Leigh Ann Sanders, PhD: The Chief Executive Officer of BCVT with over a decade of collaboration with the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) on Campylobacter vaccines and psoralen-inactivated bacterial vaccines, Dr. Sanders brings a wealth of experience in innovative vaccine development. Her work has been pivotal in advancing psoralen-inactivation techniques, demonstrating BCVT’s dedication to cutting-edge vaccine research.
John Sanders, MD: With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in infectious disease research and public health, has made substantial contributions to both military and academic medicine. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years of service, during which he held esteemed positions including the commanding officer of the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) and the Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6). Currently, he serves as a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section on Infectious Diseases at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His vast experience, particularly in leading pre-clinical and clinical vaccine trials, reflects his dedication to combating public and military health challenges.
Ryan Maves, MD: A Professor of Medicine and Anesthesiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina, where he also practices as an intensivist and infectious diseases specialist. Dr. Maves has an extensive military background, including leading research in Peru and serving in Afghanistan who retired as a Navy Captain after 22 years. Dr. Maves’ research in severe viral infections and public health emergencies, coupled with his contributions to psoralen-inactivated vaccines, aligns perfectly with BCVT’s strategic focus.
Michael DeWitt, MS, EIT: Michael DeWitt has over 14 years of experience in global manufacturing, project management, and biomedical research. As a central expert within Michelin, he was involved in the design, optimization, and provisioning of a $500 billion dollar manufacturing facility and further served as a world-wide expert on process improvement. He led multiple engineering and process teams through the design, implementation, qualification, validation, and homologation phases of new equipment and machine modifications. As the leader of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Applied statistics groups he directs a team of data scientists applying cutting edge approaches to studies ranging from preclinical to population level. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a master’s degree in statistics, certification as a six sigma greenbelt, and is a named inventor on multiple international patent applications in the field of rubber mixing.
Tom Wierzba, PhD: A Professor of Medicine in the Section on Infectious Diseases at Wake Forest University. His extensive background, including leadership roles at PATH, the International Vaccine Institute, CDC, the WHO, and the US Naval Medical Research Units #2 and #3, reflects his deep understanding of vaccine development and implementation. Furthermore, he has extensive experience in vaccine clinical trials (e.g., Phase 1- Phase 4). This experience is crucial for BCVT’s efforts in developing effective vaccines.
Todd Ponzio, PhD: As Vice President of the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) at the Health Sciences Campus in Memphis and former head of the Office of Research and Technology Applications at the Naval Medical Research Center, he brings extensive experience to leading technology transfer initiatives, and fostering the development and commercialization of biomedical technologies and a unique perspective to BCVT. His experience in technology transfer partnerships and commercializing clinical stage technologies complements BCVT’s innovative approach to vaccine development.
John C. Williamson, PharmD: Dr. Williamson has 25 years of experience conducting outcomes research and clinical trials, with a focus on antimicrobials and vaccines. Much of his research efforts have been devoted to ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. Prior works of his have involved efficacy evaluations of antimicrobials, characterization of antibiotic resistance, optimizing medication dosing, utilizing rapid diagnostic tests, and evaluations of antiretroviral safety. Most recently, Dr. Williamson is working to develop novel therapeutics for trichomonas and prophylactic agents to prevent norovirus gastroenteritis and combat wound infections.
Bradely Clark, PhD Associate Professor, High Point University. An academic pharmaceutics specialist with 30 years as an industrial pharmacist specializing in pharmaceutical and analytical sciences, clinical supply and commercial manufacture, pharmaceutical production technical support, and pharmaceutical education. Currently teaching Pharmaceutics, Compounding, and Pharmacokinetics at the PharmD level. Extensive experience in the practice of pharmaceutical sciences in preformulation, formulation and process development, analytical and bioanalytical development and technical problem solving. Current research involves nanoparticle technology, self-emulsifying systems formulation, and physical pharmacy problem solving.
Doug Mcglasson, MBA: Doug McGlasson is a seasoned Biomedical Research Manager with over 30 years of experience in finance, manufacturing and supply chain management. He is currently a Research Manager in Infectious Diseases at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and previously held positions at Vysnova Partners, Inc., Gulf Engineered Rubber & Plastics and Lockheed Martin.