Buena Vista, Colorado, United States
I began my career at Ohio State University, establishing the country's first Department of Molecular Genetics along with the Ohio State Edison Incubator Program. As Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the James Cancer Institute, OSU, I led significant cancer research initiatives. In 2004, I was recruited to the University of Central Florida to assist in creating a new medical school and directed the Cancer Consortium of Central Florida. My research (H-index >45) and extensive publications, focuses on carcinogenesis, particularly in epigenetic regulation and DNA repair pathways, identification of novel anti-cancer therapies and most recently biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease. I am currently active on multiple boards and have founded several biotechnology startups, with TopoGEN, Inc. being the most successful, achieving global recognition. Since 2016, I've led TopoGEN, Inc. (CEO) which has received substantial state and federal support, including a relocation to Colorado and multiple SBIR grants. Our groundbreaking work includes developing a screening platform for epigenomic changes at the single-cell level, a significant advancement in drug discovery. This innovation has applications in Alzheimer's Disease research, where we are exploring serum-based biomarkers for early detection. TopoGEN, Inc. is actively collaborating with aligned startups to further this research.
Introducing TopoGEN: Pioneering DNA-Targeting Drug Discovery TopoGEN, Inc. is a globally recognized biotechnology company specializing in cancer therapeutics, antibiotic discovery, aging research, and neurological drug development, including biomarker discovery in Alzheimer’s disease. With decades of expertise in topoisomerase biology and DNA-targeting mechanisms, we provide cutting-edge solutions to accelerate drug discovery and advance precision medicine. At **TopoGEN**, we operate at the intersection of **science, technology, and translational research**, offering a **unique combination of revenue streams** that position us as a leader in the field: 🔬 **Product Sales** – We supply proprietary biochemical and cellular assay kits, topoisomerase enzymes, and screening platforms to academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical laboratories worldwide. 🧪 **Contract Research Services (CRO)** – As an established contract research organization (CRO), we collaborate with **biotech and pharmaceutical companies** to provide comprehensive screening, mechanism-of-action studies, and **genotoxicity testing** for novel drug candidates targeting DNA metabolism. 🏆 **Research & Grant Funding** – Our expertise in **DNA damage, repair mechanisms, and drug development** has secured competitive grant funding, enabling us to contribute to pioneering research in oncology, neurodegeneration, and infectious disease. With a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to **innovation in DNA-based therapeutics**, TopoGEN continues to **bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world clinical applications**. Whether through our products, CRO services, or collaborative research efforts, we are dedicated to **advancing next-generation therapies that improve human health globally**. 🔗 **Learn more at** [www.topogen.com](http://www.topogen.com) 📩 Contact us to explore partnerships and research collaborations!
Teaching undergraduates, graduate students, medical students at a major state university. UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. I run a funded cancer research group and direct a staff of investigators. I am interested in entrepreneurial activity and have been involved in several successful start-up companies. I have served in leadership roles at National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers (Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Director of Experimental Therapeutics). After 25 years in this role at OSU, I was recruited to help build a new medical school in Orlando (UCF) where I was appointed as the Director of the Central Florida Cancer Consortium.
I was one of several faculty who founded the first Department of Molecular Genetics in the country. I was an active member of the NCI cancer center (Co-director of Experimental Therapeutics) and ran a well funded research group in cancer and molecular virology for many years.