Our Team
The right team for the mission
Leadership Our company leadership includes a committed team of people from complementary backgrounds: we cover deep tech, product development, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. This is not a first-time start up.
The business leadership has a history of successful exits in other technology startup ventures. The scientific leadership come from world-class institutions and have translated their knowledge into meaningful IP.
Technology We have assembled a creative team of microbiologists, biochemists and molecular biologists who have invented and developed the automated assay in close collaboration with a team of systems, manufacturing, and software engineers. We operate a BSL2 lab at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology along with an Instrument Engineering Lab. The deep skills and relevant hands-on experience have resulted in ‘world-first’ operational prototypes that are now being used for multi-pathogen testing.
Go-To-Market Our deep bench of advisors and executives have experience in bringing new products to markets and in understanding clinical challenges and solutions that are meaningful and profitable.
Our Leadership Team
Peggy Sammon, CEO and Co-Founder
Serial tech entrepreneur with extensive experience in high-tech startups across biotech, semiconductors/wireless, and cleantech sectors. Co-founder of GeneCapture and ADS Environmental Services, which grew to 450 employees and 44 offices in 12 countries before being acquired by Axel Johnson AB (now part of IDX, NYSE). Former SVP at Time Domain Corp, a pioneer in UWB technology that powers Apple Tags. Past Chair of BIOAlabama. BA from Bucknell University.
Paula Millirons, Chief Scientist
Molecular Biochemist and co-inventor of the CAPTURE rapid protocol. Principal Investigator on grants and contracts, leading the development of test cartridges and pathogenic panels. Harvard University – Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Rhodes College – BS in Chemistry.
Krishnan Chittur, Ph.D. CTO and Co-founder
Co-founder and inventor with expertise in biomaterials and genetic applications. Formerly with Battelle. Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he directed the Chemical Engineering Biotechnology Program. Rice University – PhD in Chemical Engineering; Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay – BS in Chemical Engineering.
Greg Thompson, COO
Product Design Lead and Certification Specialist. Previously served as Head of Product Design for Sanmina’s Medical Division, overseeing the launch of hundreds of products over the past 35 years. Specialties include product commercialization, systems engineering, and project management, with deep expertise in design controls, risk management, and medical device approvals. North Dakota State University – BSEE in Computer Science.
Our Advisors
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Nate Ledeboer, PhD
Medical Director, Clinical Microbiology at Medical College of Wisconsin
Clinical Advisor
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Fran White
Founder MDC Associates President Emeritus
Regulatory Strategy
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Patricia (Trish) J. Simner, PhD, D(ABBM) F(AAM)
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic
Clinical Advisor
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Jeff Selph
Serial Entrepreneur
Business Strategy
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Katherine Hill Ritchie
Founder, CIO, and CEO of Private Capital, LLC
Business Strategy
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David McIver, PhD
Epidemiologist and Research Associate at University of Regina
Global Strategy
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Chris Doern, PhD
Director of Clinical Microbiology at Virginia Commonwealth University
Clinical Advisor
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Andy Stewart
Partner at Dx Consulting Group
Business Strategy
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Louise O’Keefe, PhD CRNP, CNE, FAAMP, FAAOHN
Professor Emerita College of Nursing, University of Alabama in Huntsville
Clinical Advisor
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Steven Smith, RADM US Navy, Ret.
Former Director of Disaster Planning (SBA)
Business and Government Advisor
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John Schmitt, US Army LTC, Ret.
President, iXpressGenes, Former Director of AMIIC
Business Strategy
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Kevin Maney
Founding Partner, Category Design Advisors and Author
Business Strategy
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John Joseph IV, J.D.
Executive Director of The E-Center Business Incubator
Business Strategy
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Mary Beth Minyard
Chief Scientific Officer, ResInnova Clinical Diagnostics
Clinical Advisor
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Dave Zimmerman COL, US Army Ret.
Former Medic, US Army
Clinical and Government Advisor
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Will Wright
President and Founder, Health Rounds
Business Strategy