Anoka, Minnesota, United States
Driving innovation at the intersection of synthesis chemistry, materials science, and strategic leadership to deliver breakthrough solutions in regulated industries. Senior/Principal Chemist & Materials Scientist with 25+ years of experience leading R&D teams, managing multi-million-dollar laboratory operations, and delivering transformative material solutions. Expert in multi-step synthesis, polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, and surface chemistry, with a proven record of turning complex research into commercially viable products. Recognized for driving innovation from concept to commercialization while ensuring compliance with stringent medical device and regulatory standards. Demonstrated success in managing multi-team, multi-site initiatives, from pioneering 2D nanomaterials for implantable medical devices to leading PFAS polymer replacement programs and optimizing sterilization protocols for global product portfolios. Holds 21 patents, consistently accelerates product development timelines, and aligns R&D execution with strategic business objectives to maximize market impact. Committed to advancing material science through strategic leadership, rigorous technical execution, and cross-functional collaboration that delivers measurable business value.
• Project Lead for multi-team R&D initiative on advanced 2D nanomaterials for potential use in implantable medical devices, including electrodes, batteries, sensors, and new material systems. Directed cross-functional collaboration across engineering, materials science, and manufacturing groups to align technical milestones with strategic business goals. • Technical Lead for PFAS polymer replacement program in Cardiac Rhythm Management, applying synthesis chemistry expertise to design and validate alternative materials that meet stringent biocompatibility, stability, and regulatory requirements. • Provided enterprise-level subject matter expertise on material stability to ensure safety of existing device materials undergoing changes in sterilization protocols, directly influencing corporate sterilization standards. • Guided development of test plans, material selection strategies, and risk assessments to support adoption of novel materials and processes across multiple product lines. • Represented R&D in strategic stakeholder meetings, translating complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Led technical analyses of polymeric and metallic materials for EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) submissions, ensuring compliance and timely approval. • Oversaw and interpreted testing of implantable biomaterials, including accelerated aging and leaching studies, to assess long-term safety and performance. • Partnered with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Product Stewardship, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to align material selection and validation strategies with business and regulatory needs.
• Established and managed the Chemistry and Materials Research Laboratory and the Pilot-Scale Materials Processing Laboratory, including design, construction, equipment specification, staffing, and operations. • Directed a team of engineers and technicians in safe lab operations, chemical inventory control, and regulatory compliance. • Developed novel high-performance thermoplastic formulations and advanced polymer processing methods for selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing and additive manufacturing. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials and processes into product development pipelines.
• Delivered multidisciplinary scientific investigation and expert witness services to over 300 clients across industrial, military, medical device, and legal sectors. • Led forensic engineering and failure analysis investigations, including accident reconstruction, product formulation failures, reverse engineering, toxic tort, biocontamination, arson/explosion analysis, and corrosion studies. • Implemented a comprehensive ISO 17025 quality management system (140 documents) to ensure laboratory compliance and traceability. • Achieved rapid resolution of high-stakes production shutdowns and faulty product releases, preventing multi-million-dollar daily losses.
• Promoted to Group Leader within five months; managed a team of nine scientists and technicians supporting global corporate R&D and manufacturing. • Directed failure analysis investigations, quality control, hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews, ensuring high analytical throughput and accuracy. • Spearheaded an international research program across six sites investigating nanotechnology-based medical device polymers using confocal Raman and atomic force microscopy. • Resolved material failure issues that prevented product recalls and saved over $1M per day in potential losses.