Dr. Jing Chen has amassed 28 years of expertise in Microfluidics, MEMS, and Manufacturing Engineering. He earned his PhD from Tsinghua University, furthered his research at the University of Michigan, and served as a tenured professor at Peking University for 16 years. In 2014, Dr. Chen founded HiComp, which specializes in microfluidic and lab-on-chip products for various industries. He has authored over 180 papers, 70 patents, and 6 books, making significant contributions to the field.
Imad Mansour is a leader and innovator in the field of lab automation and liquid handling technologies. With over 25 years of experience in the life sciences sector, Imad has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in laboratory efficiency and precision. As the driving force behind HoverLabs, Imad is spearheading the development of a revolutionary automation platform set to transform laboratory workflows. His expertise in creating unique liquid handling technologies and cutting-edge web-based platforms has positioned him at the forefront of industry advancement. Throughout his career, Imad has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead high-performing teams and craft innovative product strategies. His customer-centric approach and strategic vision have been instrumental in delivering tailored solutions that address the complex needs of modern laboratories. Imad's commitment to excellence and deep understanding of market dynamics make him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of lab automation. As he continues to pioneer new technologies at HoverLabs, Imad remains dedicated to enhancing scientific discovery and research productivity through intelligent automation solutions.
Steve Testen is a highly accomplished engineer and leader with a proven record of excellence in automation. With over 15 years of engineering experience, he has consistently demonstrated expertise in hardware development and custom engineering projects by designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions. Steve started his career in the aerospace and automotive industries where he developed custom engineering solutions to automate manufacturing, inspection, and R&D processes. His broad experience enabled him to accomplish all aspects of the product life cycle, from scoping, machine design, electrical design and assembly, fabrication, programming, technical documentation, and training. Steve then joined Biosero, where he designed and integrated innovative automation platforms to accelerate research discovery in the life science industry. He started his tenure there as a Senior Automation Engineer, helping customers directly to achieve their automation dreams. In this role, he conducted mechanical design, developed instrumentation drivers, wrote application methods, and deployed many automation projects for labs, ranging from small instrument-feeding workcells to massive, track-based orchestration platforms. Over the hundreds of workcells he deployed, he encountered instruments covering the full range of Life Science applications and integrated them together utilizing the Green Button Go scheduling software. He was also integral to the development of the first fully integrated mobile robot to enter the life science industry by conducting its initial design, programming, deployment, and then leading its product development. Steve then advanced to the role of Director of Engineering at Biosero, where he led the automation engineering team, developing it into an industry-leading integrator of the most sophisticated laboratory automation platforms in the world. Steve co-founded Lab Sync with the vision of spearheading continuous innovation within the life sciences industry, aiming to integrate groundbreaking technologies into laboratory automation and enhance research capabilities."
David Dambman is an influential leader and visionary in the laboratory automation sector, known for his development of the industry-leading Green Button Go Scheduler and Orchestrator software platforms, as well as his pioneering work in autonomous mobile robots for laboratories. Mr. Dambman architected and built some of the largest and most sophisticated automation platforms in the life science industry, spanning discovery R&D, biotech, and diagnostics. His involvement in the design, build, and deployment of hundreds of automated systems worldwide has been instrumental in accelerating the discovery of an array of drugs, therapies, and cures, marking a significant impact on global health and the future of medicine.During his 12-year tenure at Biosero, Mr. Dambman played a central role in steering the company through remarkable growth, profitability, and innovation. His leadership was integral to the successful 2021 acquisition of Biosero by BICO, numerous partnerships and relationships with industry-leading companies in the EU and APAC, and with cementing Biosero’s reputation as the leader in laboratory automation and orchestration.Prior to Biosero, Mr. Dambman worked as a software consultant on a number of large software projects in areas such as aircraft maintenance data analysis and visualization, supply chain simulation and optimization, electronic warfare, and automated test equipment. He began his entrepreneurial journey as co-founder of a small music equipment company designing and manufacturing guitar effects pedals and amplifiers.
Interview: https://youtu.be/9VL4dG4UdCE
Social Media Post: https://www.aquillius.com/post/meet-the-lab-geniuses-making-science-faster-cheaper-and-smarter
Imran Clark lives in San Diego and is the West Coast BD Director with Nona Biosciences. NonaBio is a platform technology company and CRO leading the industry in next gen fully human therapeutic mAb development. Imran has a diverse background that includes bench science, project and alliance management, and business. Previously, Imran was Assc Dir designing and validating clinical assays at Sorrento Therapeutics; served as Sr Manager of biologics testing at Abzena; captained his own business for over a decade; and spent several years with Cyntellect Inc. leading external client projects and alliances. Imran received his PhD in Molecular Biology from UCLA in 1998 and his bachelor’s from UCSB in 1993.
As Chief Strategy Officer for iValue Global, Eric helps nonprofits apply available resources to the digital project that will amplify their mission the most. Eric’s passion is solving world problems by helping government, industry, and academia deliver technology faster as a TV host, business consultant, and software developer. He helps connect communities, businesses scale, and traditional organizations integrate revolutionary technology and innovation.Proven success in marketing, business development, and sales. 13 years of experience in developing and implementing strategy at a national level for a world-leading technology company. Comprehensive experience in understanding defense programs and introducing revolutionary technology in the context of traditional acquisition including pioneering and delivering technical solutions that have become mainstays in military operations
Will Alaynick is an early team member or co-founder of several life science tools and device companies including, NanoCellect Biomedical (microfluidic cell sorting), Arima Genomics, (synthetic long read sequencing and cancer diagnostics), Defined Bioscience (defined cell culture media), Onward (spinal cord stimulator), SweetSpot Diabetes (diabetes informatics), and others. He led product development, domestic and international sales, and fundraising from NIH SBIRs, venture capital, private equity and strategic investors. Taking these lessons, Will co-founded Phase Two Ventures to help the next generation of founders achieve success. He completed a BA in History of Science and Pre-Med at University of Washington, a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from UCSD and The Salk Institute, and a Post Doc in spinal cord development at The Salk.
Nuzi Barkatally supports seed-stage healthcare and life science founders on SVB’s Startup Banking team. Prior to SVB, Nuzi worked as an operator at various healthcare startups. Nuzi graduated from the University of Houston, receiving a bachelor of fine arts and later from the Royal College of Art in conjunction with Imperial College - School of Medicine, receiving a master’s of research in healthcare and design with a focus on the ethical implications of AI in healthcare.
Dr. Mo Kagalwala received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and MBA from UCSD Rady School of Management. Dr. Kagalwala completed postdoctoral fellowships at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Salk Institute. In 2020, he moved to Immuneering Corporation as Head/Sr. Director of Neuroscience Development where he played a pivotal role in advancing two drug pipelines, and straddled business development leading to successful pharma partnerships, including an IPO exit. Later, Dr. Kagalwala co-founded AlleoLabs, an early-stage biotech company focused on developing precision medicine for CNS diseases. His research topics mainly include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders over the last 19years. Dr. Kagalwala enjoys mentoring next generation of entrepreneurs at the Basement and StartR programs at UCSD.
Tim is Director of Early-Stage Life Science Startups at Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, in San Francisco Bay Area. In this role, he mentors and advises startups at the beginning stages of their journey, connecting them to the larger SVB ecosystem and accelerating them to Series A via company building and fundraising strategies. Before joining SVB, Tim spent 16 years in medical device focused on early commercialization. From sales to surgeon training to sales leadership, he played an integral role in bringing medical devices from concept to the operating room to becoming the ‘gold standard’ of care. He is excited to bring his experience to SVB’s startup banking team helping founder’s find success.
Dr. Michael Mouradian is the Senior Director of Laboratory Sciences at Charles River Laboratories in Reno, Nevada, where he oversees multiple scientific segments including Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Immunology, and Analytical Chemistry. With almost 20 years of experience, he has led initiatives to enhance preclinical and clinical capabilities in regulated environments, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results for clients. His previous role as Vice President of Robotics saw him lead strategic initiatives to expand market share in drug discovery and diagnostics segments, including efforts that supported the U.S. Government in COVID-19 diagnostics. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and an MBA from the University of Nevada and is a recognized leader in laboratory research, automation, and screening technologies.
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