Paul Fielder (Merrill ’84, psychobiology) (Ph.D. ’89, biology)

Dr. Paul Fielder (Merrill ’84, psychobiology) (Ph.D. ’89, biology) is currently a vice president emeritus at Genentech, Inc. Fielder received his undergraduate degree in psychobiology and Ph.D. in biology with a focus on reproductive endocrinology from UC Santa Cruz with Professor Frank Talamantes. Following his Ph.D., he was a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford University School of Medicine with Professor Ron Rosenfeld, where he did both basic and clinical research in growth hormones and insulin like growth factors. During this time, Fielder helped identify a rare population of growth hormone receptor deficient patients in Ecuador and helped set up a clinical trial to treat them with IGF-I. During these early years at UCSC and Stanford, Fielder gained a strong appreciation for the importance of diversity and inclusion in science and in using one’s skills to help better society through medical-related research and mentorship.

To expand his ability to impact science and medicine, Fielder joined Genentech as a scientist in 1993, and has spent the last 30 years at Genentech to understand the basic mechanisms controlling the kinetics and distribution of protein therapeutics and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Fielder’s scientific and leadership efforts have directly and indirectly contributed to the discovery, development, and approval of many of Genentech’s top biological therapies. He has also contributed to over 90 publications in basic biology, endocrinology, biomarkers, and preclinical and clinical pharmacology.

During the later part of his career Fielder was an early pioneer in helping to shape Genentech’s efforts in diversity and inclusion. He has helped develop and sponsor multiple early-in-career programs and university collaborations to help develop and train new scientists with an emphasis on encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to apply for, and succeed, in careers in biotechnology. Fielder is also the recipient of the Developer Award from the Genentech Women’s Professional Group as a recognition of his mentorship and allyship of women in science.