicine.