Meet the PIVOT team
Bruce Hunter
Interim Chief Innovation & Economic Engagement OfficerBruce Hunter
Interim Chief Innovation & Economic Engagement Officer
Amanda Ashley
Senior Director of Marketing & CommunicationsAmanda Ashley
Senior Director of Marketing & CommunicationsAmanda has been director of marketing and communications at PIVOT since 2022 and with the U since 2016. She leads a team responsible for developing branding, marketing and communication strategies to advance the U’s innovation ecosystem, through the sharing of effective practices and ideas related to technology commercialization, corporate engagement and economic development. Amanda focuses on collaborating and working together with partners to achieve a shared strategic vision to advance university discoveries that improve lives and benefit society.
Prior to joining the U, she was a freelance marketing and communications consultant, freelance editor and writer and has written and published articles on healthcare, environmentalism, business, economics, outdoor recreation industry, sustainable farming practices and culinary arts.
Ken Aoki
Senior Director of Business OperationsKen Aoki
Senior Director of Business Operations
Shaleen Watkins
Senior Director, Administration & Chief People OfficerShaleen Watkins
Senior Director, Administration & Chief People OfficerShaleen draws on 20+ years in the tech transfer industry to ensure strong workflow and information management across the PIVOT Center to continually increase overall efficiency. She is responsible for managing and overseeing key projects and operations that streamline daily processes that contribute to the overall success of organizational productivity. Shaleen also leads the compliance and finance teams that are responsible for government and agreement compliance, along with accounts payable/receivable functions. She is a member of the Sr. Team that works in unison with other members to map PIVOT as the best in the world.
Shaleen is a certified paralegal. Prior to her current role in Operations, she was responsible for managing intellectual property matters related to the University of Utah Research Foundations confidential patent portfolio. Her work included creating a financial model and assessment tool for forecasting patent prosecution expenses. She was responsible for developing through partnership with third parties, specifically, but not limited to law firms and outside consultations, creative strategies to generate monies and or sources of revenue to increase value from existing patent portfolio. She was responsible for managing and fostering law firm relationships by maintaining constant communication and enabling creative ways of interacting with law firms using new technologies and external data sources.
Shaleen is a certified paralegal. Prior to her current role in Operations, she was responsible for managing intellectual property matters related to the University of Utah Research Foundations confidential patent portfolio. Her work included creating a financial model and assessment tool for forecasting patent prosecution expenses. She was responsible for developing through partnership with third parties, specifically, but not limited to law firms and outside consultations, creative strategies to generate monies and or sources of revenue to increase value from existing patent portfolio. She was responsible for managing and fostering law firm relationships by maintaining constant communication and enabling creative ways of interacting with law firms using new technologies and external data sources.
Deborah Arnold
Senior Manager of License & Government ComplianceDeborah Arnold
Senior Manager of License & Government ComplianceDebbie has been a proud member of PIVOT Center for seven years and has been a member of the IP, Operations, and Contracts teams and is currently a member of the Finance/Compliance team. She is a notary, paralegal and is an expert at maintaining government reporting according to the University & Small Business Patent Procedures Act of 1980, aka the Bayh-Dole Act. This reporting ensures the University maintains title to all technologies partially or fully funded by the U.S. Government. She draws on her legal training when analyzing licensee agreement requirements and is responsible for ensuring licensees are complying with agreement requirements.
Debbie has a B.S. degree with a major in Business, is a Paralegal, and recently passed the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) “IP Awards Compliance Professional Certification” exam. She is a current member of the AUTM Operations Compliance Committee and presents government compliance at AUTM University yearly.
Stephanie DeGraff
Intellectual Property ManagerStephanie DeGraff
Intellectual Property Manager
Aaron Duffy
Associate Director of CommercializationAaron Duffy
Associate Director of CommercializationAaron received a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an MS in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University, and a BS in Biology from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. After obtaining his doctorate, he joined a small biotech company as a Research Scientist to advance products in the pharmaceutical bioresearch and bioprocess markets. It is here he was introduced to the intersection of scientific research, intellectual property and business development.
Aaron joined PIVOT Center in 2013 as an Analyst. Shortly after, he transitioned to a Technology Manager and then Associate Director of Innovation & Commercialization, as which he manages relationships around an extensive portfolio of Life Science technologies including: therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools & reagents, and healthcare IT. He has repeatedly demonstrated earnest faculty engagement as well as establishing strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Aaron leverages his passion for understanding innovation and building relations to help guide commercialization strategy and accelerate Utah intellectual property to licensing and the market. At every turn, Aaron enjoys taking the time to work with new and established faculty as well as industry partners to execute on the mission and vision of PIVOT Center, and that of the University of Utah. And yes, *sigh* you may call him A-A-Ron.
Aaron joined PIVOT Center in 2013 as an Analyst. Shortly after, he transitioned to a Technology Manager and then Associate Director of Innovation & Commercialization, as which he manages relationships around an extensive portfolio of Life Science technologies including: therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools & reagents, and healthcare IT. He has repeatedly demonstrated earnest faculty engagement as well as establishing strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Aaron leverages his passion for understanding innovation and building relations to help guide commercialization strategy and accelerate Utah intellectual property to licensing and the market. At every turn, Aaron enjoys taking the time to work with new and established faculty as well as industry partners to execute on the mission and vision of PIVOT Center, and that of the University of Utah. And yes, *sigh* you may call him A-A-Ron.
Tommy Evershed
Director of FinanceTommy Evershed
Director of FinanceTommy has always been drawn to a career in which he can leverage his natural tendencies to work hard and excel under pressure. At PIVOT Center, he is able to be his true self: a trustworthy finance professional who provides quality work and dedication.
Tommy is a finance and accounting professional with 20 years of experience in finance, business services and office administration. His current position includes coordinating major financial reporting/budgeting activities, managing the correction of account balances, resolving funding issues, and maintaining proper accounting controls/procedures. He is responsible for the intellectual property royalty process, which includes invoicing, deposits, collections, disbursements and revenue sharing. In prior financial positions, Tommy has led efforts to ensure organizational resources were used effectively and efficiently to ensure/achieve long-term growth and value. Tommy has a B.A. in Accounting from Western Governor’s University. Prior to coming to work at PIVOT Center, Tommy worked for Boart Longyear as a Sr. Intercompany Accountant, where he gained insight and experience working with various agencies across the state and multiple different countries. His skills include: budgeting, forecasting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, month/year end close and the ability to adapt and work well within an ever-changing work environment.
Tommy is a finance and accounting professional with 20 years of experience in finance, business services and office administration. His current position includes coordinating major financial reporting/budgeting activities, managing the correction of account balances, resolving funding issues, and maintaining proper accounting controls/procedures. He is responsible for the intellectual property royalty process, which includes invoicing, deposits, collections, disbursements and revenue sharing. In prior financial positions, Tommy has led efforts to ensure organizational resources were used effectively and efficiently to ensure/achieve long-term growth and value. Tommy has a B.A. in Accounting from Western Governor’s University. Prior to coming to work at PIVOT Center, Tommy worked for Boart Longyear as a Sr. Intercompany Accountant, where he gained insight and experience working with various agencies across the state and multiple different countries. His skills include: budgeting, forecasting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, month/year end close and the ability to adapt and work well within an ever-changing work environment.
Dean Gallagher
Associate Director of CommercializationDean Gallagher
Associate Director of CommercializationAt the University, Dean‘s focus is on technologies transfer in the physical sciences including Engineering and Computing. Dean has hands on experience in designing and building electrical power transmission, distribution, and substations, telecommunications, fiber optic networks and central offices, enterprise software, and equipment manufacturing. Dean has a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia and has over 30 years working in industry as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Operations Manager, and Senior Engineer. This experience has provided working engineering knowledge with all infrastructure in the public right-of-way, in commercial and industrial buildings, and residential units and homes.
Prior to joining the University, Dean managed projects at PECO Energy (nuclear, transmission & substations, distribution, telecommunications), Sunesys/Quanta Services, Schneider Electric, AREVA/Alstom Grid/GE, Bentley Systems, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and these positions worked with customers from all industries including education, pharmaceutical, DOT’s, telecoms, and utilities across the nation and internationally. Away from work, Dean has coached youth football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling; and is currently a musician and sound engineer.
Prior to joining the University, Dean managed projects at PECO Energy (nuclear, transmission & substations, distribution, telecommunications), Sunesys/Quanta Services, Schneider Electric, AREVA/Alstom Grid/GE, Bentley Systems, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and these positions worked with customers from all industries including education, pharmaceutical, DOT’s, telecoms, and utilities across the nation and internationally. Away from work, Dean has coached youth football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling; and is currently a musician and sound engineer.
Jessie Gallegos
Executive AssistantJessie Gallegos
Executive AssistantJessie has exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to ensure seamless calendar management, travel coordination, and meeting logistics, turning your schedule into a well-choreographed masterpiece. She has honed her organizational wizardry to make sure every meeting runs like clockwork and that your travel adventures are handled with precision. Adept at handling sensitive information with utmost confidentiality and skilled in fostering effective communication within and beyond the organization.
Tom Georgis
Managing Director, Energy GreenhouseTom Georgis
Managing Director, Energy GreenhouseTom Georgis has 24 years of experience in both the conventional and renewable energy sectors, most recently as the CEO of SolarReserve, a global concentrated solar with thermal energy storage company, He has extensive climate technology expertise derived from working with numerous renewable and sustainable energy companies, technologies and projects; including early stage investment capital sourcing and structuring, regulatory and legislative policy advocacy, clean technology development and commercialization, and utility scale project development and financing.
Tom is also an Adjunct Instructor with the Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy in the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah and an Adjunct Professor and Faculty Advisor at the Anderson School of Management at UCLA where he lectures on entrepreneurship, international business strategy, and sustainability. At Anderson, he is also on the board of the Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
As an entrepreneur, operator, advisor, and investor, he has been involved with over 20 startups. He holds a degree in Political Science from Northwestern University and an MBA from UCLA.
Amy W. Graham
Events & Programs ManagerAmy W. Graham
Events & Programs ManagerAs Events & Programs Manager for PIVOT Center, Amy oversees marketing campaigns, plans events and contributes to publications and this website. If you’ve ever attended or been involved with one of our events, she was probably behind it. Amy joined PIVOT Center in 2006 and has held several different positions over the years. There are so many interesting things about Amy – she’s a semi-professional sword fighter, has her own YouTube channel, has lost over 250 pounds and is writing her first novel – that you just need to meet her to learn more.
Heather N Johnson-Gutierrez
Senior Contracts ManagerHeather N Johnson-Gutierrez
Senior Contracts ManagerHeather Johnson-Gutierrez brings her expertise to PIVOT Center as the Senior Contracts manager where she plays a vital role on the PIVOT contract team. She helps keep research moving at the University of Utah by drafting, negotiating and overseeing different agreements and contracts. Heather Johnson-Gutierrez received Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Spanish from the U before earning a J.D. at the University of Cincinnati. She enjoys reading, traveling and learning languages.
Alex Hart
Business Information SpecialistAlex Hart
Business Information SpecialistIn his current position, Alex supports the PIVOT Center via skillsets in Tableau, Salesforce, and similar analytics software. There is often a large list of projects that the analytics team engages in to drive office cohesion and operation, in response to which Alex has become adept as a jack-of-all-trades. His fascination with all things analysis is what has led him into the world of Qualtrics, Quip, DocuSign, and so much more. Overall, Alex prioritizes organization and efficiency, providing report services and data retrieval for PIVOT as a general whole. If a team needs help with their load, they can count on Alex to help straighten the lines, relieve pressure, and get a fresh perspective on available approaches.
Alex has a background in the humanities and linguistics. His suite of academic skills is strongest in qualitative data retrieval and communication, which he has had over 6 years to shape and streamline. His undergraduate and graduate career is punctuated with a strong affinity for cultural analysis and linguistic translation. Alex is a polyglot and expert in the Scandinavian languages, with a strong fluency in Swedish. He graduated with a B.A. from Augustana College in 2021, with majors in anthropology and Scandinavian studies. In his spare time, Alex enjoys exploring in nature with his partner, walking his cat (yes, you read that right), creative worldbuilding (think Tolkien), and weather forecasting – the truncated nature of this list is just one of many good reasons to get to know him.
Michelle Hernandez
Administrative CoordinatorMichelle Hernandez
Administrative CoordinatorWhen you don’t know who to call, you contact Michelle. She maintains command central at PIVOT Center - greeting guests, connecting phone calls to appropriate parties and ensuring the office environment is safe and comfortable for everyone. Her proactive approach, pragmatic problem-solving skills, and creative flair (which she honed while receiving a B.A. in Photography from Ithaca College) ensure that both staff and visitors benefit from a professional, well-run work environment. Michelle grew up in the South Bronx and now likes to get lost in the desert: you can find her digging up dirt in her yard, hiking, or camping in Utah’s backcountry nearly every summer weekend.
Cassidy Hoff
Salesforce AdministratorCassidy Hoff
Salesforce AdministratorCassidy manages PIVOT’s Salesforce environment by making tweaks, fixing bugs, and adding new features to ensure Salesforce is working smoothly for PIVOT staff. These Salesforce improvements ensure PIVOT staff can efficiently and effectively work with inventors, investors, licensees, and more. Cassidy earned her master’s degree in information systems from the University of Utah, and she is a certified advanced administrator of Salesforce.
Before joining PIVOT Center, Cassidy earned her Honors B.A. in Writing and Rhetoric Studies at the University of Utah. When she first joined PIVOT, Cassidy was an Investments Associate and managed a team of analysts who wrote market reports analyzing the commercial potential of newly disclosed technologies. She also wrote, edited, and published non-confidential summaries for those technologies to aid in their marketing. Cassidy then joined the New Ventures Team as a New Ventures Associate, in which she matched technologies with entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and corporates who improved the chance for commercialization success. While a New Ventures Associate, Cassidy also assisted in organization-wide data cleanups, helping PIVOT Center run as smoothly as possible.
Before joining PIVOT Center, Cassidy earned her Honors B.A. in Writing and Rhetoric Studies at the University of Utah. When she first joined PIVOT, Cassidy was an Investments Associate and managed a team of analysts who wrote market reports analyzing the commercial potential of newly disclosed technologies. She also wrote, edited, and published non-confidential summaries for those technologies to aid in their marketing. Cassidy then joined the New Ventures Team as a New Ventures Associate, in which she matched technologies with entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and corporates who improved the chance for commercialization success. While a New Ventures Associate, Cassidy also assisted in organization-wide data cleanups, helping PIVOT Center run as smoothly as possible.
Eric G. Johnson
Director of Business & Data AnalyticsEric G. Johnson
Director of Business & Data AnalyticsEric leads the team charged with maintaining and developing core IT Infrastructure, developing analytical maturity and ensuring data transparency within and without the organization.
Eric has a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Business Analytics, and is finishing his MBA all from the University of Utah.
In his free time he is preparing for his first 100 mile bike race in St George and learning new hobbies including photography and guitar.
Israel Jones
Market Research AnalystIsrael Jones
Market Research Analyst Israel, otherwise known as 'Izzy', is a market research analyst at the PIVOT Center with a focus on business strategy. A graduate in entrepreneurial studies of the top-ranked David Eccles School of Business, he previously served as a teaching assistant, aiding startup and existing business owners and others in pro forma and financial modeling. At PIVOT, his role includes evaluating new technologies, crafting commercialization strategies, and supporting licensing efforts. His work extends to biotechnology and energy sectors, where he assists in business development planning and preparing university startups for venture capital. Outside the office, he's a passionate sportsman, with a background in soccer and boxing, now coaching at a local gym. His blend of business acumen and dedication makes him an invaluable asset to PIVOT's growth and innovation
Jessica Keat
Financial AnalystJessica Keat
Financial AnalystJessica Keat is a dedicated financial analyst at the University of Utah PIVOT Center. With a master’s degree in public administration from the U, Jessica is adept at managing accounts receivable and accounts payable processes with a keen attention to detail and has a knack for adapting seamlessly to dynamic work environments. Her proficiency in budgeting and forecasting assists and ensures the university’s growing reputation for innovation.
Noman Khan
Associate Director of Corporate Engagement
Vicky Leah
Innovation Project ManagerVicky Leah
Innovation Project ManagerVicky Leah found her way to PIVOT from England after studying at Utah State University. Vicky now plays an essential role in the innovation management provided by PIVOT by tending to the intellectual property for the technologies disclosed to the center. Vicky is super organized, which comes in handy as she runs the prosecution and administration of all PIVOT patent applications. In Vicky’s role, they ensure things go smoothly throughout the patent process while also coordinating with multiple internal PIVOT teams and inventors.
801.581.7792 801.587.2347 Vicky.Leah@utah.edu
Carla MacQueen
Intellectual Property ManagerCarla MacQueen
Intellectual Property ManagerCarla is the information coordinator for the PIVOT Center team. She is responsible for creating new database records, running reports and queries, monitoring, training office staff, troubleshooting and creating and approving new user accounts in the database. And she does it all with her trademarked sparkling personality. When you meet her, be prepared to smile because along with doing an excellent job as information coordinator, Carla was born to make people laugh.
Lisi Merkley
Marketing & Communications Content CoordinatorLisi Merkley
Marketing & Communications Content CoordinatorLisi Merkley joined PIVOT Center after working as a journalist in Utah. She now uses her writing skills to tell the stories of University of Utah researchers and their commercialization journeys. Since joining PIVOT, she’s started a weekly faculty feature series, continued developing PIVOT’s newsletter and written other content to support PIVOT’s focus on serving U faculty. When Lisi’s not writing for PIVOT, you can find her running, reading, watching movies or spending time with her two cats.
Eric S. Paulsen
Director of ContractsEric S. Paulsen
Director of ContractsEric works to create and update agreement templates, negotiate and finalize all license agreements, research agreements and material transfer and confidentiality agreements, handle all legal matters that affect the office, and liaise with the Conflict of Interest Office and the Office of General Counsel as needed.
Eric has worked with Technology and Venture Commercialization for 15 years. Eric began as a Technology Manager, where he worked for over seven years. In this capacity Eric collaborated with faculty inventors to review and assess inventions, and worked to protect and commercialize the intellectual property covering those inventions, both through traditional licensing, and startup companies. Eric then transitioned to Partnership Development, where he worked to forge relationships between university faculty researchers and outside companies who have a need for university expertise or facilities, and then to his current role on the Contracts team. Eric has earned a Juris Doctor degree and MBA.
Jaimie Rosenthal
Innovations ManagerJaimie Rosenthal
Innovations ManagerJaimie specializes in collaborating with inventors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives to shape and execute on sustainable business strategies, maintain partnerships within the community, and to match teams with promising technologies. She uses her inquisitive skills to match technologies with entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts to help teams reach their goals with the possibilities of commercialization success.
Previous to this role, Jaimie has experience in assisting and organizing accelerator programs. Jaimie earned her B.A. in Communications and minoring in Entrepreneurship; allowing specializing in creating relationships with small businesses and startups. Creating lasting relationships with those she works with is a top priority
Kendall Schultz
Contracts ManagerKendall Schultz
Contracts ManagerKendall manages, negotiates, and ensures execution of PIVOT Center material and data transfer agreements. Before joining PIVOT, Kendall worked in the medical device industry where she developed a passion for healthcare innovation. Kendall brings her personal and professional goal of facilitating healthcare innovation to her management of material and data transfer agreements. Kendall received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University and is also a Certified Paralegal through Boston University. Kendall is a great teammate and collaborator and adds her experience and skillset to PIVOT’s contracts team. When not managing the various agreements that come through PIVOT, Kendall likes to spend time with her rescue dog, enjoy the outdoors, ski and read books.
Huy Tran
Associate Director of CommercializationHuy Tran
Associate Director of CommercializationAs Associate Director of Innovation Manager with an emphasis with medical devices, Huy promotes innovation and commercialization through matching the technology to the commercial need. He does this through faculty engagement, technology evaluation, market evaluation, IP management, and license development. Prior to joining PIVOT Center, Huy has over 12 years of experience inventing and developing products in the medical device industry.
Huy has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a M.S. in Professional Masters of Science and Technology from the University of Utah. Huy has product development experience from: needs identification, concept inception, patent submissions, prototyping, process development, process and product qualification, and launching new products to market ranging in complexity from intra-nasal vaccination devices for developing countries to guide-wire assisted peripheral intra-venous catheters. He has also worked in various work environments ranging from start-ups to large corporations as well as working internationally. Huy has multiple domestic and international patent awards and many patent-filings under review.
Huy has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a M.S. in Professional Masters of Science and Technology from the University of Utah. Huy has product development experience from: needs identification, concept inception, patent submissions, prototyping, process development, process and product qualification, and launching new products to market ranging in complexity from intra-nasal vaccination devices for developing countries to guide-wire assisted peripheral intra-venous catheters. He has also worked in various work environments ranging from start-ups to large corporations as well as working internationally. Huy has multiple domestic and international patent awards and many patent-filings under review.
Jonathan Tyler
Director of Commercialization - Physical SciencesJonathan Tyler
Director of Commercialization - Physical SciencesJonathan Tyler is a seasoned executive leader in technology commercialization, transfer, corporate engagement, and faculty support. With a master’s degree in technology Commercialization and a second complimentary master’s degree in information systems, his educational background complements his extensive experience. As the Director of Corporate Engagement & Innovation at the University of Utah's PIVOT Center, he drives successful commercialization initiatives and fosters partnerships. Jonathan's expertise in operations and production management, combined with his skills in technology evaluation, commercialization strategies, and fostering collaborations, enables effective bridging between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. He plays a vital role in translating research and innovation into practical applications, benefiting the university and the wider community.
Gabriella Walsh
Graphic Design InternGabriella Walsh
Graphic Design InternAs a graphic design intern at PIVOT Center, Gabriella Walsh is honing her skills in creating innovative and effective designs. She is currently studying graphic design at the University of Utah, where she is exploring how to cultivate ideas, solve design challenges, and utilize design software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. She enjoys producing modern and functional designs that convey information efficiently and effectively. She has worked on various design projects, such as posters, booklets, logos, rack cards, and more. When she is not designing, she likes to read and write books, as well as draw illustrations.
Megan Warren
Contracts ManagerMegan Warren
Contracts ManagerMegan’s greatest professional joys have always come from forging connections—specifically when it comes to helping young scholars find their niche. Her eclectic background in research administration, academic conference planning, and medical fellowship management have exposed her to the kinds of work that bring university faculty to PIVOT. As a project manager, she is happy to bring that enthusiasm to the inventor disclosure process, and ensure that faculty are familiar with the process and happy with its results.
Megan has a BS in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and holds Master’s degrees in both Public Affairs (Indiana University) and Legal Studies (University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law).
Kyrsten Woolstenhulme
Director of Innovation ManagementKyrsten Woolstenhulme
Director of Innovation ManagementKyrsten draws on her combined business and engineering experience to help accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries to commercial products. She collaborates with inventors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives to shape and execute on sustainable business strategies, foster partnerships within the community, and match potential management teams with promising technologies. Kyrsten also leads or supports licensing deals with new startups being spun out of the University. When not engaging with Utah’s innovation ecosystem, she utilizes her process improvement and project coordination experience to improve office efficiency. Kyrsten received her Bachelor of Science in Management with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. She also earned an MBA from the David Eccles School of Business. Kyrsten was recognized by Utah Business in 2022 as one of the 20 in their 20’s awardees honoring the states up-and-coming talent as they start their own business and rise through the ranks of existing ones. Kyrsten is also a Certified Associate in Project Management and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Prior to her current role, Kyrsten performed in-depth analyses of unmet market needs and trends in life science industries. Her work included conducting a competitive analysis of University technologies, evaluating market opportunity, developing marketing collateral, and identifying potential licensees. Kyrsten also has a background in life sciences research, having completed an undergraduate Merrill Engineering Scholars Fellowship at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. While there, she focused on improving treatment options for patients with lung cancer by studying the mechanisms of drug response and resistance to personalize cancer therapies.
Jason Young
Director of Commercialization - Life SciencesJason Young
Director of Commercialization - Life Sciences Jason draws on his medical and business expertise to assess the market and clinical potential for life science technologies developed at the University with a particular focus on therapeutics and medical devices. His experience as an entrepreneur and consultant helps him to guide University inventors and start-ups as they develop intellectual property and navigate the technology commercialization process.
Jason has an M.D from the University of Utah School of Medicine (Alpha Omega Alpha) and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He also earned a Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences Graduate Certificate from Utah Valley University. As part of his entrepreneurial experience, he won the Harvard Business School Business Plan Competition and was nominated for the Peak 100 Award (sponsored by Peak Ventures). As a scientist, he has over 10 peer-reviewed publications and has completed courses in advanced diagnostics (McGill University), epidemiology (University of Utah), and health outcomes and pharmacoeconomic research (University of Arizona).
Jason has an M.D from the University of Utah School of Medicine (Alpha Omega Alpha) and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He also earned a Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences Graduate Certificate from Utah Valley University. As part of his entrepreneurial experience, he won the Harvard Business School Business Plan Competition and was nominated for the Peak 100 Award (sponsored by Peak Ventures). As a scientist, he has over 10 peer-reviewed publications and has completed courses in advanced diagnostics (McGill University), epidemiology (University of Utah), and health outcomes and pharmacoeconomic research (University of Arizona).
David Bearss
Senior Managing DirectorDavid Bearss
Senior Managing DirectorDavid brings to PIVOT 20+ years of academic and industry experience in drug discovery and development. He is a serial entrepreneur with several successful exits and developed products. Some of his previous roles include CEO of Tolero; CSO/Head of R&D of Sumitomo Dainippon Global Oncology; and former Co-Director for the Center for Investigational Therapeutics The Huntsman Cancer Institute. He received both his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology and Post Doc in Oncology and Cancer Biology from UT Health San Antonio. Locally at Brigham Young University he earned his B.S. in Human Biology.
Chadwick Davis
Senior Manager, ResearchChadwick Davis
Senior Manager, ResearchChadwick Davis has years of experience working in the pharma/biotech industry from startup to IPO and beyond, positioning him well to support University of Utah researchers as they develop and prepare their inventions and discoveries to transition from lab to market. Chadwick was one of the first employees at U spinout Recursion Pharmaceuticals and hopes to someday start his own company to bring more treatments to the patients that need them. In his spare time, you can find Chadwick cooking, camping, doing the daily Wordle, meditating, crushing it at Orange Theory, and did we mention solving today’s Wordle?
Lorinda Griffiths
Administrative ManagerLorinda Griffiths
Administrative ManagerLorinda joined the Therapeutic Accelerator team in 2021 and brought with her 20+ years of administrative experience. Her commitment to creating an organized and efficient environment helps facilitate the success of the program. Lorinda strongly believes in the importance of getting the research out of the lab and into the hands of those who need it. She is excited to contribute all her knowledge, skill, and experience to help create as many opportunities as possible to do so.
Michael McCullar
Managing DirectorMichael McCullar
Managing DirectorMike brings industry-informed expertise to direct the course needed for new drug development. He utilizes his vast experience in the field to recognize promising therapeutics and identify the additional development needed to put them on a trajectory to commercialization.
Michael McCullar has more than 20 years of pharmaceutical experience in strategic planning and development, drug discovery and operation, business development and commercial
Michael McCullar has more than 20 years of pharmaceutical experience in strategic planning and development, drug discovery and operation, business development and commercial
Alex W. Stark
Senior Manager, ResearchAlex W. Stark
Senior Manager, ResearchAlex uses his scientific and business experience to support researchers through the process of commercializing candidate therapeutics, from drug discovery through optimization, validation, and commercialization. He performs complex analyses to identify market demand and clinical impact for prospective therapeutics. Alex has experience working in the fields of oncology, infectious disease, transplant medicine, and genetics/genomics. Alex has a B.S. in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. He earned his Ph.D. in Oncological Sciences from the University of Utah School of Medicine.
David Noteware
XIRDavid Noteware
XIRAs a serial entrepreneur, David has a strong history of founding, building and exiting companies. He’s raised over $70 million in venture capital and has a keen understanding what it takes to navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship and invention. David was previously COO and General Counsel of the nation’s largest and oldest business incubator, The University City Science Center in Philadelphia. He thrives on the energy surrounding big ideas and knows what it takes to turn them into big successes.
Richard Abbott
EIR
Dan Alldridge
EIRDan Alldridge
EIRAs a PIVOT Center EIR, Dan brings to the table expertise include new product introduction, scaling, operations and supply chain strategy, and team building.In his current role, Dan is the Vice President of Supply Chain and Program Operations at Argonaut Manufacturing Services. During his tenure, Argonaut continues to go through hyper-growth working with a global client base in life sciences, molecular diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals. Prior to Argonaut, Dan was the Head of Global Operations at Celsee, a developer of single cell technology. Celsee was acquired by Bio-Rad in 2020. Dan also spent time leading hardware and software product lines at Agena Bio.
Dan started his career in life sciences with Ion Torrent, a developer of next generation sequencing technology, which was acquired by Life Technologies, who was then later acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Throughout his time with these companies, he held progressive leadership roles in Operations. Dan was a Marine Officer and served combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Dan currently sits on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Utah. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Indiana University.
Dan started his career in life sciences with Ion Torrent, a developer of next generation sequencing technology, which was acquired by Life Technologies, who was then later acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Throughout his time with these companies, he held progressive leadership roles in Operations. Dan was a Marine Officer and served combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Dan currently sits on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Utah. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Indiana University.
Beth Hoburg
EIRBeth Hoburg
EIR Beth Hoburg has 20+ years’ experience helping transform, reposition, and strategically grow companies. Specializing in the science, technology, and engineering sectors, she has worked with organizations ranging from private equity-backed firms to Fortune 100 corporations. Beth is a quick study with the ability to learn and manage a large amount of complex information and communicate it in a way that creates alignment. She holds a master of science in physical chemistry and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
Kevin Maher
EIRKevin Maher
EIRWith over 30 years of experience operating and leading start-ups, small businesses and global business units, Kevin has worked in several industries driving improvement and delivering significant value. He is a results oriented, decisive leader with successful track record innovating as well as transforming businesses to drive growth and maximize profits. Kevin loves to bring innovative solutions to market.
Kevin is currently the Founder and CEO of Applied Exponential Technologies, LLC, a Utah based startup focused on product development and validation of scalable technologies for sustainability. Prior, he was an SVP at Layne and was responsible for the Water and Minerals global business units. Kevin’s connection to Utah began in the late 1990’s through a strategic partnership and ultimately an acquisition by Boart Longyear Company. Kevin earned his B.S. Geology/Geophysics from Boston College, and his MBA, Entrepreneurship and Economics, from the University of New Hampshire.
Noah Nasser
MIRNoah Nasser
MIRWith more than 25 years of experience in biotechnology, Noah brings a broad background and experience in the development and commercialization of novel technology to advance human health. Noah current serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Serimmune, an immune intelligence company focused on identifying and exploiting the universe of relationships between antibodies and antigens. He joined Serimmune from San Diego biotechnology company, Human Longevity, Inc., a direct-to-consumer health screening organization combining proprietary imaging and genetic technologies, where he was chief commercial officer.
Prior to Human Longevity, Noah was chief commercial officer at Counsyl, a market leading genetic testing laboratory focused on women’s health applications including non-invasive prenatal screening, expanded carrier testing and hereditary cancer screening. Noah led Counsyl’s commercial team through its acquisition in 2018 by Myriad Genetics, Inc. He previously held senior leadership positions at San Diego-based biotechnology company AltheaDx, and San Carlos-based Verinata Health, a leader in non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), where he led his team through the company’s acquisition by Illumina in 2013. Noah holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology from University of California, San Diego.
Prior to Human Longevity, Noah was chief commercial officer at Counsyl, a market leading genetic testing laboratory focused on women’s health applications including non-invasive prenatal screening, expanded carrier testing and hereditary cancer screening. Noah led Counsyl’s commercial team through its acquisition in 2018 by Myriad Genetics, Inc. He previously held senior leadership positions at San Diego-based biotechnology company AltheaDx, and San Carlos-based Verinata Health, a leader in non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), where he led his team through the company’s acquisition by Illumina in 2013. Noah holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology from University of California, San Diego.
David Nielsen
EIR
Andy Olson
EIRAndy Olson
EIRAndy has more than 15 years’ experience commercializing biotechnologies for both startups and large enterprises. He specializes in molecular diagnostics markets—specifically genetics, infectious diseases, and cancer. Andy holds a bachelor of science in molecular biology from Brigham Young and an MBA from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. He enjoys skiing, cycling, and competing in the LoToJa, a 200-plus-mile road bike race from Layton, Utah, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that is completed in one day.
Mark Poritz
EIR
Kirk Ririe
EIRKirk Ririe
EIRKirk M. Ririe, born into an entrepreneurial family, pursued a broad education in chemistry, engineering, languages, and communication, receiving his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Utah in 2005. In 1991, Kirk partnered with Carl Witter and Randy Rasmussen to found Idaho Technology, Inc., which later changed became BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. Kirk served as the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Nerd at BioFire until they were acquired by BioMérieux. He also served as Corporate Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at BioMérieux for several years. Kirk is a former recipient of the National Tibbetts Award, and the 2004 Utah Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. On May 2, 2014, the University of Utah, College of Science formally inducted Kirk into the Science Hall of Fame. Kirk serves on the Board of Trustees of the Utah Technology Council.
Jerry Rudisin
EIRJerry Rudisin
EIRWith over 30 years of executive experience in B2B software companies, including positions as CEO of four venture-backed software startups, Jerry brings an extensive wealth of knowledge to his position as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. He’s no stranger to big ideas or big obstacles to overcome, repeatedly leading his companies to multi-million dollar successes and exits.
Bill Rusconi
EIR
Taylor Bench
MIR
Peter Djokovich
MIRPeter Djokovich
MIRPeter has 35+ years’ experience going-to-market with B2B and B2C product, service, and information technology companies. A lifetime entrepreneur, he has a strong operations focus on innovation, rapid commercialization, sales and distribution, process automation, analytics, close customer-collaboration, and sustained competitive advantage. He has started and operated nine venture and/or bootstrapped companies; and developed hundreds of growth plans for his clients. Peter has been in business in Utah since 1994. He earned his MBA from USC’s Entrepreneur Program.
Carl G. Ebeling
MIRCarl G. Ebeling
MIRExpertise: High throughput screening, drug discovery, optical microscopy, laboratory automation, optical super-resolution imaging, physics, optics, data analysis, computational imaging, laboratory operations, product management, product development strategy, scientific software development, software management, marketing, project management, microfluidics.
Background: Currently, I am the Director of High Throughput Screening (HTS) Operations at Recursion Pharma in Salt Lake City, where I oversee high-throughput phenotype assay execution for the Recursion high throughput data pipeline; my responsibilities include the HTS lab itself, a working group handling the storage and preparation of Recursion’s drug compounds used in assay screens, and an operations group working on experimental design and process validation. I am responsible for ensuring the capacity bandwidth in the HTS platform to handle Recursion’s company directives related to campaigns and screening objectives. Prior to my time at Recursion, I was a product and applications manager specializing in single molecule localization super-resolution optical microscopy with a focus on spatial genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics at Bruker Nano. At Bruker, I was responsible for the development of new technology platforms and applications development to further scientific research, and production of next-generation microscopy instrumentation and software packages. I also managed product development, application scientists, software developers, engineering, and project management teams to develop and implement a cross-functional microscope platform. I received my PhD in physics from the University of Utah in 2014, and my MBA from UC Berkeley in 2019.
Background: Currently, I am the Director of High Throughput Screening (HTS) Operations at Recursion Pharma in Salt Lake City, where I oversee high-throughput phenotype assay execution for the Recursion high throughput data pipeline; my responsibilities include the HTS lab itself, a working group handling the storage and preparation of Recursion’s drug compounds used in assay screens, and an operations group working on experimental design and process validation. I am responsible for ensuring the capacity bandwidth in the HTS platform to handle Recursion’s company directives related to campaigns and screening objectives. Prior to my time at Recursion, I was a product and applications manager specializing in single molecule localization super-resolution optical microscopy with a focus on spatial genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics at Bruker Nano. At Bruker, I was responsible for the development of new technology platforms and applications development to further scientific research, and production of next-generation microscopy instrumentation and software packages. I also managed product development, application scientists, software developers, engineering, and project management teams to develop and implement a cross-functional microscope platform. I received my PhD in physics from the University of Utah in 2014, and my MBA from UC Berkeley in 2019.
Melissa Floren Filippone
MIRMelissa Floren Filippone
MIRMelissa spent over a decade on Wall Street as a healthcare equity research analyst and portfolio manager at RS Funds, Janus Capital, and DCF Capital, respectively. She left the world of investments to help start Navigenics, a Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers company that was a pioneer in the industry now known as consumer or personal genomics. Employee #1 at Navigenics, Melissa led Business Development until they sold the company to Life Technologies, now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Melissa moved on to lead Customer Success and Business Development teams at Imagine Health, a company that builds high performance health plans for large self-funded employers. She continued in that role until Imagine Health was sold to Water Street Healthcare Partners. Melissa then served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Upwell Health, a national pharmacy that focuses on solutions for people living with chronic conditions.
Melissa is currently investing in early stage healthcare companies in addition to serving as a strategic advisor to several healthcare companies and a healthcare focused hedge fund. Melissa is originally from Connecticut and has lived in Park City for eight years with her husband, her three children, two dogs, and a flock of hens. Melissa graduated from Princeton University cum laude and is a CFA Charterholder.
Melissa is currently investing in early stage healthcare companies in addition to serving as a strategic advisor to several healthcare companies and a healthcare focused hedge fund. Melissa is originally from Connecticut and has lived in Park City for eight years with her husband, her three children, two dogs, and a flock of hens. Melissa graduated from Princeton University cum laude and is a CFA Charterholder.
Carine Henderson
MIRCarine Henderson
MIRCarine's broad experience and interests include early-stage commercialization, business development and strategic sales initiatives in the medical device market segment. Her experience encompasses working for Sanarus Technologies, International Biomedical, nView medical, and NeoMed, with the areas of expertise in spine, cryosurgical ablation, anesthesia, and neonatal ICU. Ms. Henderson holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the Marriott School of Management and a certificate of Entrepreneurship Immersion Program (i-Corps) from the National Institute of Health. Ms. Henderson was also recently the recipient of Valeant Pharmaceutical’s Today's Woman Scholar Award.
Steve Ritland
MIRSteve Ritland
MIRThe PIVOT Center is fortunate to provide access to MIR Steve, for those who want to speak to someone with experience developing drugs, and with an emphasis in clinical and commercial stage oncology therapeutics. Steve received his academic training in molecular oncology, pharmacology, and business management, garnering a Ph.D. and MBA. He has 24 years of work experience in pharma, biotech, and with startup companies. Steven has led programs from pre-IND through successful NDA and BLA regulatory approvals and launches; led disease teams and development groups; as well as mentored scientific talent in academic and industry settings. Somehow he finds the time to be an avid outdoor enthusiast and lifelong learner!
Chad Testa
MIRChad Testa
MIRChad wields a broad scientific background spanning molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry and drug discovery and development with a record of success securing non-dilutive funding (SBIR, R01, contract) from multiple funding agencies. Chad also has experience in business development activities including license negotiations, evaluation of potential in- and out-licensing opportunities, company acquisitions, establishment of strategic business relationships, developing operating budgets, and considerable experience reviewing technologies, including serving on grant review panels for 10+ years (SBIR, STTR, R01, R21, U01 among others).
Chad is currently Vice President of Research at Cūrza Global, LLC. He has been involved in all aspects of antibacterial discovery and development efforts including microbiology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, ADME-Tox, in vivo evaluation of new antibacterial agents as well as managing collaborations and outsourced activities. Chad began his post-graduate career by establishing an antibacterial discovery and development program targeting an isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway unique to bacteria at Echelon Biosciences which led to progression of several antibacterial agents through pre-clinical development. After becoming Vice President of Research & Development at Echelon and Frontier Scientific, he led projects and product development for a variety of therapeutic indications, including infectious diseases, oncology and inflammation.
Chad is an inventor on multiple-issued patents and pending applications with a successful track record securing non-dilutive capital totaling ~$100M from multiple federal agencies, including NIH/NIAID, NCI, NSF and DTRA. While his formal training has been largely scientific, he has also developed skills that he has used for business development, establishing and maintaining partnerships/collaborations and growing businesses. Chad’s degrees include a BA in Biochemistry from Ithaca College, MS in Chemistry from Bucknell University, and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Utah.
Chad is currently Vice President of Research at Cūrza Global, LLC. He has been involved in all aspects of antibacterial discovery and development efforts including microbiology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, ADME-Tox, in vivo evaluation of new antibacterial agents as well as managing collaborations and outsourced activities. Chad began his post-graduate career by establishing an antibacterial discovery and development program targeting an isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway unique to bacteria at Echelon Biosciences which led to progression of several antibacterial agents through pre-clinical development. After becoming Vice President of Research & Development at Echelon and Frontier Scientific, he led projects and product development for a variety of therapeutic indications, including infectious diseases, oncology and inflammation.
Chad is an inventor on multiple-issued patents and pending applications with a successful track record securing non-dilutive capital totaling ~$100M from multiple federal agencies, including NIH/NIAID, NCI, NSF and DTRA. While his formal training has been largely scientific, he has also developed skills that he has used for business development, establishing and maintaining partnerships/collaborations and growing businesses. Chad’s degrees include a BA in Biochemistry from Ithaca College, MS in Chemistry from Bucknell University, and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Utah.
Jeff Walker
MIRJeff Walker
MIRAs a PIVOT Center MIR, Jeff Walker, MD, provides expertise as a regulatory science consultant for drug and device development with emphasis in developing nonclinical and clinical science programs to support FDA applications for new drugs and devices.
Jeff’s background combines medical device, drug delivery and combination drug/device experience, complex implantable products and technologies that enable controlled, targeted drug delivery from a variety of medical device platforms. He has directed several 510(k) device submissions such as venous catheters, vena cava filters and a variety of novel suture technologies. And he has also led programs in several energy-based, drug-device delivery programs including high voltage electrical fields, photodynamic therapy, and magnetic particle drug delivery. Jeff built and directed core teams responsible for filing IND, NDA and PMA applications in a variety of technical fields including cardiovascular, ophthalmology and oncology indications and have broad experience in controlled release polymer systems such as drug- eluting stent and biodegradable polymer technologies.
Jeff’s background combines medical device, drug delivery and combination drug/device experience, complex implantable products and technologies that enable controlled, targeted drug delivery from a variety of medical device platforms. He has directed several 510(k) device submissions such as venous catheters, vena cava filters and a variety of novel suture technologies. And he has also led programs in several energy-based, drug-device delivery programs including high voltage electrical fields, photodynamic therapy, and magnetic particle drug delivery. Jeff built and directed core teams responsible for filing IND, NDA and PMA applications in a variety of technical fields including cardiovascular, ophthalmology and oncology indications and have broad experience in controlled release polymer systems such as drug- eluting stent and biodegradable polymer technologies.
Phil Walker
MIRPhil Walker
MIRPhil Walker has helped develop technology companies for over 20 years. A trained Mechanical Engineer with an Executive MBA from the University of Utah, he helps business focus on the keys for growth and driving value for customers. He specializes in helping founders grow and transform their businesses into operational success, while identifying and hiring the key talent to balance the team. He has a passion for helping tech businesses and people grow.