Our Advisors

Savanh Chantha-phavong, PhD

Histopathology, Spatial Biology, Digital Pathology and Tissue-based Technologies

Advises partners across academia, biotechnology, and biopharma on the design, buildout, and scaling of advanced histology, spatial biology, spatial transcriptomics, and digital pathology laboratories, aligning scientific innovation with enterprise-level strategy and operations.

 

Provides strategic and scientific guidance in antibody validation, single and multiplex IHC/IF assay development, target validation, and biomarker development, as well as image analysis, quantitative data reporting, and workflow integration—enabling organizations to generate reproducible, data-driven insights that link discovery research with diagnostic and commercial outcomes. Brings experience directing multimillion-dollar laboratory programs and contributing to the development, productization, and commercialization of next-generation histology, imaging, and software technologies, while advising on recruitment, training, and development of high-performing scientific teams to sustain modern pathology and spatial operations with precision and scale.

David m. Brown, PHD, PMP

IND project management, mRNA, Synthetic Biology, Virology, Preclinical Strategy, Vaccine Development

With over a decade of hands-on experience in vaccines, mRNA therapeutics, process development, and CMC leadership, David built and led biotech teams, managed multimillion-dollar programs, and guided multiple products from concept through IND submission.

 

As former Vice President at RNAimmune, Inc. and  scientist at the J. Craig Venter Institute, David has led IND filings, CDMO oversight, scientific programs, quality audits, due diligence, and product development.

Kevin Hacker, PHD

AI Strategy, Molecular Biology, and Translational Innovation

Kevin Hacker is an AI strategist and molecular biologist with over 15 years of experience guiding academic and early-stage biotech teams at the intersection of data, discovery, and commercialization. As an industry advisor at UCSF, he works with researchers to translate discoveries into commercial ventures - two teams have already advanced prototypes with IP protection.

He is also Co-Founder of AI Nova Strategy, where he combines MIT-certified training in artificial intelligence with deep molecular biology expertise to help startups integrate AI, multi-omics, and spatial genomics into their research and business strategies.

Kevin’s work bridges scientific innovation, computational strategy, and commercialization - helping organizations move from concept to real-world impact.

Rembert Pieper, PHD

Experienced Scientist Managing Multi-Disciplinary Biological Research Teams, Research Grants and IND Enabling Clinical Biomarker Studies

Served as associate director and professor at J. Craig Venter Institute for 14 years and led grants and contracts with focus on infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases

 

Developed innovative technologies at Biotech companies for clinical biomarker discovery; co-authored 12 patents and multiple patent applications

 

Expertise in proteomics, microbiomics and systems biology including applications to  human subject studies, biomarker discovery and validation (observational, Phase 0, Phase 1) 

Gregory R. Govoni, PHD

Microbiome and Microbial Systems, Molecular Diagnostics, and Translational Biology

Gregory Govoni is a molecular microbiologist with over 20 years of experience advancing discovery and translational research across biotechnology and diagnostics. Gregory’s expertise spans microbiome and host–microbe interactions, microbial and genetic engineering, LBP preclinical R&D, antimicrobial discovery and development, and molecular diagnostics. He has extensive experience designing and executing in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action. A former NIH R21 Principal Investigator and co-inventor on multiple patents, Gregory has led cross-functional R&D programs at companies ranging from startups to global leaders such as Thermo Fisher Scientific. He specializes in bridging microbiology, molecular innovation, and strategic development to help organizations translate scientific insight into practical, impactful biotech solutions.