| Michael J. Fay President (2026-2028) Midwestern University Michael J. Fay received his B.S. degree in Microbiology from the University of Maine (Orono, ME) in 1987, and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) in 1992. From 1992 to 1997, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Endocrine Physiology Training Program at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College (Hanover/Lebanon, NH). In 1997, he accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Pharmacology at Midwestern University (MWU, Downers Grove, IL), and in 2002 he was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. In addition to his academic appointment in the Pharmacology Department, in 2006 he was appointed as Director of the Biomedical Sciences Program at MWU. As Program Director, he managed the lecture-based Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences Program, and the research-based Master of Biomedical Sciences Program. In 2011, he was promoted to Professor at MWU. In 2019, he was promoted to Associate Dean in the College of Graduate Studies at MWU, and in 2022 he was appointed as Dean of the College. In his role as Dean, Dr. Fay worked with the basic science departments (12 total) on the MWU Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ campuses (Anatomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology Departments) that teach the Osteopathic Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Medicine, Podiatry, Optometry and Biomedical Sciences Students to ensure the continued success of the teaching and research programs in the College of Graduate Studies. As Dean, Dr. Fay also worked with the Biomedical Sciences Programs on both MWU campuses to ensure the continued success of the research-based Master of Biomedical Sciences Program and the lecture-based Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences; and he also worked directly with the Master of Public Health Program and Precision Medicine Programs (MS, Post-Graduate Certificate). In 2026, Dr. Fay stepped down as Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and returned to full-time faculty in the Biomedical Sciences Program. As a Postdoctoral Fellow, he was the recipient of an NIH Institutional training grant postdoctoral fellowship, and an individual postdoctoral fellowship from the Department of Defense. Since joining the faculty at MWU, he has been the recipient of a Research Career Enhancement Award from the American Physiological Society and served as PI or Co-PI on several funded NIH grants. Michael’s current research interests include examining cadmium-induced cellular injury using in vitro models. He has published 27 peer-reviewed research and educational articles and over 50 abstracts from presentations at scientific conferences. Michael has been a member of the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) since 1991. His Leadership roles in the SIVB include serving as the Chair of the In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences (IVACS) Section, Secretary on the Board of Directors, and Publications Committee Chair on the Board of Directors. From 2006 to 2026 he served as a Co-Editor-in-Chief for the In Vitro Report. |
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| Kan Wang President Elect (2026-2028) Iowa State University Professor Kan Wang is the Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor and Global Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University, where she co-directs the Crop Bioengineering Center. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from Fudan University in China and pursued graduate studies at Ghent University in Belgium under the mentorship of Drs. Marc Van Montagu (2013 World Food Prize Laureate) and the late Jeff Schell. Dr. Wang’s PhD and postdoctoral research centered on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of T-DNA transfer from Agrobacterium tumefaciens to plant cells—a process foundational to plant genetic engineering. Her pioneering work contributed significantly to the understanding of Agrobacterium, a soil bacterium with the natural ability to transfer DNA into plants. Her early discoveries, published in leading journals such as Cell, Science, Nature, EMBO Journal, and PNAS, laid the groundwork for modern plant transformation technologies. Following her academic training, Dr. Wang spent six years at ICI Seeds (now Syngenta), leading projects in corn and soybean genetic transformation. In 1995, she joined Iowa State University and established the first public crop transformation facility in the United States, democratizing access to plant genetic modification technologies. Dr. Wang’s research continues to push the boundaries of plant biotechnology. Her work spans innovative methods for plant transformation and genome editing, deeper insights into Agrobacterium biology, and exploration of underutilized plant species for both basic and applied research. Dr. Wang received the 2015 Iowa Women of Innovation Award for Research Innovation and Leadership and the 2017 Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property. She has also been honored with the university’s and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Research. In 2020, Dr. Wang was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for her “advances in genetic engineering in plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.” |
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| Ahmad Omar Vice President (2026-2028) University of Florida, USA/Zagazig University, Egypt Ahmad Omar received his Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida, USA. His groundbreaking research on enhancing citrus resilience and improving citrus canker resistance through genetic engineering under Prof. Jude Grosser, a leading protoplast technology and plant cell genetics researcher, garnered recognition from academia and industry. In his postdoctoral research, Ahmad was dedicated to using advanced biotechnology tools for more sustainable agriculture. His research focused on genetically modifying citrus plants to mitigate citrus canker and the newly emerging disease, citrus greening or huanglongbing (HLB). His work has been published in several reputable journals, furthering his standing as an astute and reliable researcher in the field of plant biotechnology. Recently, Ahmad co-authored several research papers on CRISPR technology, especially the generation of transgene-free canker-resistant Citrus using GRISPR in the T0 generation, published in Nature Communications and Frontiers in Plant Science-Plant Biotechnology. Ahmad holds a full professor position at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, and a research assistant scientist position at the Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, USA. With his extensive academic foundation, he is embarking on a new research journey mainly focused on developing a micropropagation protocol for Macadamia nuts as a potential new crop in Florida. Ahmad is an associate editor for Frontiers in Plant Science – Technical Advances in Plant Science, International Journal of Forestry Research, and In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant. Additionally, he is actively reviewing manuscripts for several peer-reviewed journals. Ahmad has been an active member of SIVB during his graduate years (SIVB Orlando, FL meeting in 2002). He received his first career award from the SIVB in 2006 for the best student paper presented at the meeting. Since then, he has contributed to the Society in many capacities, such as convener, coordinator, and judge for postdoctoral oral competitions (2019, 2022-2023), member of the local organizing committee (2019), PBS program Jr-Chair (2022), PBS program Sr-Chair (2023), and received the SIVB Distinguished Service Award (2022-2023). He was the Plant Biotechnology Program Chair for the 2024 SIVB World Congress on In Vitro Biology. He has spearheaded collaborative initiatives that bridge the gap between research and application. His ability to foster a productive network has led to the successful organization of international conferences, fostering a platform for interdisciplinary exchange. Ahmad chaired several committees at the American Society for Horticultural Sciences (ASHS), such as the plant biotechnology interested group, plant growth regulators interested group, and genetics and germplasm interested group. |
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| Piero Barone Past President (2026-2028) Corteva Agriscience Piero Barone earned his PhD from the University of Perugia, Italy, in 2002. During his doctoral program, he focused on the cytological and molecular characterization of a female sterility trait in alfalfa (M. sativa L.). As part of an exchange program with the University of Georgia, he spent a year in Wayne Parrott’s lab, where he developed transgenic alfalfa lines expressing the bacterial citrate synthase gene for aluminum tolerance. In 2003, he joined the lab of Jack Widholm at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. There, he worked on a novel selection system based on a feedback-insensitive anthranilate synthase α-subunit of tobacco (ASA2) for nuclear and plastid transformation. In 2008, Piero became a Research Scientist at Chromatin, where he designed and validated multiple selection and transgenic event regeneration protocols using various corn, sorghum, and sugarcane germplasms. He contributed to both internal and external corn transformation projects and participated in the isolation of centromere-associated sequences for cotton, sorghum, and sugarcane. In 2014, he joined the Monocot Transformation Team at Dow AgroSciences, working on multiple trait discovery projects related to maize evaluation for new modes of action in below-ground product concepts. His role also involved managing transformation programs using the Zinc Finger gene targeting tool. In 2018, Piero relocated to Johnston, where he joined the Molecular Engineering group at Corteva Agriscience. He is currently the Capability Leader of the Genome Editing group in the Biotechnology Function of Corteva R&D. Piero has been an active member of the Society where he has contributed in many roles: he has coordinated the Plant Biotechnology Post-Doctoral Oral Presentation Competition, chaired multiple sessions in the Annual Scientific Meeting, served on both the Plant Biotechnology Section Program and Development Committee (2017-2019) , Vice President (2020-2022), and most recently served as President (2024 – 2026). |
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| Barbara B. Doonan Treasurer (2026-2028)Following a rewarding career in industry covering more than three decades as a Research Scientist, initially in the Food/Beverage industry (coffee, fruits and vegetables, cereals etc.) and later in the Wine and Smokeless Tobacco industries, upon retirement from United States Smokeless Tobacco Company as Principal Scientist (UST/USSTC), Barbara has been pursuing expanded interests in the fields of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. In 2011 a collaboration was initiated with Dr. Joseph Wu, Graduate Program Director and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at New York Medical College (NYMC). This relationship has resulted in book chapters and peer reviewed research papers related to phytochemicals and their role in health maintenance and prevention of chronic disease. It has also presented the opportunity to serve as a mentor to high school, undergraduate, graduate and medical school students through NYMC’s Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) and the New York Academy of Sciences member to member programs. As a researcher in General Foods (GF) Corporate Nutrition and Health division, she directed preclinical animal toxicology GLP studies, pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies to elucidate mechanisms of action and a series of studies designed to determine carcinogenic and mutagenic potential of various compounds of interest. Many of these projects were conducted in support of GF’s domestic and international coffee businesses addressing questions related to coffee and health. Her in-depth knowledge of the coffee crop was further enhanced as she transitioned into the GF Biotechnology Program where she directed studies utilizing cell culture and microbial fermentation technologies for production of natural compounds such as specific flavors/unique enzymes from coffee precursors. Both the toxicological and biotechnology programs entailed responsibilities involving interactions with various government regulatory agencies for compliance with existing regulations and in the development of new regulations dealing with enhanced technological developments. At UST, her broad background and expertise in toxicology, biochemistry, and molecular biology were applied to address company interests in areas such as wine, smokeless tobacco and health, ingredients, lab safety and plant biotechnology. Just prior to joining UST, she was able to briefly return to the bench as a visiting scientist at Cold Spring Harbor researching cell cycle control in the adenovirus E1A system utilizing recombinant technologies. In addition to teaching duties while a graduate student, research at the Master’s level focused on bacteria and their viruses via development of a novel transformation system. Building on this foundation as a Ph.D. candidate, research concentrated on the biosynthesis and metabolism of phosphate compounds in cyanobacteria and the development of improved cytochemical techniques for visualization of enzyme activities at the molecular level. After receiving her Ph.D. from City University of New York and prior to entering industry as a scientist, a year was spent as an assistant professor at William Paterson College in Wayne, NJ, teaching General Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Electron Microscopy while also mentoring undergraduate research projects. Barbara Doonan has been a member of SIVB since 1992, received Distinguished Service Awards in 2004, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and was honored with a Toxicology and Plant SIVB Fellow Award in 2007. She has served as a Board member and on a number of Committees and has remained a dedicated seeker of funding support for the both the Animal and Plant sections. She has been Treasurer of SIVB since 2008. In addition to SIVB, Barbara Doonan is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, the New York Academy of Sciences and AAAS. |
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| Christopher Bagley Secretary (2024-2026) Inari AgricultureChristopher Bagley was born and raised in rural Virginia, where he grew up on a small family farm cultivating sweet corn, strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and raising beef cattle. This early exposure to agriculture sparked a lifelong passion for plant science and sustainability, ultimately leading him to earn an M.S. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech. In 2002, Christopher joined BASF in Research Triangle Park, NC, where he was introduced to tissue culture and its application in agricultural product development. At BASF, he worked primarily on maize transformation, contributing to the development of genetically modified traits aimed at improving yield, livestock feed quality, and fungal resistance. In 2014, he joined Bayer Crop Science as the Plant Genome Engineering Group Lead, where he led the transformation team in discovering and developing insecticidal and herbicide-resistant traits in soybean. In 2019, Christopher accepted the role of Senior Director of Plant Transformation at Inari Agriculture in West Lafayette, IN, where he built a transformation team from the ground up in a newly opened facility. His team successfully established platforms to gene edit tomato, wheat, soybean, and maize. Currently, Christopher serves as the Senior Director of Early Product Development at Inari Agriculture, enabling a team focused on gene editing and molecular characterization of plants to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to market that positively impact crop yields. Outside of the lab, Christopher enjoys amateur astrophotography and maintains a saltwater reef aquarium where he cultures coral. |
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| Vivian Dayeh Member-at-Large (IVACS) (2024-2028) University of Waterloo Vivian is a Continuing Lecturer in the Biology Department at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Vivian’s primary focus is on undergraduate teaching and joined the Department of Biology in 2004 as a full-time lecturer. She has served as the Associate chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Biology Department and is the current Department Teaching Fellow. Her research interests are in cellular toxicology and development of in vitro methodology. Her previous research investigated the use of animal cell cultures and protozoa as alternatives to the use of whole organisms in toxicology and the effects of different classes of toxicants at the cellular level. Vivian has presented her research and has held teaching workshops at several SIVB annual meetings. Vivian joined the SIVB in 2002 and has been an active member over the years including Education Committee chair, co-Chair IVACS Membership, and Membership Committee Chair. |
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| Mae Ciancio Member-at-Large (IVACS) (2026-2030) Midwestern University Mae is a Professor and MBS Program Coordinator in the Biomedical Sciences Program at Midwestern University. She’s been an active member of SIVB since 2011, serving as a co-convener for several Plenary and IVACS Symposia sessions as well as multiple student mentoring workshops. Mae is currently the Secretary for the Society. Previous roles included serving as the Meeting Chair for the 2022 SIVB meeting in San Diego, CA as well as Chair of IVACS (2020-2022). She was previously the co-Chair of IVACS, responsible for organizing the IVACS symposia from 2018-2020. Mae is passionate about empowering students to become engaged in laboratory research as a means to contribute to scientific progress and improved clinical care. Mae became interested in academic research during her junior year of college, when she volunteered as a student researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Lawrence Gilbert, measuring the release of ecdysone by the prothoracic glands of Manduca sexta. Upon graduation from Northwestern University with a degree in Chemistry, she worked for two years as a laboratory technician in Northwestern University’s Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition (CEMN), performing radioimmunoassays and examining the effects of insulin on progesterone and cAMP production from porcine granulosa cells. Mae earned her PhD in Physiology at Loyola University, under the mentorship of Dr. James P. Filkins, examining the glucoregulatory effects of tumor necrosis factor in the pathophysiology of septic shock. Her post-doctoral training was conducted at the University of Chicago in the Department of Medicine/GI in the laboratory of Dr. Eugene B. Chang, investigating the role of endotoxin on intestinal epithelial cell function and the cytoprotective role of inducible heat shock protein 70. Mae joined the faculty of Midwestern University’s Biomedical Sciences program, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Fay, in 2008. Mae’s laboratory actively trains students in the Biomedical Sciences program as well as medical and dental students in cellular and animal physiology. Her lab currently is investigating the role of inducible heat shock protein 70 in preventing diet-induced obesity, with special reference on the role of intestinal nutrient absorption and microbial balance. She has an oral squamous cell carcinoma model active in her lab, designed to allow dental students an opportunity to perform discipline-specific research. Mae teaches Research Design and Methodology to Biomedical Sciences, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Dental students at Midwestern University. She offers an elective course on the role of intestinal microbiota in health and disease, as well as provides pathophysiology lectures to Biomedical Sciences Students and Physical Therapy students. |
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| Pon Samuel Member-at-Large (PB) (2024-2028) Insignum AgTech Pon Samuel is a distinguished Laureate and research leader with over 25 years of experience in the ag-biotechnology industry. He has spearheaded groundbreaking research in stable expression systems, novel assay development, and nano-carrier-mediated molecule delivery into plant cells. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the early stage development of the Enlist™ weed control system, resulting in the creation of herbicide-tolerant crops and his recognition in cosharing with the Most Valuable IP award. Pon’s expertise extends to in vitro micropropagation and cryopreservation of diverse crops, including underutilized and plantation varieties. He has established an extensive collection of over 8,000 plant and insect accessions in the corporate cryobank facility. His work in transformation technologies spans a wide range of crops, utilizing both conventional and advanced delivery systems. A true innovator, Pon developed the first plant-derived Cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) for expressing animal health vaccines using single cells. His research also led to the first demonstration of DNA-free gene deletion in microspores using ZFN protein. Additionally, he has developed assays for evaluating the add, delete, and tune concept of genome editing, partnering with Fraunhofer, Germany, and a fellow scientist, establish BY2 Cell-Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS) as a cell biology tool which is used globally to express all valuable proteins. Pon is a recognized thought leader who actively collaborates with academic partners, including HBCUs, on research initiatives funded by organizations like the NSF. He is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists through workshops, seminars, and discussions. A dedicated member of the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) since 1992 from his student days, Pon has received the prestigious SIVB Fellow award and the Distinguished Scientist award for his contributions to the society and his chosen fild. His leadership roles within the SIVB include serving as Chair of the In Vitro Plant Biology Section, organizing joint animal and plant sections, initiating a cytometry pre-workshop, and actively engaging with students. Pon is a passionate advocate for fostering inclusive and collaborative research environments. He prioritizes equal opportunities for all team members and celebrates their diverse backgrounds and accomplishments. |
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| M. Annie Saltarikos Member-at-Large (PB) (2026-2028) Plastomics Dr. M. Annie Saltarikos, Chief Technology Officer at Plastomics, Inc., leads the R&D strategy for the Series B plant biotechnology company focused on the development of novel chloroplast engineering capabilities to create next-generation trait solutions in soybean and corn. Prior to joining Plastomics in July 2024, Annie dedicated 15 years as part of Monsanto/Bayer, where she held progressively senior roles in scientific strategy and people leadership. Her diverse experience included leading Discovery and Production teams in Plant Transformation, Plant Growth Research Management, and Crop Genome Editing for the Bayer Plant Biotechnology pipeline. She also held global cross-divisional leadership responsibilities in delivering innovative field, lab and seed processing solutions as the global head of Seed Production Innovation, Science and Engineering Products in Product Supply at Bayer. As a Senior Science Fellow at Bayer, Annie championed cross-divisional initiatives, including developing digital, modular platforms for operational research models and novel crop genome design deployment capabilities. A passionate advocate for science communication, education, and mentorship, Annie is a founding member of the Bayer Mentoring Program/B4U. She earned her M.S. in Plant Pathology and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she focused on developing molecular trait tools and transformation technologies in corn and soybean before transitioning to industry. Annie has been actively involved in the Society since 2006, serving in various capacities. Her diverse contributions include student organizer for Professional Development panels, member of the Long Range Planning and Development committees, Plant Biotechnology Section (PBS) Secretary-Treasurer, organizing multiple PBS and plenary sessions over the years, and most recently, serving as chair of the 2023 SIVB Plant Biotechnology Program. |
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| Addy Alt-Holland Publications Chair (2026-2028) Tufts University Addy is a tenured Professor and a cancer researcher at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), in Boston, MA. Prior to that, she was an Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and a Research Associate at TUSDM, a Post-Doc Associate at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY, and a Post-Doc Fellow at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Bar-Ilan University, where she also received her M.Sc and B.Sc degrees. As a full-time faculty member and a head of a lab, Addy mentors students, research interns, and residents from TUSDM and other academic institutions in New England and overseas. Addy is the Director of multiple courses for undergraduate and post-graduate students at TUSDM, and serves as a member of Thesis committees, Research Committees and different Tufts University-wide committees. Beyond Tufts, Addy serves on medical and scientific advisory committees to the Boards of multiple national and international organizations. She also served as a Board member and a co-Chair of the Mentoring Circles Program of the Association for Women in Science, the Massachusetts Chapter (MASS-AWIS), a program in which she mentored for many years post-docs and junior faculty members from Tufts, Harvard, MIT, Brandeis, UMASS and affiliated hospitals in the Boston area. Addy strongly believes that multidisciplinary collaborations between scientists and clinicians are fundamental for meaningful, translational research and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The development of Addy’s research endeavors and contributions in the areas of human skin and oral cancers and other diseases, both from basic science and clinical perspectives, are built on fruitful collaborations with investigators at Tufts and across the US. She has both experience and expertise in the fields of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, metabolomics, cytogenetics and bioengineering of three-dimensional tissue models for studying human cancer biology. She is a co-inventor of several international patents, and has authored or co-authored 30 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the SIVB’s In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Animal, and more than 150 contributions and abstracts in conference proceedings. Her research has received national and international recognition, press releases, and media coverage. Addy joined the SIVB in 2010 and since then she co-convened more than 30 IVACS-specific sessions and oral presentation competitions, plenary sessions and cross-sections joint workshops, and helped secure sponsorship for different sessions. Addy, her colleagues, and her students delivered oral and poster presentations in many of the SIVB annual meetings and she has won several SIVB awards. She recalls receiving the 2013 SIVB’s Young Scientist Award as one of the most meaningful professional recognitions she received in her academic career. Addy participated in multiple SIVB committees and served in leadership roles as IVACS Program Chair (2013-2014), IVACS Chair (2015-2016), as well as a Board member and Program Chair of the 2017 SIVB Conference in NC. Addy served on the SIVB’s Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as the SIVB President Elect and Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee in the 2020-2022 term. She served as SIVB President in the 2022-2024 term and in that capacity, she directed the activity of the entire organization and diligently worked with the Board of Directors to ensure the health, sustainability, and growth of the Society. Currently, Addy is serving as the SIVB Past President and as the Chair of the Nomination and Publications Committees in the 2024-2026 term. Her multiple leadership activities throughout the years made a tremendous impact on her academic career and personal growth. |
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| Wayne A. Parrott Public Policy Chair (2026-2028) University of Georgia Wayne Parrott received a degree in agronomy from the University of Kentucky, and MS and PhD degrees in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the faculty at the University of Georgia in 1988. Since then he has been conducting research on the development, use and safety of transgenic (i.e., GM) crop plants, using grant monies from USDA-NIFA, NSF, DOE and the United Soybean Board. He has published a guide for environmental risk assessment of GMOs, along with ~ 110 journal articles in refereed publications and 14 book chapters. He has served as elected Chair of the biotechnology section of the Crop Science Society of America and of the plant section of the Society for In Vitro Biology, and is a Fellow of both of these societies. He is actively engaged in training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and teaches graduate-level courses in genetics and undergraduate courses in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and other countries, and advised legislators and regulators in the various countries on the requisites for a functional regulatory system that ensures the safety of GM products. He volunteered for 6 years as a scientific advisor to the Biotechnology Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute, which served to bring the best science available to help guide those who formulate regulatory policies. |
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| John W. Harbell 2026 Program Committee Vice Chair and 2027 Program Committee Chair (2025-2027) Jharbell Consulting LLCJohn W. Harbell, PhD works part time for Crown Laboratories, an aesthetics products company, and runs a small consulting company providing toxicology/product safety support principally for cosmetic and personal care products companies. Before starting his own company, he was a Principal Scientist with the Product Safety Department of Mary Kay, Inc. He focused on the ingredient safety [toxicology] programs. In particular, he worked to incorporate in vitro methods for the prediction of topical toxicity and dermal sensitization into the preclinical safety program. Previous to that, he was a cofounder and served as vice president and chief scientific officer for the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) where he directed laboratory operations and developed in vitro testing methodologies. He managed multi-laboratory, GLP compliant assay validation programs intended for submission to regulatory authorities in the United States and Europe. John obtained his PhD from the University of California at Santa Cruz and served for eight years in the Army clinical research program. He has also served as an invited expert on national (ICCVAM, NCI, and USEPA) and international (ECVAM, COLIPA, and OECD) expert panels. He has been active with the Society for In Vitro Biology for over forty years and has served as society President and member of its Board of Directors. John is also an associate editor for the society journal, In Vitro Cell and Developmental Biology – Animal. |
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| Carlos M. Hernandez-Garcia 2027 Program Committee Vice Chair and 2028 Program Committee Chair (2027-2028) CTC Genomics |
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