The biomedical research commercialization training seminar

Roderick Slavcev, PhD, is an associate Professor at the UW School of Pharmacy, a member of the Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, Centre for Eye and Vision and Director of Translational Initiatives. Roderick’s interests are in genetics, molecular biology, virology and technology transfer. His research projects focus on therapeutic bacteriophage-based biotechnology and include the use of coliphages and phage genetic elements to design and construct platforms for the development of novel vaccines, pharmaceuticals and gene delivery systems, as well as the identification and application of novel phage genomic anti-bacterial genes with potential phage therapy applications.

Roderick is also the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Mediphage Bioceuticals and brings over 25 years of research experience in both academic and industrial settings. He is a co-inventor of Mediphage’s ministring DNA platform technology and is responsible for planning and directing all aspects of the organization’s technical product, platform, and solutions. Roderick continues to guide ongoing product development, strategic direction, and applications of the core technology. Roderick is a Chartered Biologist and has a PhD in microbial genetics and an MBA in biotechnology management.

Nafiseh Nafissi, PhD, is the Executive VP of R&D at Mediphage Bioceuticals, and the co-inventor of Mediphage’s ministring DNA platform technology and its production system. Nafiseh holds a PhD. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Waterloo, executive leadership certificate from AdMare Academy’s Executive Institute with 15 years of both academic and industrial experience working on various preclinical projects. Nafiseh is a collaborative leader who likes to bring innovative ideas to life. She is a dynamic researcher, and a highly driven Molecular Biologist and Microbiologist with a strong passion for biotechnology asset commercialization. She has over three years of executive management experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

At Mediphage, she leads and overseas the strategic R&D directions and applications of the core technology, therapeutic design and development, manufacturing process development, establishing and managing partnerships, and developing and managing Mediphage’s patent portfolio. Nafiseh set up the R&D department at Mediphage by establishing and training a multidisciplinary and diverse discovery, R&D, and PD team to carry out activities, including the optimization of msDNA platform technology, large-scale msDNA manufacturing and QC, and preclinical development of multiple projects.

Sandra Keys is the liaison librarian for Accounting & Finance and Economics and is currently filling in for the Entrepreneurship Librarian, Rachel Figueredo, until her return from leave later this year. In her pre-Waterloo life, she spent many years working in Investment Banking libraries in Toronto.

Kathy Szigeti is the subject librarian for chemical information. In this capacity she helps researchers find and understand patents.

Okechukwu (Okey) Igboeli, PhD, is a Continuing Lecturer and the Director of the Science and Business Program at the University of Waterloo. He teaches several science and business courses, and facilitates the integration of science and business students’ experience with entrepreneurial activities on campus and in the community. He has significant academic and practical experience in entrepreneurship and research commercialization. Prior to joining the Science and Business program, he founded and led the drug discovery company, True Spring Pharmaceuticals Inc.

John Dick, PhD, is the Director of Velocity Campus at the University of Waterloo. He oversees the operations of Concept, Problem Lab, and Zero Experience programming on campus and is in charge of creating inspiring experiences for students who are interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. Before joining Velocity, John was a cofounder of Nicoya where he led its R&D efforts for 7 years as CSO. John holds a Masters of Chemical Engineering from McGill University and a PhD in Materials from the Imperial College of London. He recently completed his MBA from Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.

Christine Moffatt is a Researcher at the Problem Lab at the University of Waterloo, Canada’s first lab dedicated to problem analysis. She supports the Problem Lab by designing and developing new programs and hands-on workshops, coaching student innovators through the Quantum Valley Investments® Problem Pitch, and researching new areas of interest for internal and external partners. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Western University, and has more than ten years of experience working with small businesses and entrepreneurs.