Expert Details
Dermatology & Skin/Hair Care R&D, Product Development & Formulation Science, Biotech-Derived Bioactive Ingredients, Claims Substantiation & Efficacy/Safety Testing
ID: 740518
New York, USA
Expert's career has included progressively senior roles in cell biology research, claims substantiation, product innovation, and portfolio management within a major global consumer products company, where Expert led the development and launch of transformative consumer skincare products and brands generating first-year revenues in the range of $50 million to $100 million. Expert subsequently moved into a senior leadership role directing new product development and strategic growth for a biotechnology company, leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for preclinical, clinical, and safety evaluation of biotech-derived bioactive ingredients for skin and hair care applications.
Expert has also served as a Co-Principal Investigator supervising doctoral research on skin aging and the skin microbiome, and has provided freelance consulting services evaluating the growth potential of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Expert is a named inventor on 11 patents and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, whitepapers, and conference presentations supporting scientific credentialing and business development initiatives. Expert combines deep scientific expertise in dermatology and formulation science with business acumen in strategic planning, team leadership, and portfolio management.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 2005 | Degree: PhD | Subject: Molecular Biology | Institution: Stony Brook University |
| Year: 1998 | Degree: BS | Subject: Biochemistry | Institution: Stony Brook University |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2023 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Co-Principal Investigator | Department: |
Responsibilities:Co-supervises a doctoral candidate's research examining the impact of stress on skin aging and the role of the skin microbiota. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2022 to 2024 | Employer: Amyris Biotechnology Inc. | Title: Director, New Product Development and Strategic Growth | Department: Biological and Clinical Sciences |
Responsibilities:• Leads a team of 8 in preclinical, clinical, and safety evaluation of biotech-derived bioactive ingredients for skin and hair care.• Developed and implemented an efficacy and safety testing program spanning multiple brands and the B2B market. • Led development of a dermal penetration program to optimize bioactive ingredient formulation, dosing efficiency, and safety. • Designs studies to generate ingredient claims aligned with market trends, consumer/partner needs, and intellectual property generation. • Oversees scientific credentialing initiatives including peer-reviewed publications, whitepapers, conference presentations, and IP generation. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2017 to 2019 | Employer: Avon Products, Inc. | Title: Senior Manager, Skincare Innovation | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Served as Portfolio Manager for a new skincare innovation program spanning anti-aging, SPF, acne, and sensitive skin categories; oversaw all stages of product/brand development and launch, generating first-year revenues of $50–100 million across prestige, mass, and value brand tiers.• Directed claims substantiation studies supporting product launches with preclinical and clinical data. • Led a cross-functional initiative developing AI-based skin diagnostic tools incorporating consumer and sales feedback. • Managed budgetary compliance and monthly program status reporting for senior management; mentored 3 direct reports. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2013 to 2017 | Employer: Avon Products, Inc. | Title: Program Manager, Incubator | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Led discovery of novel product opportunities by integrating consumer research with scientific insights for skincare and color category innovation.• Directed project planning converting high-potential concepts into executable product development strategies. • Co-led development of a digital e-commerce tool offering personalized product recommendations. • Led end-to-end development of a consumer-driven skincare brand addressing skin sensitivity; managed and mentored 2 direct reports. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2011 to 2013 | Employer: Avon Products, Inc. | Title: Senior Scientist, Cell Biology & Claims Substantiation | Department: |
Responsibilities:• Led development of in vitro and ex vivo assays supporting scientific research initiatives.• Oversaw in vitro safety and toxicology evaluations in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards. • Established and managed collaborative partnerships with external contract research organizations (CROs). • Translated complex scientific concepts for marketing teams to support commercialization strategy. |
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Career Accomplishments
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| • Google Project Management Certificate • Corporate Executive Board (CEB) Research & Development Leadership Academy • American Management Association — Effective Communication Certificate (2016) • Leadership Growth Impact — Middle Management Program (2015) |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| • Edison Award Winner (2013) • Allure Breakthrough of the Year Award (2011, 2013) |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| • Patents: 11 patents • Publications: ongoing involvement in peer-reviewed publications, whitepapers, and conference presentations |
Fields of Expertise
R&D Leader, Scientific Storytelling, Innovative Consumer-Centric Product Development, Brand Builder, Biotech & CPG, Skin Biology & Microbiome Expert, Dermatology R&D, Skin Care R&D, Hair Care R&D, Formulation Development, Biotech Bioactives, Claims Substantiation, Efficacy Testing, Consumer Products (CPG), Anti-Aging, SPF Formulation, Acne Treatment, Sensitive Skin Products, Product Safety Testing