SCIENCE GURUS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Advisory Member
- Executive Director at Mitra Biotech
Ajith Kamath, PhD is an Executive Director at Mitra Biotech, India. He was a former Head, External R&D Innovation- India, Worldwide R&D, Pfizer Inc. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science and carried out postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas- Austin and Stanford University. In 1993, Ajith joined Pfizer's R&D center in the US and worked there for 13+ years. In 2007, Ajith returned to India and joined Jubilant Biosys as VP and Head of the Structural Biology department. He managed a 35-member team, delivered a large number of ligand-bound protein structures and impacted many drug discovery programs for various clients. Ajith was promoted to Sr. VP in 2011 and in this role he also oversaw many drug discovery programs and successfully delivered one clinical candidate. He rejoined Pfizer in 2012 to explore opportunities to partner with Indian pharma companies. Ajith evaluated many assets, technologies and successfully initiated a few collaborations with Indian companies and academia. Ajith has co-authored 35 publications, presented at many international conferences and received several awards, including Pfizer's PGRD Achievement Award and Jubilant's Leadership Awards.
Anula Jayasuriya, MD, PhD is a life science venture capitalist. She is the co-founder of the Evolvence India Life Science Fund (EILSF), established in 2006 to make investments in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and related contract service companies based in India. She was previously a partner with Skyline Ventures in Palo Alto, and prior to that with the German-US venture capital firm TVM, in San Francisco. Anula received a BA from Harvard summa cum laude, and an MD and PhD (in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics) from Harvard Medical School. She interned in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and received an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School. Anula also has a M. Phil. in pharmacology from the University of Cambridge, England.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Chakk Ramesha, PhD brings industry experience in drug discovery, high throughput screening, biochemistry and pharmacology. For 25 years at Syntex and Roche, Dr. Ramesha led a laboratory (6-8 scientists, PhDs, research associates, graduate student and interns) that conducted research focused on identification and characterization of drug candidates for multiple disease targets. The work included evaluating new technologies for compound screening and profiling, developing biochemical and cellular assays, automation, high and lower through put screening. Following the closure of the Roche Palo Alto campus in 2010, Dr. Ramesha co-founded Medhus Bio, Inc. a life sciences research company in Mountain View, California. The main focus of Medhus Bio is to develop value adding new technologies and reagents for drug discovery and diagnostic research as well as to provide contract drug discovery services. In addition, for the last 12 years he has been conducting Drug Discovery workshop at University of California Santa Cruz extension. He has one issued and several pending US patents. He has more than 50 publications and review articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Outreach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Finance
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Mentoring
Harpal is a College admissions counselor. He has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Mumbai, India, and immigrated to the US in 1996. He works at Salesforce as a Software Architect. You can learn more about Harpal from his LinkedIn bio https://www.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Program Director
Jagath Reddy Junutula holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and has over 20 yrs experience in life science research. He is currently a Senior Vice President at ModMab Therapeutics. Prior to this role, he worked at Cellerant Therapeutics for over 4 years and Genentech for 13 years. Jagath gained knowledge and experience in moving antibody-based therapeutic molecules from discovery phase to IND. He has authored 60 peer-reviewed publications/patents and has presented his work at numerous international conferences. Jagath has been working with EPPIC, a 15-year old non-profit organization that fosters entrepreneurial mentoring and promotes partnering among life science professionals. He served as a President of EPPIC during 2010-2011 and is a board member since 2010.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Advisory Member
- Clinical Psychologist
- Member of the Executive Committee
Lee Mhatre, PhD is a clinical psychologist in the areas of women's issues, anxiety and stress in the work place, depression, and conflict resolution She also founded a management consulting firm, working with companies on issues of human relations, strategic planning, group dynamics, and sexual discrimination. Among her many achievements, she worked in Israel improving educational standards for immigrants, as Chairman of the Psychology Department at Indiana University, South Bend Campus, and on the faculty of the Business School, Webster University based in Geneva, Switzerland where she taught graduate courses related to business management and psychology. After moving to California, in addition to private practice, she produced a TV series called Women of Achievement. Dr. Mhatre received her Ph.D. from Denver University, Colorado in Clinical Psychology and an MBA from Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland in Business Management.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Elementary Science Olympiad
Mahendra G. Shah, Ph.D. is a highly successful pharmaceutical entrepreneur and executive who has been at Vivo Capital since March 2010. He is also the founder and executive chairman of Semnur Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Shah currently serves as chairman of the board of Essentialis Therapeutics, board member of Biotie Therapies (NASDAQ: BITI), and a member of the board of trustees of St. John's University. He is also a board member and charter member of EPPIC and a charter member of TIE. From September 2005 to December 2009, he was the founder, chairman and CEO of NextWave Pharmaceuticals, a pediatric focused specialty pharmaceutical company, which was sold to Pfizer for a total of $700 million in pfront and milestone payments. From 1993 to May 2003 he was the chairman and CEO of First Horizon Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded specialty pharmaceutical company, where he raised over $200 million and built a highly profitable company before it was sold to Shionogi Pharmaceuticals for $1.4 billion. From 1991 to October 1999, he was vice president of E. J. Financial Enterprises, Inc., which manages a fund that invests in healthcare companies. He previously served on the boards of Unimed Pharmaceuticals (UMED), Introgen Therapeutics (INGN), Inpharmakon, Protomed, Structural Bioinformatics, and Zarix. From 1987 to 1991 he was the senior director of new business development with Fujisawa USA (Astellas). Prior to that time he worked in various scientific and management positions with Schering-Plough and Bristol Myers-Squibb. Dr. Shah received his Ph.D. in industrial pharmacy from St. John's University and his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Pharmacy from L.M. College of Pharmacy in Gujarat, India.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Information Technology
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Scholarship
Science Gurus is proud to announce the establishment of the Nagesh Mhatre Merit Scholarship.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
Nirmala Bandrapalli holds a Masters degree in Biochemistry. Nirmala is a past President of Science Gurus and planning commissioner, Burlingame City. She has been involved with SANG for about 10 years in various positions (including a Co-Chair). Nirmala is actively working with Burlingame Community for Eductation (BCE), a non-profit organization that raises funds to support schools in Burlingame school district. Nirmala worked as Auction Communication Manger of BCE for 2010-2011 term.
Pallu Reddanna obtained his Ph.D. from S. V. University (1979); Exchange visitor (1984-87) and The Rockefeller Foundation Biotechnology Awardee (Summers of 1992-95) at Penn State University; visiting scientist at Institute of Biochemistry, Humboldt University, Berlin (1993) and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University (1995). Founder Director of National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (2010 to 2014), autonomous institute of the Department of biotechnology, Government of India. Currently Dean-in-charge of the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad. The main focus of his research is on inflammation biology leading to the discovery and development of anti-inflammatory drug candidates targeting lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. Guided 40 students for Ph.D and around 150 students for M.Sc/M.Tech projects; Published around 200 papers in peer reviewed journals. Conducted 25 projects funded by agencies like DST, DBT, CSIR, UGC, ICMR and Indo-US and from Pharma and biotech companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Dabur, Indian Immunologicals, Shantha Biotech, Natco Pharma, Onconova Therapeutics, Surya Pharmaceuticals, Celestial Labs, Laila Impex etc. He is the recipient of "Pharmabio Excellency Award" from Chemtech Foundation, "Outstanding Scientist for the benefit of Industry" from Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) and "Best Research Project Award" by Royan International Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Co - Founder and Non - Executive Director of Cellworks Group
Pradeep Fernandes is Co-founder and non-executive director of Cellworks Group. He has over twenty years of experience in semiconductor engineering and life sciences. He has applied the engineering approaches and technologies to develop the mathematical solver engines and automation infrastructure for the Cellworks proprietary technology for emulating disease physiology computationally. He holds a M.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Computer Science. He is a prolific entrepreneur and also an angel investor in the technology space and sits on the boards of a few private companies and non-profit organizations.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Raji Pingali, Ph.D. in Chemistry, has been a Science educator for the past 25 years. With several years of teaching and tutoring experience, she has spearheaded many community initiative programs for youth in STEM fields. Most notable are her contributions in initiating Math Science Club, and Elementary Science Olympiad in the Bay Area, which have grown to encompass several school districts. Under her able coaching, teams have won National Championship at the Middle School Science Bowl, and represented the State in Odyssey of the Mind. Raji continues to champion many community causes in the STEM areas, while working as a Technical Engineer in the Software Industry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President & CEO of Cellerant Therapeutics
Ram Mandalam, Ph.D., President & CEO of Cellerant Therapeutics, joined the company in 2005. Ram was previously Executive Director of Product Development at Geron Corporation, where he managed the development and manufacturing of cell based therapies for treatment of degenerative diseases and cancer. Prior to Geron, he was Director of Developmental Research at Aastrom Biosciences, where he was responsible for the research and development programs involving ex vivo expansion of human bone marrow stem cells and dendritic cells. Dr. Mandalam received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Mandalam is the author or co-author of several publications,patent applications, and abstracts.
Job Titles:
- Electrical Engineer
- Member of the Board
Ramesh Kamath is a graduate electrical engineer and holds a masters in engineering management degree from the University of Louisville. He is a registered professional engineer in Kentucky and California. Ramesh spent 15 yrs at Genentech (1994-2009) and served in various senior management positions in engineering organization. Ramesh was responsible for Strategic Planning, Project Engineering, Process Engineering Group, Automation Engineering Group and the Plant Support Technology Group. Ramesh is also involved in various community and non-profit activities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer
Robert Figari holds a MA in psychology. He has been a consultant in leadership development, communications and teambuilding for over 20 years. He has worked throughout the world with entrepreneurs and senior executives, managers and individuals, privately and on behalf of other consulting organizations. He has created a unique approach that integrates inner personal growth learning with outer behavioral skill development in an outdoor educational setting. Bob has been involved in helping people with their professional and personal lives for two decades.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP of Marketing
Sara Kenkare-Mitra, PhD is currently Senior Vice President of Development Sciences, a translational sciences organization that spans R&D at Genentech. In this role she has responsibility for ensuring the successful translation of promising molecule-discoveries from Research into Development. Sara has had a significant impact on the development of a number of biologics and small molecules leading to Genentech's key product approvals including Avastin, Tarceva, Lucentis, Xolair, Erivedge, Perjetta and Kadcyla. In addition, more than 50 Investigational New Drug applications with potential to treat a multitude of diseases in particular cancer, have been filed by her organization with US and ex-US regulatory agencies. Sara also holds adjunct faculty positions at UCSF in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Sara was elected to the Institute of Medicine, National Academy in 2014. Selected as one of the 150 Most Influential Business women by San Francisco Business times in 2011, one of the 150 top alumni of UCSF in 2015. Sara serves on the board of directors of the Genentech foundation, a US based private charitable foundation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary
Sita Bharathala holds a B. Tech degree in Electrical Engineering and an M. Tech degree in Computer Science from Osmania University. She has over 30 years of experience in software engineering and quality assurance and is currently working as a Vice President of Quality and Release Engineering at Veeva Systems, a cloud based solutions provider for the life sciences industry. Sita is also actively involved in various community and non-profit activities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Sunil Eraballi, MBA is a founder of Frontier Technology, Inc., Fremont, CA. He volunteers at a number of non-profit organizations such as Bio-Pharma networking organization EPPIC where he was the past president. He received his undergraduate degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad and his MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur, India.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Suryanarayana Sankuratri holds Ph.D. in Biochemistry over 25 yrs experience in the life science research in particular with virology and infectious diseases. He is currently an Executive Director at Merck. Prior to this role, he worked at Roche pharmaceuticals for over 18 years. Surya involved with many non-profit activities related professional career development of life science scientists through IISc-AANA and other NGOs in India helping the local communities to understand preventive approaches to overcome infectious diseases and improvement for better human health.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Viswanatham Katta holds PhD in chemistry from the University of Houston. He has a broad experience in therapeutic protein characterization in general with an emphasis on mass spectrometry-based techniques of native/reduced/glycosylated/digested mAbs for information on integrity, identity, modifications, variants and host-cell related impurities. He has worked in major biopharma companies both in the discovery research (Amgen) and process development areas (Genentech and Medivation). He led a group of scientists in Protein Analytical Chemistry Department that contributed to CMC sections for several INDs of biologics. Dr Katta has also led the analytical sub-team for Ocrelizumab from pre-clinical through phase 1 stage. He has also successfully led the CMC team enabling first-in-human clinical trials of a thiomab-drug conjugate project. He currently provides consulting to CMOs and early-stage biologics companies.