People

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

Leadership

Director of the Antibody Initiative

Joe Bertelsen
Director of Partnerships and Alliances

Stephen M. Fuchs, Ph.D.
Director of Communications, Strategy and Admin. Operations

Trisha Gura, Ph.D.
Director of Finance

Jona Marashi, MBA
Director of the Antibody Platform

Rob Meijers, Ph.D.
Director of People and Talent

Joyce O’Connell

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. In that moment, Joe launched into a two-decade career leading teams in the development and implementation of commercial and R&D 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. To hear Joe talk about his work and IPI’s unique ability as a nonprofit to disrupt the antibody market, click here.

Director of Partnerships and Alliances

Stephen M. Fuchs, Ph.D.

Stephen M. Fuchs, Ph.D., 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. He currently serves as the chair of the Career Development Committee for the Protein Society.

Director of Communications, Strategy and Admin. Operations

Trisha Gura, Ph.D.

Trisha Gura, Ph.D., 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 Finance

Jona Marashi, MBA

Jona Marashi, MBA, has managed budgets for top nonprofits in the Boston area for more than 13 years. Before joining IPI, she was the associate director of finance for the Education Development Center – a research nonprofit focused on educational, health and workforce challenges around the world – and directed the budget for Health Resources in Action, a nonprofit consulting agency. Now, Jona oversees the fiscal management and financial planning at IPI. She earned her MBA from Simmons University in Boston and her master’s degree in public policy and global studies from the American Heritage University of Southern California.

Director of the Antibody Platform

Rob Meijers, Ph.D.

Rob Meijers, Ph.D., brings to IPI an expertise in deep protein production, 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

Joyce O’Connell

As an HR leader with more than 25 years of experience, Joyce O’Connell has helped national and global start-ups and Fortune 500 companies alike turn their business goals into reality. She’s worked in a variety of industries, always prioritizing connection, building bridges, learning and leading from the heart. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and education from the University of Rhode Island, and has taken master’s level courses in HR management and organizational development. At IPI, Joyce oversees talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement and retention.

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