Rudolf Gilmanshin, PhD
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Rudolf Gilmanshin is the Chief Executive Officer. At US Genomics (later Pathogenetix), Rudolf ascended from the first full-time employee of a startup to the principal leading the development of the core technological platform and applications. As Vice President there and later in FloDesign Sonics, Dr. Gilmanshin created and managed strong multidisciplinary teams of knowledge-intensive workers. Rudolf authored proposals that secured $57M funding in grants and contracts. He collaborated with academic labs, government organizations, and major companies.

Dr. Gilmanshin specialized in self-organization of molecular structures and applied his knowledge in molecular engineering, molecular films, and single molecule studies. He is experienced in developing and applying various methods for study and manipulation of biomolecules and in reducing research results into disruptive technologies and functional prototypes. Rudolf holds a PhD degree in Molecular Biophysics and an MS degree in Chemical Physics. In 2007, he received the outstanding entrepreneurship award from the National Science Foundation. He has authored 41 paper and 14 patents.

Natalia Rodionova, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Natalia Rodionova, the Chief Scientific Officer, is an accomplished scientist with diverse experience in both the biotech industry and academia. With expertise in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, microfluidics, and analytical instrumentation, she has contributed to various projects. Her roles include Instructor of Biochemistry at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and HHMI-funded Research Specialist at the Rockefeller University. In biotech startups, such as Decision Biomarkers and Phylos, Natalia was involved in development of novel therapeutic reagents, multiplex assays for detection of early stage of cancer and other diseases, and customer-oriented development of point-of-care instrumentation. In large biotech companies, such as Perkin Elmer, she developed applications of their core technologies, liaised with customers educating them about new options and receiving feedback, and developed QC procedures for new products. Natalia holds a PhD degree in Molecular Biology, MS degree in Biophysics, and certifications in Project Management and Microfabrication.

John Canepa

Finance expert

John Canepa, an expert in business finances and the IPO process, brings 24 years of experience in CEO, CFO, and COO positions in various early-stage biotech companies such as Candel Therapeutics, Frequency Therapeutics, Agilis Biotherapeutics, Asterland Bioscience, Pathogenetix, and more. Currently retired, John guides Sortiphase through financial challenges using the knowledge acquired throughout his illuminous career.

David Hoey

CEO of Vaxxas

David Hoey has more than 25 years’ experience in technology financing and commercialization, with primary expertise in business development, strategic planning, market development, and corporate partnering for medical technologies, diagnostics and drug development. Mr. Hoey is currently Chief Executive Office and a Director of Vaxxas, Inc., a company that has developed and is commercializing a novel high-density microarray patch for vaccine delivery. During his career, David has worked in management and leadership roles in the preclinical development of small molecule and biologic therapeutics, molecular diagnostic assays and platforms, and analytical instrumentation. Mr. Hoey served as Vice President of business development at U.S. Genomics Inc., PathoGenetix Inc., and InfoLibria Inc.

Jenny Rooke, PhD

Managing Director of Genoa Ventures

Dr. Jenny Rooke is the Managing Director of Genoa Ventures. This fund invests in early-stage companies innovating at the intersection of biology and technology. She is a rare investor who deeply understands both business and technological sides of emerging enterprises. With Doctorate in genetics, Bachelors in physics, and background in computer science, her career could follow technological path, as she had demonstrated being VP R&D and CSO at US Genomics. This experience and education were her competitive advantage in the business world, when she worked at McKinsey & Co, joined Fidelity Biosciences as the Kauffman Fellow, became a Venture Partner at F-Prime Capital Partners, and finally is in charge of the investment fund. No surprise that both emerging and established companies, such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, search for her advice.