Title: Associate Director, Toxicology
Company: Baxter
Location: Bloomington/IN
Education: MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University (2016); Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Purdue University (2011)
Career History: Associate Director, Toxicology, Baxter (2022-Present); Senior Toxicologists, Boston Scientific (2021-2022); Medical Device Toxicologist II, Boston Scientific (2017-2021); Medical Device Toxicologist I, Boston Scientific (2013-2017); Lab Manager and Research Associate, Indiana University School of Medicine (2011-2013); Veterinary Technician, VCA Shadeland Animal Hospital (2006-2012)
Kristen Dusenbury, Associate Director of Toxicology at Baxter, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of science.
Ms. Dusenberg first developed a passion for health care and the sciences, particularly toxicology, in high school. She worked for several years as a veterinary technician at VCA Shadeland Animal Hospital and ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Purdue University. Her career interests led her to work as a bio-compatibility specialist, lab manager, and research associate at the Indiana University School of Medicine from 2011 to 2013 before working as a medical device toxicologist at Boston Scientific. This experience and the combined utilization of chemistry, physiology, and mathematics inspired her to pursue a Master of Science in pharmacology and toxicology from Michigan State University, which she ultimately attained in 2016, while still working at Boston Scientific and then advancing to the role of senior toxicologist.
Since 2022, Ms. Dusenberg has been active as an associate director of toxicology at Baxter, through which she leads the global toxicology team for the pharmaceuticals business unit, oversees strategy, manages the budget, identifies growth opportunities, and leads a group of six employees. In addition, she works on infusion generally aimed at making acute therapies more affordable for patients. Originally, she joined the company as an individual contributor, performing toxicological risk assessments, supporting new product development, and managing sustainable projects. She remains involved in post-market surveillance, focusing on the quality of pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle and working with external contract labs to design and conduct toxicological studies.
Over the next five to 10 years, Ms. Dusenbury strives to further develop her expertise and broaden her scope within the pharmaceutical industry. Transitioning from the medical device field, she’s currently focused on deepening her understanding of pharmaceuticals and expanding her role within Baxter. Her goal is to be promoted to the director level, grow her team, and gain knowledge in new drug product development.
Amid all of her professional achievements, Ms. Dusenbury considers her most significant role to be as a single mother and through her dedication toward her son. She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, whom she says has been “instrumental in her journey.” Additionally, outside of her primary endeavors, she’s always been a fervent advocate for mental health services and those with disabilities; she passionately supports the Sunflower Campaign, which raises awareness for people with hidden disabilities, and promotes work-life balance for all employees.