I have a very diverse background which includes both academic and business experiences. I am broadly trained in the life sciences - human, animal, microbial and plants. I have initiated and developed new business ventures in several start-up and established companies. These include a range of technologies and products such as vaccines, nutraceuticals, bioenergy, agricultural/horticultural plants, foods, beverages and pharmaceutical drugs – both biologics and small molecules. I have taught a variety of courses in biology and biotechnology at the university level. I am driven by an insatiable desire to learn and develop useful products to make the world a better place. I am deeply concerned and committed to addressing inequities in healthcare, particularly for children. My academic credentials include a Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from Rutgers University. Additionally, I am a registered patent agent with the USPTO.