FOUNDER/OPERATIONS PARTNER

Rachel is a life sciences operations and program management leader with over 15 years of experience across startups, academia, and industry. She holds a BS in Biology from The Ohio State University, an MBA from the University of Cincinnati, and is PMP-certified.

Not only is she an experienced startup leader, Rachel has also worked in leading academic institutions including the University of Chicago and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Her expertise spans ISO-accredited quality programs, LIMS/EHR implementation, laboratory expansions, and strategic program management. She also brings commercial leadership experience from her role as VP of Commercial Operations at AirAnswers, where she drove market expansion in indoor air quality, integrative medicine, and cannabis.

Rachel is passionate about helping biotech and life science founders build operational clarity, regulatory readiness, and sustainable growth. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys quality time with her husband and staying active through Orangetheory fitness.

SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANT

Cassondra earned her doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Illinois Chicago and brings over 8 years of combined academic and industry experience in vascular biology, maternal health, and pharmaceutical development. She possesses extensive expertise collaborating with pharmaceutical sponsors to design, validate, and analyze drug-based assays for clinical trials.

Her skills include immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, drug metabolism studies, DNA/RNA sequencing, genetic mouse model generation, and advanced data analytics, along with strategic grant development and sponsor communications. Dr. Axen is well-versed in clinical trial safety and efficacy assessments and is deeply committed to ensuring that all client scientific endeavors comply with evolving FDA regulations and industry standards.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family and hosting Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.

QUALITY CONSULTANT & AUDITOR

Santosh brings 19 years of global quality and compliance experience across the pharmaceutical, clinical, biological, and medical device industries. He holds a BS in Pharmacy and an MS in Pharmaceutical Technology, graduating top of his class from a leading university in India.

A certified auditor with professional recognition from IRCA and BSI, Santosh has conducted and led more than 85 system and product audits across APAC, the USA, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Europe. His expertise spans ICH guidelines, GMP, and PQS, with deep experience in supplier qualification, GMP compliance, and regulatory inspection readiness (PAI, PIC/S, EU, PMDA, ISO). He has also established QMS/GLP systems for new firms and brings extensive hands-on knowledge of quality operations including change control, deviations, investigations, risk analysis, qualification, validation, and batch release.

Santosh is passionate about quality across all dosage forms — from sterile to liquids to semi-solids and medical devices (Class I–III). Currently based in Bangalore with his wife and three children, he enjoys reading, music, sports, and exploring new places.