John Mayfield visited Boston in February 2012 and attended an event by the original Biotech Tuesday! He was extremely impressed with how many great conversations and new people he met. When he returned to Durham, he began searching for a similar event, but could not find one. The only answer was to bring Triangle Biotech Tuesday to the Research Triangle Park.
Founder
John Mayfield, PhD
John worked as a postdoc in the Institute of Genome Science and Policy (IGSP) at Duke University from 2009-2013. Upon completion of his postdoc, he worked as a scientist within the clinical laboratory at Illumina, where he contributed to improving patient genomic sequencing processes within a clinical setting. Currently, he is a scientist at the cancer diagnostic company, Foundation Medicine, contributing to the interpretation of clinical sequencing data from cancer patients and delivery of clinical reports that assist physicians in making decisions in patient care.
John worked as a postdoc in the Institute of Genome Science and Policy (IGSP) at Duke University from 2009-2013. Upon completion of his postdoc, he worked as a scientist within the clinical laboratory at Illumina, where he contributed to improving patient genomic sequencing processes within a clinical setting. Currently, he is a scientist at the cancer diagnostic company, Foundation Medicine, contributing to the interpretation of clinical sequencing data from cancer patients and delivery of clinical reports that assist physicians in making decisions in patient care.
Co-Founder
Jeffrey R. Harris, PhD
Jeff is a dedicated and innovative stem cell biologist with a passion for regenerative medicine, and translating stem cell therapy from animal models into the clinic. He is currently working as a Senior Scientist for the Preclinical and Translational Development group at Celgene Cellular Therapeutics in Warren, New Jersey. In addition to his career goals of helping cure patients of disease through cell therapy, he has a passion for scientific education and connecting people.
Jeff is a dedicated and innovative stem cell biologist with a passion for regenerative medicine, and translating stem cell therapy from animal models into the clinic. He is currently working as a Senior Scientist for the Preclinical and Translational Development group at Celgene Cellular Therapeutics in Warren, New Jersey. In addition to his career goals of helping cure patients of disease through cell therapy, he has a passion for scientific education and connecting people.
Co-Founder
Jessica Monserrate, PhD
Jessica is a research scientist at Bayer CropScience committed to devising innovative solutions to increase crop yields in an effort to feed our growing population. She received her doctoral degree from the University of California, Irvine and conducted her post-doctoral training at Duke University. She has been committed to keeping the biotech industry here in RTP strong by actively participating in forums aimed to increase scientific discussions and collaborations. With the current cross fertilization of different scientific disciplines there is not a better time to be a scientist creating solutions that incorporate our understanding of nature and technology.
Jessica is a research scientist at Bayer CropScience committed to devising innovative solutions to increase crop yields in an effort to feed our growing population. She received her doctoral degree from the University of California, Irvine and conducted her post-doctoral training at Duke University. She has been committed to keeping the biotech industry here in RTP strong by actively participating in forums aimed to increase scientific discussions and collaborations. With the current cross fertilization of different scientific disciplines there is not a better time to be a scientist creating solutions that incorporate our understanding of nature and technology.
Co-Founder
Barbara (Xiaohua) Xu, PhD, RAC
Barbara is currently a Data Scientist at Lenovo. She has previously worked with Duke University Medical Center and Deloitte LLP dealing with computational modeling, numerical analysis, data mining and relational database management for life science companies. She has extensive experience to understand the client's business model, develop solutions for client data validation and translation.
Barbara is currently a Data Scientist at Lenovo. She has previously worked with Duke University Medical Center and Deloitte LLP dealing with computational modeling, numerical analysis, data mining and relational database management for life science companies. She has extensive experience to understand the client's business model, develop solutions for client data validation and translation.
Co-Founder
Pankuri Goraksha-Hicks, PhD
While with TBT, I worked as Director, Oncology Studies for Gentris, a CGI Company where my primary role was to manage client relations and provide operational oversight of clinical projects. I managed and coordinated efforts of internal & external cross-functional teams to support milestone achievement and regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical projects that focused on pharmacogenomics and oncology. My interests lie in scientific affairs and business development for clinical research and biotech. I strongly believe that talking with your outer circle can lead to innovative solutions and problem solving. With my role in Triangle Biotech Tuesday, I looked to foster new thoughts and ideas by connecting peoples outer circles.
While with TBT, I worked as Director, Oncology Studies for Gentris, a CGI Company where my primary role was to manage client relations and provide operational oversight of clinical projects. I managed and coordinated efforts of internal & external cross-functional teams to support milestone achievement and regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical projects that focused on pharmacogenomics and oncology. My interests lie in scientific affairs and business development for clinical research and biotech. I strongly believe that talking with your outer circle can lead to innovative solutions and problem solving. With my role in Triangle Biotech Tuesday, I looked to foster new thoughts and ideas by connecting peoples outer circles.
Co-Founder
Jeff Blackinton, PhD
Jeff received his Ph.D. in 2008 from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm as a member of the NIH-Karolinska Institutet Graduate Partnership Program for work on the biological mechanisms of disease in genetic forms of Parkinson's disease. He recently worked at BD.
Jeff received his Ph.D. in 2008 from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm as a member of the NIH-Karolinska Institutet Graduate Partnership Program for work on the biological mechanisms of disease in genetic forms of Parkinson's disease. He recently worked at BD.
Alumni
Ali Ghiassi, BS
Ali was President of TBT until 2017. He is a sales and talent acquisition professional with over 8 years of demonstrated success in talent acquisition and project management in Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Finance sectors for both the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, Ali has held board positions with several non-profit and startup organizations responsible for participating, planning and the implementation of targeted events/goals. By creating strategic partnerships, Ali is able to focus on implementing effective and efficient programs for talent management, internal and external contractor on-boarding, employee retention, as well as diversity and inclusion program development. Ali has been able to lower costs by reducing attrition and increasing employee engagement across his client organizations. Ali earned his BS from UNC-Greensboro with a triple major in International Business, Economics, and Spanish.
Ali was President of TBT until 2017. He is a sales and talent acquisition professional with over 8 years of demonstrated success in talent acquisition and project management in Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Finance sectors for both the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, Ali has held board positions with several non-profit and startup organizations responsible for participating, planning and the implementation of targeted events/goals. By creating strategic partnerships, Ali is able to focus on implementing effective and efficient programs for talent management, internal and external contractor on-boarding, employee retention, as well as diversity and inclusion program development. Ali has been able to lower costs by reducing attrition and increasing employee engagement across his client organizations. Ali earned his BS from UNC-Greensboro with a triple major in International Business, Economics, and Spanish.
Prajit Pillai, PhD
Prajit was a Project Manager for a boutique Clinical Research Organization while with TBT. His responsibilities included Clinical Trial Management and Business Development. Prajit received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of South Florida in 2011. He invests his free time in activities that will benefit Wildlife and underprivileged children. He strongly believes that networking is a very important and powerful career tool. It is this belief that led him to join the Triangle Biotech Tuesday committee that work towards connecting scientific professionals in the Research Triangle.
Prajit was a Project Manager for a boutique Clinical Research Organization while with TBT. His responsibilities included Clinical Trial Management and Business Development. Prajit received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of South Florida in 2011. He invests his free time in activities that will benefit Wildlife and underprivileged children. He strongly believes that networking is a very important and powerful career tool. It is this belief that led him to join the Triangle Biotech Tuesday committee that work towards connecting scientific professionals in the Research Triangle.
Nguyen Phan, PhD
Nguyen is an experienced Scientist focusing on Leadership, Project Management, Process Improvement and Business Development. He has a PhD in Genetics from Iowa State University. He prides himself in principles of Integrity, Authenticity, Being Open-minded, and Being in the Moment, which continues to guide him throughout his life. He has 10+ years of experience in life science research, and cross-applies himself in leadership, professional development, coaching, social innovations, business processes, marketing and market research spaces with the goals of providing an increase of the bottom line.
Nguyen is an experienced Scientist focusing on Leadership, Project Management, Process Improvement and Business Development. He has a PhD in Genetics from Iowa State University. He prides himself in principles of Integrity, Authenticity, Being Open-minded, and Being in the Moment, which continues to guide him throughout his life. He has 10+ years of experience in life science research, and cross-applies himself in leadership, professional development, coaching, social innovations, business processes, marketing and market research spaces with the goals of providing an increase of the bottom line.
Michael Davies, PhD
Michael received his Ph.D. in 2010 at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He moved to the area for a postdoc at Duke University, and afterwards Dr. Davies became an independent financial advisor. Using his strong scientific background and a passion for helping others, he takes an analytical approach to assess and determine what a client needs to accomplish their financial goals. To honor those folks that helped him out along the way, he started Life Science Networking to pay it forward, help educate folks on how to put their first and best foot forward, and guide people on how to build meaningful relationships. He brings this passion for networking to his role in Triangle Biotech Tuesday.
Michael received his Ph.D. in 2010 at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He moved to the area for a postdoc at Duke University, and afterwards Dr. Davies became an independent financial advisor. Using his strong scientific background and a passion for helping others, he takes an analytical approach to assess and determine what a client needs to accomplish their financial goals. To honor those folks that helped him out along the way, he started Life Science Networking to pay it forward, help educate folks on how to put their first and best foot forward, and guide people on how to build meaningful relationships. He brings this passion for networking to his role in Triangle Biotech Tuesday.
George McGregor, JD
George received his JD through the NCCU School of Law Evening Program, his MS in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics from the UNC-CH School of Medicine, and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Oberlin College. George worked as a contractor with the NCI on anti-tumor and anti-AIDS drug discovery and design, and environmental health issues with the US EPA. Notable accomplishments include the first 3D model of the AIDS virion, elucidation of the structure of Taxol, and the first CFD model of the human airway from nose to alveoli. Currently George has a general law practice focusing on intellectual property and business law for small to mid-sized companies, particularly biotech companies, due in part to larger legal firms being less “accessible” to smaller interests. He is one of a few attorneys who has hands-on experience in biotechnology giving him a unique understanding of the business of biotech clients.
George received his JD through the NCCU School of Law Evening Program, his MS in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics from the UNC-CH School of Medicine, and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Oberlin College. George worked as a contractor with the NCI on anti-tumor and anti-AIDS drug discovery and design, and environmental health issues with the US EPA. Notable accomplishments include the first 3D model of the AIDS virion, elucidation of the structure of Taxol, and the first CFD model of the human airway from nose to alveoli. Currently George has a general law practice focusing on intellectual property and business law for small to mid-sized companies, particularly biotech companies, due in part to larger legal firms being less “accessible” to smaller interests. He is one of a few attorneys who has hands-on experience in biotechnology giving him a unique understanding of the business of biotech clients.
Azad Karimi
Azad received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University. He also pursued a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science at North Carolina Central University, with a concentration in BioInformatics. His extensive experience in R&D, Validation, Quality Assurance, Business Development, and as a technical product expert, he decided to extend his responsibilities to TBT as Event Coordinator.
Azad received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University. He also pursued a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science at North Carolina Central University, with a concentration in BioInformatics. His extensive experience in R&D, Validation, Quality Assurance, Business Development, and as a technical product expert, he decided to extend his responsibilities to TBT as Event Coordinator.
Amanda Van Swearingen, PhD
Amanda is a cancer biologist and neuropharmacologist with the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis (DCBSM). She oversees the research portfolio for the Center, spanning from preclinical to translational to clinical studies, including clinical trials, across solid tumor types. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wake Forest University in 2007 and a PhD from Duke University in 2012 in Molecular Cancer Biology. Amanda’s ultimate goal is to utilize her training in pharmacology, neuroendocrinology, drug development and regulatory affairs in the development and translation of effective therapies for unmet clinical needs. As the President of Triangle Biotech Tuesday, she aimed to foster long-term connections between scientists and life science professionals in RTP.
Amanda is a cancer biologist and neuropharmacologist with the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis (DCBSM). She oversees the research portfolio for the Center, spanning from preclinical to translational to clinical studies, including clinical trials, across solid tumor types. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wake Forest University in 2007 and a PhD from Duke University in 2012 in Molecular Cancer Biology. Amanda’s ultimate goal is to utilize her training in pharmacology, neuroendocrinology, drug development and regulatory affairs in the development and translation of effective therapies for unmet clinical needs. As the President of Triangle Biotech Tuesday, she aimed to foster long-term connections between scientists and life science professionals in RTP.
Madelyn Huang
Madelyn (Mimi) Huang, PhD is a postdoctoral trainee in the Division of the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park. She began attending TBT in the last year of her PhD in Toxicology at UNC Chapel Hill and has thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and networking at TBT ever since. From interviewing alumni from the UNC Toxicology Program about their careers to chairing the NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium, Mimi has a passion for helping fellow students and colleagues build connections and find their next step.
Madelyn (Mimi) Huang, PhD is a postdoctoral trainee in the Division of the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park. She began attending TBT in the last year of her PhD in Toxicology at UNC Chapel Hill and has thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and networking at TBT ever since. From interviewing alumni from the UNC Toxicology Program about their careers to chairing the NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium, Mimi has a passion for helping fellow students and colleagues build connections and find their next step.
Justin Kurian, PhD
Justin received his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 2012, followed by a stint in the pharmaceutical industry as a validation engineer. This experience inspired him to delve into basic science research, leading to the completion of a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Florida in 2019, focusing on parvovirus structure and function. With his continued interest in the R&D space, Justin now supports the development of gene therapies for rare diseases at Pfizer. As a member of TBT, he looks forward to promoting lively discourse and networking between faculty/students/postdocs, industry professionals, and all who have a passion for the life sciences.
Justin received his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 2012, followed by a stint in the pharmaceutical industry as a validation engineer. This experience inspired him to delve into basic science research, leading to the completion of a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Florida in 2019, focusing on parvovirus structure and function. With his continued interest in the R&D space, Justin now supports the development of gene therapies for rare diseases at Pfizer. As a member of TBT, he looks forward to promoting lively discourse and networking between faculty/students/postdocs, industry professionals, and all who have a passion for the life sciences.