Professional Profile
Dr. Sara Hershberger is a toxicologist in ToxStrategies’ Biopharmaceutical/Pharmaceutical Practice, with 6 years of experience as a Study Director at two Contract Research Organizations (CROs) in which she specialized in Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART). During her time as a Study Director, she directed nonclinical embryo-fetal development, fertility, pre- and postnatal, and juvenile studies, and she was responsible for the study design, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of results. Dr. Hershberger also developed particular expertise in conducting large DART studies (fertility, pre and postnatal, and juvenile) utilizing the New Zealand White rabbit, which are often well suited for large-molecule compounds. In addition, Dr. Hershberger is well versed in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) DART study designs, which are suited for crop protection and chemical development. She was also cross trained as a Study Director in general toxicology, where she oversaw small-animal studies.
Working in the CRO arena, Dr. Hershberger routinely hosted learning seminars for technicians to provide continuing education on the various types of study designs, scientific rationale, and study results. She became the Study Director trainer within the DART department of a CRO, generated study proposals, attended pre-initiation meetings, and peer reviewed reports.
At ToxStrategies, Dr. Hershberger works closely with clients to identify the most appropriate CRO to perform various in vitro studies, as well as in vivo studies in small and large animal species, including non-human primates, by various routes of administration for small- and large-molecule drug candidates. She oversees all aspects of study conduct, including cost management, protocol development, study monitoring, report finalization, and regulatory submission support.
Dr. Hershberger holds a doctorate in Toxicology and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology. She has published widely in the scientific literature and regularly presents at scientific conferences.