People

The people behind IPI share a passion for science. We are driven by our mission to power discovery and improve human health.

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Leadership

Head of Protein Design
Christopher D. Bahl, PhD

Director of the Antibody Initiative
Joe Bertelsen

Director of Partnerships and Alliances
Stephen M. Fuchs, PhD

Director of Communications, Strategy & Admin. Operations
Trisha Gura, PhD

Director of the Antibody Platform
Rob Meijers, PhD

Director of People and Talent
Mary Niederkorn

Head of Protein Design

Christopher D. Bahl, PhD

Christopher D. Bahl, PhD, came to IPI following postdoctoral studies with David Baker, PhD, at the University of Washington. There, he successfully developed computational design methods to create constrained peptides, molecules that meld the best attributes of antibodies and small molecules into powerful research tools and promising biologic drugs.

Director of the Antibody Initiative

Joe Bertelsen

Joe Bertelsen’s foray into the reagent antibody world began with a chance meeting at a networking event. It launched a two-decade career, leading teams that developed and implemented commercial and research and development strategies. With stints in leadership at Abcam, Covance and Signet Laboratories, Joe has cultivated a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the antibody business. He talks about his work and IPI’s unique ability as a nonprofit to disrupt the antibody market (here).

Director of Partnerships and Alliances

Stephen M. Fuchs, PhD

Stephen M. Fuchs, PhD, offers IPI a unique combination of experiences in protein chemistry and yeast biology, in addition to science education and outreach. Prior to joining IPI, Steve was an Assistant Professor at Tufts University and currently serves as the Chair of the Career Development Committee for the Protein Society.

Director of Communications, Strategy & Admin. Operations

Trisha Gura, PhD

Trisha Gura, PhD, brings to IPI more than 25 years of experience in journalism, communications and marketing. Trained as a molecular biologist and science journalist, she has the rare ability to communicate science and technology to a wide range of individuals. She also offers IPI strategic and fundraising expertise, having worked as Director of Marketing and Communications at T1D Exchange and Associate Director of Communications at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Director of the Antibody Platform

Rob Meijers, PhD

Rob Meijers, PhD, brings to IPI deep protein production expertise, having established a user facility for protein preparation and characterization at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Outstation, where he was a group leader. He also studied neuronal receptors, revealing how the axon guidance protein netrin interacts with its receptors. At IPI, Rob is well positioned to identify and design protein targets, as well as engage the neurobiology community to test IPI protein science tools.

Director of People and Talent

Mary Niederkorn

Mary Niederkorn offers IPI an entrepreneurial approach to human resource management, based on her prior work in healthcare, hospitality and the arts. She was previously Controller and Human Resources Manager at Vanu, Inc. and US Human Resources Manager at iMDsoft. At IPI, she ensures that human resource policy and procedures fit the needs of employees and align with leadership goals for optimal organizational performance.

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