Principal Investigator/Chief Science Officer

I am an entrepreneurial focused leader that uses my extensive experience in drug development research to help develop new platforms for drug discovery in microgravity. I Co-founded and am the CEO and currently leading research at BioGravity, LLC. A startup at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker, M.D. School of Medicine- Innovation Center. BioGravity, LLC through the Michigan Space Station (non-profit arm of BioGravity) focuses on chemical and biological research in simulated and low earth orbit microgravity using our EXPLOR Space BioGravity™ RPM Platform and the International Space Station. I am also Co-founder of Offworld Biotech, LLC studying and evolving microbes in simulated and true microgravity. I am a proven researcher, senior leader, and subject matter expert in; preclinical toxicology, diagnostic imaging, and radio-pharmaceutical development, simulated microgravity research. I worked in discovery, preclinical, translational, and clinical drug development management for over 20 years, and in veterinary medicine and in vivo research/molecular imaging for over 30 years. I have hands on experience leading people, directing multi-million-dollar programs, interfacing with clients (sales, marketing, and of Toxicology, Analytical, and Molecular Imaging programs), vendors (medical device, chemical, biological), and staff of all levels. Managed budgets (up to $20M/yr). At Astellas Pharma (Agensys, Inc.), I lead efforts in developing antibody based (minibody, cis-diabody) companion diagnostic Molecular Imaging (PET/SPECT/CT) probes to detect, prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancers. I was the scientific member of IACUC committee, animal welfare training officer, diversion control officer, and radiation safety officer. At Siemens Molecular Imaging, I lead several cross functional groups involved in preclinical and clinical translational development of small molecule based Molecular Imaging Probes (PET/CT) for, tumor mapping, hypoxia, tumor apoptosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiology(hypoxia). I was the site IACUC administrator, and the zoonosis/animal welfare, and radiation safety officer. At MPI Research my focus was establishing great client relationships, finding and closing the deal using my strong drug development background, and conducting preclinical toxicology/ molecular imaging studies. (Individual annual study management and sales goal $12 million). Managing in country (Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and China) sales partners. I previously managed a large group people (200-technicians, project managers, and scientists) and directed every aspect of pharmacology, toxicology, and nuclear medicine/molecular imaging studies for regulatory submission, and or efficacy. I served the scientific member on the IACUC. At Charles River Labs I worked in international commercial development covering APAC and ROW. Consistently exceeded annual sales goal of $19 Million. International Social Responsibility: Since 2012 I have been going to Haiti between 3-6 times per year to help with the earthquake recovery effort as a private citizen. I have a deep connection to the people in the Caribbean. I embrace the people, culture, the food, their struggle as a nation on the doorstep of the first world. I started a nonprofit a few years ago with a Haitian OB/GYN colleague Women’s Health Haiti, Corp. We go to the countryside 2-3 times per year. We collect pap smear samples, conduct cytology, provide prenatal care and education to the women, and children. We are expanding to prostate health in the next year and have already started the information campaign. I am also an officer in Rosewill Conservation, Corp. a Non-profit helping farmers and ranchers conserve the environment.