Our Team

Our Team

ENABLING BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES TO DEVELOP BETTER TREATMENTS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES, FASTER

AxoSim has a diverse team of talented individuals spanning many disciplines. We pride ourselves on collaborating to solve problems in measurable ways, both internally and externally. We’re quality obsessed. We work tirelessly to help our pharmaceutical partners find the solutions they need to succeed, all while they learn to admire and respect our team, products, and solutions.

Lowry Curley, PhD

Lowry Curley, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

Lowry is co-founder and CEO of AxoSim. He drives the vision and implementation for product […]

Read More

Lowry is co-founder and CEO of AxoSim. He drives the vision and implementation for product development and commercialization of AxoSim’s NerveSim® and BrainSim® drug discovery platforms, with the goal of making a significant impact on medicine and patient care. Lowry received a PhD in biomedical engineering from Tulane University focused on tissue engineering and neuroscience. He is active on HESI’s (Health and Environmental Science Institute) Neutox Committee, which is a national nonprofit that works to resolve global health and environmental challenges through engagement of scientists from academia, government, industry, NGOs, and other strategic partners. Lowry is also an early member of the Nonclinical Innovation and Patient Safety Initiative collaboration (NIPSI) which advocates to the FDA for use of safer, more effective non-animal testing models in drug discovery. Locally, he serves on the New Orleans BioDistrict Board, dedicated to supporting economic growth of the biosciences sector in Southeast Louisiana.

Michael Moore, PhD

Michael Moore, PhD

Founding Chief Science Officer

Michael is co-founder and CSO of AxoSim and an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at […]

Read More

Michael is co-founder and CSO of AxoSim and an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tulane University, with nearly 20 years of experience in biomaterials, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine. He received his PhD from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and has experience commercializing laboratory-based technology from there as well as from his postdoc with Prof. Robert Langer at MIT. AxoSim is one of three startups to begin in Michael’s lab, though it is the only company he maintains direct involvement.

Amit Johal, MBA

Amit Johal, MBA

Director, Corporate and Business Development

Amit drives strategic initiatives while establishing and strengthening relationships with our collaborators. He holds a […]

Read More

Amit drives strategic initiatives while establishing and strengthening relationships with our collaborators. He holds a BS in Biology and an MBA in Health Sector Management from Boston University. Starting his biotechnology career in the lab, he has since shifted his focus to the business through developing and executing on strategies for portfolio management, corporate development, and pharma partnering.

Edward Spack, PhD

Edward Spack, PhD

Consulting Executive Director of R&D

Edward (Ted) is the Consulting Executive Director of R&D, helping to coordinate activities between business […]

Read More

Edward (Ted) is the Consulting Executive Director of R&D, helping to coordinate activities between business development, internal operations teams, and external research partners. He has several decades of start-up biotech experience, including co-founding a biotech and mentoring local SF Bay area and international entrepreneurs on innovation and biotech management. He also led a multi-institutional translational science consortium (Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF, UCSD, SRI International) and managed an innovative grant program developed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Prior to working in biotech, Ted received his PhD in cellular immunology from The Johns Hopkins University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD

Consulting VP of Scientific Affairs

Thomas Hartung, MD PhD, is AxoSim’s Consulting VP of Scientific Affairs and the inventor of […]

Read More

Thomas Hartung, MD PhD, is AxoSim’s Consulting VP of Scientific Affairs and the inventor of the Mini-Brain platform. Thomas believed in AxoSim’s vision to change the paradigm for neurological drug development and chose AxoSim to commercialize his groundbreaking technology. He is also the Doerenkamp-Zbinden-Chair for Evidence-based Toxicology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, in Environmental Health and Engineering. He is also the Director of Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT, http://caat.jhsph.edu) of both Hopkins and the University of Konstanz, Germany. CAAT hosts the secretariat of the Evidence-based Toxicology Collaboration, the Good Read-Across Practice Collaboration, the Good Cell Culture Practice Collaboration, the Green Toxicology Collaboration and the Industry Refinement Working Group. He is the former Head of the European Commission’s Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), Ispra, Italy, and has authored more than 550 scientific publications.

Gregory Kading, CFA

Gregory Kading, CFA

Consulting Chief Financial Officer

Greg has worked with a variety of early and mid-stage businesses in the areas of […]

Read More

Greg has worked with a variety of early and mid-stage businesses in the areas of financial planning and analysis, investment analysis, and financing. Most recently he served as CFO of ImmunoMolecular Therapeutics, a private clinical stage biotech company. Previously, he has served as CFO of MicroBiome Therapeutics and Accera, both commercial stage biotech companies, closing financings for over $50 million in multiple transactions. Previously to his biotech roles, Greg was a two-time President’s club winner with a predecessor company to CenturyLink while working in a variety of finance positions, ultimately serving as business unit CFO for the company’s Cable TV unit. He has been an adjunct instructor in finance at Metro State University in Denver and Arapahoe Community College. Greg was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute. An Iowa native, Greg holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University, and an M.B.A. degree from Creighton University.

Megan Morris, MSE

Megan Morris, MSE

VP of Operations

Megan manages AxoSim operations with an emphasis on commercial activities and the integration of both […]

Read More

Megan manages AxoSim operations with an emphasis on commercial activities and the integration of both quality management and HSSE (health, safety, security, and environmental) management. She earned her master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University and comes to us with a wide range of organizational experience from various industries. She is committed to ensuring AxoSim delivers robust data to clients with quality, integrity, and reliability.

Megan Terral

Megan Terral

Scientific Projects Manager

Megan is currently focused on demyelination and neuropathy studies at AxoSim. She received an undergraduate […]

Read More

Megan is currently focused on demyelination and neuropathy studies at AxoSim. She received an undergraduate degree in biochemical engineering from the University of Georgia, where she grew interested in tissue engineering, biomaterials, and translational research. In the future, she plans to pursue either a PhD or an MD.

Corey Rountree, PhD

Corey Rountree, PhD

Lead Scientist, Functional Engineering

Corey leads the development of the NerveSim® platform, focusing on increasing throughput through automation of […]

Read More

Corey leads the development of the NerveSim® platform, focusing on increasing throughput through automation of electrophysiological recording and analysis. He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, characterizing electrophysiological recordings and determining the feasibility of single-site neurotransmitter-based stimulation for treating photoreceptor degenerative diseases. His postdoctoral work furthered his research through the development of a prototype multiport neurotransmitter-based retinal prosthesis using photolithography. Corey specializes in electrophysiology, photolithography, and data analysis.

Lise Harbom, PhD

Lise Harbom, PhD

Lead Scientist, Cellular Neurobiology

Lise received a BA in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in Neuroscience from […]

Read More

Lise received a BA in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Virginia, focusing on electrophysiology in iPSC-derived neurons.  She is interested in the translational potential of using cell models for drug screening.  Currently, Lise is using the NerveSim® technology to create a human cell-based model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Andrew LeCroix, PhD

Andrew LeCroix, PhD

Lead Scientist, Assay Development & Screening

Andrew leads the screening team, overseeing the application of the microBrain™ functional organoid platform for […]

Read More

Andrew leads the screening team, overseeing the application of the microBrain™ functional organoid platform for neurotoxicity screening, functional neuromodulation studies, and disease model development. He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University where he developed biosensor technologies and high-content imaging approaches to studying cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in intact tissues. Andy specializes in cell-based assay development, quantitative imaging, and advanced data analysis techniques.

Kevin Simpson, PhD

Kevin Simpson, PhD

Research Scientist II

Kevin is currently focused on AxoSim’s NerveSim® platform. He has a PhD in Chemistry and […]

Read More

Kevin is currently focused on AxoSim’s NerveSim® platform. He has a PhD in Chemistry and has worked for more than a decade in the biotechnology field. With experience in antibody development, disease diagnostic testing, and live virus research, he has a deep understanding of the science behind the client’s needs.

Nicholas Coungeris

Nicholas Coungeris

Research Scientist II

Nick graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors degree in cell, molecular and developmental biology. […]

Read More

Nick graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors degree in cell, molecular and developmental biology. With almost a decade of experience using iPSC technology to generate 2D and 3D cortical models of rare neurodevelopmental disorders, Nick’s primary focus is the continued development of the microBrain™ platform for high-throughput screening and services. Nick has also excelled in leading and training his teammates, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment in the pursuit of groundbreaking research.

Ethan Byrne, PhD

Ethan Byrne, PhD

Research Scientist I

Ethan is working on the NerveSim® platform. He graduated from LSU with a PhD in […]

Read More

Ethan is working on the NerveSim® platform. He graduated from LSU with a PhD in Biological Engineering and completed his postdoctoral research at Tulane University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His specialties are developing tissue engineered microphysiological systems to study human diseases and nanoparticle drug delivery.

Tyler Rodriguez, PhD

Tyler Rodriguez, PhD

Research Scientist I

Tyler received his PhD in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University where he worked on […]

Read More

Tyler received his PhD in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University where he worked on mechanisms of chloride regulation in retinal amacrine cells. He is experienced in single cell molecular assays, CRISPR/Cas9, and electrophysiology techniques and aspires to use these tools in the development of human therapeutics for debilitating neurological diseases.

Tori Alstat

Tori Alstat

Research Scientist I

Tori received her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from University of Minnesota and has worked with […]

Read More

Tori received her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from University of Minnesota and has worked with the microBrain™ platform since she joined the company as an undergraduate intern. She has since held various roles in manufacturing and quality, working hands-on with iPSC-derived organoids for over 5 years. Most recently, Tori was a key contributor to the CDKL5 disease model characterization and high-throughput functional screening for both novel and repurposed drug candidates. At AxoSim, Tori is focused on microBrain™ production and executing customer projects as part of the services team.

Morgan Williamson

Morgan Williamson

Operations Manager-Maple Grove

Morgan has seen microBrain™ grow as a high-throughput functional screening platform through the lens of […]

Read More

Morgan has seen microBrain™ grow as a high-throughput functional screening platform through the lens of a manufacturing associate, research associate, project manager, and laboratory operations manager. Focused on empowering their team, Morgan’s deep understanding of scientific processes and passion for efficient workflows contribute to the overall success of the team and organization. Committed to enabling the innovations that built this new generation of research tools for human biology, he’s enthusiastic to be a part of AxoSim’s mission to revolutionize development of CNS and PNS therapeutics.

Hassan Gneid, PhD

Hassan Gneid, PhD

Laboratory Manager

Hassan gained his BSc in chemistry at Damascus University in the field of applied chemistry. […]

Read More

Hassan gained his BSc in chemistry at Damascus University in the field of applied chemistry. Hassan worked for a number of years in industry in England, United Kingdom. In 2011 he returned to school to gain his MPhil degree in chemistry at the University of Southampton (UK). In 2014 he joined the group of Dr. Jonathan Watts to achieve a PhD in chemistry at the University of Southampton (UK) and the RNA Therapeutics Institute (USA). During his PhD he worked on the development of broad-spectrum antimicrobials using modified antisense oligonucleotides. After successfully finishing his PhD, Hassan worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Dr Nathalie Busschaert laboratory at Tulane University. His work involved the use of supramolecular chemistry to design, synthesize and test novel compounds that can function as antibacterial agents based on the interactions between the compounds and the bacterial membranes.

Jeff Karlson

Jeff Karlson

Director of Finance & Administration

Jeff manages accounting and administration at AxoSim. He comes to us from the nonprofit arena […]

Read More

Jeff manages accounting and administration at AxoSim. He comes to us from the nonprofit arena where he spent many years working in project, grant, and financial management on a host of local and national efforts. Most recently he provided financial and grants management oversight for a local non-profit’s 5-year, $4 million contract under the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program, part of a four-state project to expand health care access along the Gulf Coast.

Adam Julien, MSc.

Adam Julien, MSc.

Operations Associate

Adam works with the Operational Leadership team developing processes involving inventory management and systems building. […]

Read More

Adam works with the Operational Leadership team developing processes involving inventory management and systems building. He comes to AxoSim with a varied background in customer service, healthcare, and museum programming. He received his Masters degree in cognitive and clinical neuroscience from Goldsmiths University in London, England. He is a proud New Orleans native and a devoted Saints fan.

Eva Schmidt

Eva Schmidt

Research Associate III

Eva earned her degree in Biological Engineering at Louisiana State University. While there, she found […]

Read More

Eva earned her degree in Biological Engineering at Louisiana State University. While there, she found a passion for biomedical research with a background in oxidative stress and diabetic kidney disease research. At AxoSim, she assists in neuropathy, myelination studies, and  commercialization. Eva is most interested in the novel biotechnology and innovative molecular methods AxoSim offers.

Erin Schwarzbach

Erin Schwarzbach

Research Associate I

Erin earned her Master’s degree in Biology from Austin Peay State University and her Bachelor’s […]

Read More

Erin earned her Master’s degree in Biology from Austin Peay State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Loyola University in New Orleans. She studied the anti-predator behaviors of the Southern Redbelly Dace for her master’s thesis and participated in a population genetics study of a federally threatened fish species. At AxoSim, Erin is excited to play a role in the innovative methodology and biotechnology.

Sabrina Dillon

Sabrina Dillon

Research Assistant III

Sabrina received her master’s degree in neuroscience from Tulane University, where she also studied as […]

Read More

Sabrina received her master’s degree in neuroscience from Tulane University, where she also studied as a neuroscience major and a public health minor. Her research interests include brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. She is excited to see the application of AxoSim technology in these fields. In the future, she plans to go to medical school to become a neuro-oncologist.

Ally Brengartner

Ally Brengartner

Research Assistant II

Ally graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Biology. She has experience in […]

Read More

Ally graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Biology. She has experience in oxidative stress and disease and is interested in the field of biotechnology. With prior work in nephrology, she is excited to expand her knowledge with the addition of neuroscience.

Rees Ryckman

Rees Ryckman

Research Associate I

Rees received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University where he double-majored in cellular and molecular […]

Read More

Rees received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University where he double-majored in cellular and molecular biology and philosophy. His research interests include the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological cancers. He is eager to contribute to AxoSim’s dynamic team and drive impactful results.

Gina Jackson

Gina Jackson

Director of Special Projects, Office of the CEO

Gina Marie is an experienced former Director of Communications, skilled in project management, public relations, […]

Read More

Gina Marie is an experienced former Director of Communications, skilled in project management, public relations, event planning, and investor relations. Gina holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Miami.

Julie Ward

Julie Ward

Special Projects Manager

Julie is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with more than 15 years of agency, […]

Read More

Julie is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with more than 15 years of agency, in-house, and freelance experience. Her holistic and creative approach to integrated communications makes her an invaluable asset to any team. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mississippi.

Elizabeth Thiebaud

Elizabeth Thiebaud

Business Development and Legal Administrator

Liz is a highly efficient and results-driven individual with over 17 years’ experience in professional […]

Read More

Liz is a highly efficient and results-driven individual with over 17 years’ experience in professional executive assistant and management positions.  Her background includes working with executives in business development, customer service, procedures and policies, staff management, employee relations, human resources, and accounting.

Andrew Terrebonne

Andrew Terrebonne

Research Assistant Intern

Andrew is a senior at Tulane University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular […]

Read More

Andrew is a senior at Tulane University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. He has prior research experience in innate immune PRR-induced signal transduction pathways and is excited to further his knowledge of neuroscience and revolutionary biotechnologies at AxoSim.

AxoSim Alumni

AxoSim team members have gone on to do great things. We value personnel and professional development. We pride ourselves on offering a launching pad to fantastic scientific and entrepreneurial careers. We provide and encourage opportunities for growth including presentations at conferences, publications, journal clubs, and teaching modules.