A Twenty-Eight Year Career in Science and Information Technology

Jeff started his career in the Reverse Targeted Genetics Lab at Pioneer Hi-Bred (DowDuPont, Inc.). He performed software programming, database management, and assay development, performing ultra-high-throughput screening using laboratory robotics.

In 1997 Jeff joined the Laboratory of Dr. Stanley Prusiner, Nobel Laureate for discovering prions and founder of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at the University of California at San Franciso. He contributed his expertise in molecular biology research, assay development for laboratory robotics, and scientific software development. Dr. Prusiner and Jeff co-authored two high-impact scientific publications.

When Dr. Stanley launched InPro Biotechnology to commercialize diagnostic assays for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE), he handpicked Jeff as the first employee based on his scientific and technical skills. Jeff scaled up diagnostic tests for high-throughput using laboratory automation and developed the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track clinical trial data. In addition, he was in charge of the IT infrastructure. As part of the clinical validation team in Europe, Jeff managed clinical trial logistics and data reporting.

Founder of a Bio-IT Company

After his tenure at In-Pro, Jeff founded RoboTech Science in 2003, following his vision to deliver highly specialized Bio-IT solutions to the biotech and pharmaceutical industry’s most demanding technical challenges.

He has worked on numerous projects as a Systems Integrator, Software Developer, and Project Manager. Customers include Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer HealthCare, Merck, Medarex (now BMS), Tecan U.S., Johns Hopkins University, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, STACS DNA, and a US Federal Government National Crime Lab. In 2021, RoboTech Science was rebranded to Cyberscend to reflect our increasing focus on using information technology to elevate business capabilities.

Education

Jeff enjoys learning. He earned a BA in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry from Drake University. He later earned an MS in the Management of IT from the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce. His Master’s degree focused on enterprise architecture and information security, IT project and product management, digital transformation, and business-IT strategy formulation and execution.

Personal Life

Jeff is a native of Iowa. He currently lives in Northern Virginia and enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering, and traveling.