Sana Afzal
Sana Afzal is an innovation-focused bioprocess scientist whose career has centered on advancing gene therapy through viral vector downstream process development. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Massachusetts Lowell and ongoing MBA studies at the same institution, she has built more than six years of experience across manufacturing support, quality control, and bioprocess development. Her journey into biotechnology began through co-op experiences at Pfizer, where she gained firsthand exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and developed a passion for applying engineering principles to improve patient outcomes.
Throughout her career, Afzal has specialized in viral vector downstream purification for gene therapy applications, working extensively with adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral (LV) platforms. During nearly six years at MilliporeSigma, she contributed to process development, chromatography optimization, scale-up activities, and the evaluation of novel purification technologies. Her expertise spans chromatography, tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, analytical testing, and data-driven process optimization. Known for her collaborative approach and technical versatility, she has supported projects from bench-scale research through pilot-scale manufacturing while helping drive innovation in the rapidly evolving gene therapy sector.
Currently serving as a Senior Scientist in Viral Vector Downstream Process Development, Afzal remains committed to advancing science-based solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of biomanufacturing. Beyond the laboratory, she is expanding her interests into scientific writing, communication, and the application of artificial intelligence to optimize workflows and accelerate innovation. Inspired by the sacrifices and encouragement of her immigrant parents—particularly her mother, who championed education and perseverance—Afzal combines technical excellence with a strong sense of purpose. Outside of work, she enjoys creative pursuits such as writing poetry and stories, drawing, and exploring horror films, while supporting community initiatives focused on food security and hunger relief.
• University of Massachusetts Lowell - B.S.
• Local food banks and relief organizations
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say that my parents, especially my mom, always encouraged us to pursue higher education. My parents were immigrants and they struggled a lot once they moved to the United States, but they put us through college. I'm a part of 3 girls, so just daughters. My mom didn't really get the educational opportunities back in her home country, so she really pushed us to study whatever we want. She said that science is something that's, or like, something that where we could potentially go really far, science and engineering. So just from like middle school, I really focused on science and engineering, getting introduced to that. When I struggled in college in chemical engineering, I thought I would drop out, but my mom really - I would attribute me not dropping out to my mom, and her strong feelings towards me finishing. That was, I think, the reason why I finished my chemical engineering degree, and I did really well towards the end. But really, my mom, and my dad, too, I would attribute my success to them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My best advice would be during college, instead of just focusing on coursework, I would put additional effort into getting internships or co-ops, and if that's not possible, try to connect with people in industry by making a LinkedIn profile for yourself and contacting people, either alumni or some people you have a connection with, to conduct informational interviews. Informational interviews was a tool I used since I was in college, and it was very useful in understanding the different opportunities that exists in biotech.
Locations
Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions
Chelmsford, MA 01824