Innovative product development and evaluation leader with a focus on sustainable chemistry. I founded and scaled a dedicated applications lab from the ground up, which is now a core division at Lygos. This lab conducts extensive testing across diverse applications to validate and optimize sustainable chemicals for real-world use. By managing a cross-functional team, I drive strategic testing and analysis, ensuring new compounds meet rigorous application standards and align with market needs.With a passion for accelerating time-to-market for high-impact solutions, I proactively scout and evaluate new chemical innovations vand production technologies. This includes conducting market analyses, overseeing CRO partnerships, and leading in-house evaluations to determine the commercial potential of new compounds. My work combines scientific rigor with strategic insight to identify, develop, and launch sustainable products that address both market demand and environmental impact.

Experienced leader in strategic growth and business development for high-value therapeutic natural products. Following the acquisition of Librede by Lygos, I joined the executive team to lead the High-Value Chemicals division, where I focused on expanding the product pipeline and driving new market opportunities. I successfully led joint development agreements (JDAs) in the consumer market, launching multiple cannabinoid-based products, including the first non-plant-derived THCv product targeting weight loss.In this role, I was responsible for identifying emerging therapeutic molecules and guiding early-stage drug discovery projects, with a particular focus on a CB1 antagonist for metabolic disorders and both CB1 and CB2 for neuroinflammation. My work included creating a compound library based on natural scaffolding with liposomal delivery, conducting early toxicity tests, and formulating new candidates.I initiated and managed CROs and academic partnerships to advance product development, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and accelerating time-to-market. Additionally, I played a key role in making strategic investment decisions and creating investor decks to support funding and partnership initiatives, helping to drive Lygos' growth and market positioning.

Following the acquisition by Lygos, I played a pivotal role in transferring and scaling the technology. By leveraging my expertise in technology transfer and business development, I contributed to the successful launch of multiple products.Prior to this I led Librede, a pioneering biotechnology company, from inception to successful acquisition. As CEO, I spearheaded the development of a revolutionary yeast-based platform for producing complex natural compounds, including cannabinoids. This groundbreaking technology positioned Librede at the forefront of synthetic biology.Securing substantial funding from both public and private sources, I strategically navigated the company's growth trajectory. By forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders, we accelerated product development and expanded market reach.Ultimately, I led the successful negotiation and execution of Librede's acquisition by Lygos, maximizing value for all stakeholders.

Waystone Pharmaceuticals is a development-stage pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, CA, dedicated to creating safer and more effective treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions. The lead program focuses on developing a first-line therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) within the broader area of inflammation and immunology (I&I), aiming to improve upon the safety profiles of existing treatments. Waystone's approach leverages Host-Directed Therapeutics (HDT), utilizing a proprietary small molecule library designed to enhance the body’s immune response and restore balance. Central to our strategy is the targeting of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and endocannabinoid system (ECS) agonists, which play crucial roles in modulating immune function and maintaining homeostasis. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms of disease, waystone aim to develop therapies that are not only effective but also reduce the risk of adverse side effects and resistance development.My role is to develop strategic scientific and corporate plans using medicinal chemistry, high throughput screening, develop assays for improved outcome predictability, patent strategy, and guide the development path in the context of FDA regulations.

Pioneered the development of a cutting-edge artificial cell membrane platform for groundbreaking applications in cell-free electrophysiology and DNA nanopore sequencing. Successfully identified and evaluated novel technologies to drive innovation and commercialization. Spearheaded strategic alliances to foster technical partnerships and accelerate product development. Upon successful identification and integration of a new synthetic biology-based chemical platform, I was promoted to CEO to oversee commercial and technological advancements. Leveraged my deep technical understanding and strategic acumen to guide the company's growth, from early-stage R&D to market leadership.

I pioneered the development of automated, high-throughput lipid bilayer platforms for ion channel research, including an innovative, indefinitely storable design. My expertise spans automation, microfluidics, electrical measurements, and materials science. I led interdisciplinary collaborations, leveraging techniques such as microfabrication, wafer bonding, and thin-film deposition to advance the field of ion channel research