Raymore, Missouri, United States
As the Chief Science Officer, I am responsible for establishing, directing, and validating the research and product development efforts of the organization. These functions include the establishment of research facilities within the company’s global structure, the development of over-the-counter (OTC) and clinical products for the treatment of human and companion animal diseases, designing and conducting clinical trials in conjunction with the Medical Director, and the presentation of original research at medical and technology conferences. In addition, I am responsible for evaluating new and emerging technologies and products for incorporation into the company portfolio, directing joint research ventures, and assuring that all research and development programs are conducted in compliance with local and federal regulatory bodies.
As the Chief Science Officer for Ansera Analytics, I was responsible for establishing the research perspectives of the organization and developing the technical foundations for the successful implementation of client contracts. These activities included the evaluation and validation of next generation sample prep chemistries and devices, new isothermal chemistries and instruments, optimized sample collection, transport and preservation media, and various deployable technologies for food borne pathogens, plant and animal pathogens, and select agents. Client services also included the generation of quality assurance programs, proficiency training programs, and integration of these programs into ISO, DoD, and USDA established quality systems. ANSERA ANALYTICS is an independent research and development company based in Olathe, Kansas. The company was founded in 2014 with the mission of developing and enhancing technologies suitable for field-based pathogen research, detection, and identification. Ansera Analytics is focused on the research, development, and application of new diagnostic technologies for the agricultural and national biosecurity communities.
Facilitate and partner with other faculty to establish and maintain research programs at the K-State Olathe International Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety. Establish new outreach programs that facilitate collaborative research programs with industry and academic partners and support K-State research goals and objectives, with emphasis on the development of extramural funded programs. Responsible for the day-to-day operations and outreach of the K-State Olathe Veterinary Diagnostics laboratory. My research is focused in two areas: first, on the development and validation of new diagnostic methods and technologies for the detection of food borne pathogens, toxins and heavy metals in food products with an emphasis on local and imported spices and nutriceuticals. Second, I am working on the development and validation of new systems for rapid food production using aquaponics models and modified rhizosphere populations. Initiated new technology development programs with industry partners for sample concentration, extraction, and analysis for water-borne pathogens, toxins, and microbial contaminants; also facilitated new co-development programs between three industry partners. Successfully negotiated new testing programs for the university’s diagnostic laboratory. Working with a multi-national industry partner, established a new research program on the development of agricultural and fisheries technology.
I was responsible for setting the research direction and maintaining the focus of business development activities within the organization. These activities included the design of new instrumentation platforms for the collection and detection of bio-threat agents, new chemistries for the enumeration of infectious agents, establishing collaborations with local, national, and international organizations, bringing new staff into the organization, and mentoring students from local universities.
As the director of the environmental and public health laboratories, I was responsible for the realignment of testing programs, staffing, and budget programs within the laboratory. In addition, I was tasked with studying the relocation and privatization of the testing programs for the state of Kansas.