Combining her academic training in immunology and public health experience, Tonya is responsible for leading cross-functional global product development teams for vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. This includes, but is not limited to, AZD1222 (ChAdOx1-S vaccine for SARS-CoV-2) and MEDI8897 (nirsevimab for respiratory syncytial virus).

As the Global Franchise Lead for Infectious Diseases and a Global Product Lead, she works within BioPharmaceuticals R&D to explore potential new vaccines and drugs to prevent or treat infectious diseases in the most vulnerable populations globally. She collaborates closely with a number of important external stakeholders at a global level, including public health organisations, regulatory authorities, and government representatives and healthcare policymakers on key development milestones from early development to launch of a product.

During her career, she served on several scientific committees and advisory boards including the Malaria Clinical Trials Alliance, International Society for Vaccines and the NIH Integrated Preclinical/Clinical AIDS Vaccine Development Program. She worked closely on global health initiatives with the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PAHO, WHO, IFPMA, and the UK Development Agency for International Development. She has been fortunate to work in countries around the world, both in high income and low income settings which enables her to have a significant perspective on how best to address the needs of different populations.

Tonya received a PhD in immunology from Weill Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences and an MPH from Harvard School of Public Health.