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 […]

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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

Chief Science Officer

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

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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.

Benjamin Cappiello

Benjamin Cappiello

Chief Business Officer

Ben leads the commercial side of AxoSim and was a founding advisor to the company […]

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Ben leads the commercial side of AxoSim and was a founding advisor to the company before joining full time in 2017. He is an entrepreneur and biomedical engineer. After graduating from Tulane’s biomedical engineering program, he founded Bioceptive, a women’s health company where he remains the CEO, splitting his time with AxoSim. Ben is also the Vice President-Elect of the North American 3R’s Collaborative, focused on reducing the amount of ineffective animal testing done in pharmaceutical development.

Edward Spack, PhD

Edward Spack, PhD

Executive Director of Research and Development

Edward (Ted) is the Executive Director of Research and Development, helping to coordinate activities between […]

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Edward (Ted) is the Executive Director of Research and Development, 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 […]

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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.

Monica Metea, PhD

Monica Metea, PhD

Consulting VP Operations

Dr. Monica Metea founded Preclinical Electrophysiology Consulting (PCEC), a company supporting biotech, pharma and CROs […]

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Dr. Monica Metea founded Preclinical Electrophysiology Consulting (PCEC), a company supporting biotech, pharma and CROs with drug safety projects and electrophysiology-focused applications. These include electroencephalography and neurography in support of preclinical derisking, in vitro screening, organ-on-a-chip model development, safety pharmacology core battery, and computational approaches to data. Monica’s background spans three decades of cross disciplinary life sciences including clinical electrophysiology, doctoral studies in neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, and industry experience in preclinical drug development. Before starting PCEC, Monica held strategic business leadership roles in contract research organizations providing in vivo and in vitro services to the non-clinical pharmaceutical and agrochemical sector.

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 […]

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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

Director of Operations

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

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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 […]

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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

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

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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.

Wesley Anderson, PhD

Wesley Anderson, PhD

Research Scientist II

Wesley is working on the development of 3D neural tissue models and analysis techniques, including […]

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Wesley is working on the development of 3D neural tissue models and analysis techniques, including AxoSim’s proprietary BrainSim® and NerveSim® platforms. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, focusing on the development of an in vitro functional 3D model of the peripheral nerve. He specializes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as well as neuroscience.

Lise Harbom, PhD

Lise Harbom, PhD

Research Scientist II

Lise received a B.A. in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from […]

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Lise received a B.A. in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. 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).

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 […]

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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.

Ethan Byrne, PhD

Ethan Byrne, PhD

Research Scientist I

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

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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 […]

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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.

Chelsea Richardson

Chelsea Richardson

Senior Business Development Manager

Chelsea leads AxoSim’s growing sales efforts. After graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in […]

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Chelsea leads AxoSim’s growing sales efforts. After graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Communication, Chelsea worked as a research assistant in basic research across respiratory, cardiology, and neuroscience fields. After leaving her research assistantship, she worked as a Scientific Sales Specialist for a pre-clinical research product sales company to further fine tune her passion for neuroscience across pre-clinical models from mouse to NHP.

Daniel Martinez, PhD

Daniel Martinez, PhD

Business Development Fellow

A native of New Orleans, Daniel received Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from Louisiana […]

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A native of New Orleans, Daniel received Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from Louisiana State University followed by a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from Tulane University. He then went on to attain a PhD in Neuroscience from the LSU Health Sciences Center, focusing on the molecular pathways that govern neuromuscular synapse development. Now, he is leveraging his knowledge to assist the Business Development team at AxoSim.

Jeff Karlson

Jeff Karlson

Finance & Administration Manager

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

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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.

Diego Gatica

Diego Gatica

Research Associate I

Diego is involved in construction and management of databases and assisting with experiments at AxoSim. […]

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Diego is involved in construction and management of databases and assisting with experiments at AxoSim. He received a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Tulane University, where he was involved in reproductive health research. He is most passionate about how innovative technologies can be implemented to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare.

Erin Schwarzbach

Erin Schwarzbach

Research Assistant III

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

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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.

Cameron Myers

Cameron Myers

Research Assistant II

Cameron is a researcher with a passion for new advances in biotechnology and an interest […]

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Cameron is a researcher with a passion for new advances in biotechnology and an interest in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. She received her master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Tulane University.

Ally Brengartner

Ally Brengartner

Research Assistant II

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

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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.

Danielle Roof

Danielle Roof

Research Assistant II

Danielle earned her Master’s degree in Microbiology & Immunology from Tulane University and her Bachelor’s […]

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Danielle earned her Master’s degree in Microbiology & Immunology from Tulane University and her Bachelor’s in Biology from Kalamazoo College. Her publication that came from her undergraduate thesis examined the biophysical arrangements of viral capsid structural protrusions. Danielle’s master’s thesis reviewed cellular lipid profiles during viral infection. At Axosim, she is most interested in the novel biotechnology and the implications it will have on healthcare.

Sabrina Dillon

Sabrina Dillon

Research Assistant I

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

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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.

Aliyah Dalier

Aliyah Dalier

Research Assistant I

Aliyah received her B.S. in Physics with a minor in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. […]

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Aliyah received her B.S. in Physics with a minor in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. Her previous research projects consisted of viscosity and light scattering measurements of polymers, observing acetaminophen’s effect on liposomes, finding the effects of UV radiation on bacteria and building an experiment canister for a rocket to measure the electron density in the ionosphere. AxoSim’s interdisciplinary science and distinctive team culture creates the perfect place to call home.

Madelyn Korn

Madelyn Korn

Research Assistant I

Madelyn received her bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, where she […]

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Madelyn received her bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, where she also earned Public Health and Management minors. While at Tulane, she found a passion and fascination for the drug discovery process and the complexity of the human nervous system. At AxoSim, she is excited to contribute to the field of neurodegenerative diseases and play a role in advancing biotechnology.

Gina Jackson

Gina Jackson

Executive Assistant to CEO, Director of Special Projects

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

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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.

Elizabeth Thiebaud

Elizabeth Thiebaud

Executive Assistant to CBO

Liz is a highly efficient and results-driven individual with over 15 years’ experience in professional […]

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Liz is a highly efficient and results-driven individual with over 15 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.

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.