Deep Expertise in Cutting-Edge Science

Smart, creative, agile people translating research into innovation that impacts our world. Meet the team dedicated to Moving Science.

Our Core Values
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Employees

Alyssa McQuilling, Ph.D.

Energy & Environment Project Lead

Curtis Champion

Facilities Manager

Donghui Bao, Ph.D.

Scientist III

Erik Schwiebert

Director, Biotech Accelerator

Erin Luea

Senior Scientist

Fusataka Koide, M.S.

Senior Director of Business Development

James Toomey, DVM

Associate Director of Veterinary Services

Jason Johnson

Chief Information Officer

Jay Russell, Ph.D.

Associate Director of Scientific Development

Jennifer Pickens, Ph.D.

Director of Infectious Disease Research

Jill Mann

Associate Director, Pathology and Histology

Joseph Randall, Ph.D.

Director of Toxicology

Kathryn Lanier, Ph.D.

STEM Education Outreach Director

LaVinia Ray

Interim Director, Core Services

Lynn Rasmussen

Associate Director High Throughput Screening Center

Matt Dover

Manager, Infrastructure and System Administration

Marianne P. Nurre, CPA

Senior Director, Financial Compliance & Analysis

Mustafa Syed

Chemical Process Engineer

Omar Moukha-Chafiq, Ph.D.

Director of Chemistry

Paige N. Vinson, Ph.D.

Director, High-Throughput Screening

Rebecca Boohaker, Ph.D.

Director of Oncology

Rita Cowell, Ph.D.

Fellow Drug Discovery

Stephanie Coulter

Director of Human Resources

Steve Orr

Director of Environmental Health and Safety

Synthia Mayfield

Manager, In-Vivo Lab Operations

"In the last year, we’ve begun to focus on the people that move science. What we do at Southern Research is important and we’re innovating so we can grow our impact the community.”

Karr Stinson

Project Manager

“I move science each day by working with a great group of people who are dedicated and committed to helping mankind through preclinincal research.”

Monica Mason

Director of Core Services

“We have the opportunity to advance science, to work towards better treatments, better diagnostics, better quality of life for patients affected by cancer. This work is near to my heart and I hope that I will make a significant impact in the area.”

Rebecca Boohaker, Ph.D.

Director of Oncology

“Our team is very diverse. Our scientists and technicians come from different backgrounds in the science and medical field. There’s a huge variation in the projects we lead but at the end of the day, we all work together to move science.”

Kayton Cherry

Associate Anatomic Pathology Technician

“I hope my work lends to the Southern Research legacy of improving and saving lives.”

Shalisa Sanders

Scientist II - High Throughput Screening

At Southern Research, We pursue SCIENCE WITH PURPOSE. WE MOVE SCIENCE EVERY DAY, PLEDGING TO EMPOWER BELONGING ON OUR TEAM, HARNESS CURIOSITY, EMBODY A CULTURE OF EXECUTION, AND PUT PATIENTS, CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR WORK.

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Cultivating human connection

Putting People First

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Harnessing Relentless Curiosity

Our Unstoppable, Innovative Force

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Operating With Precise Execution

Measuring What Matters and Owning Results as a Team

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Stewarding A Healthy Community

Implementing Sustainable Operations for a Safe, Engaging Environment

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Timothy Williams

Senior Animal Care Technician

“I wouldn’t change anything about my team. We work together to get things accomplished. There’s a new energy you can feel from people all over campus. They are reliable, dependable and warm. When I think about my legacy at Southern Research, I hope to be known as a fair and driven leader, and for treating people right.”

Williams began his career at Southern Research in 1984. He credits his dedication to serving the organization for decades to a deep love of animals, mutual respect among his team, and encouragement from his family.

Read More Moving Science Stories

Anne Marie Verchot

Senior executive assistant to the office of the ceo

“I admired the Southern Research legacy and thought working there would be a rewarding career change. I’ve always enjoyed working in a support role but have had the opportunity to really increase my personal impact here. I’m so proud to move science every day.”

Verchot recently celebrated one year of Moving Science after joining the Office of the CEO in 2021. She brings thirty years of administrative experience supporting senior executives from her previous career in banking.

See How She Moves Science
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Vijaya “VJ” Sambandam, Ph.D.

Scientist

“I was drawn to Southern Research’s history of leading modern science and innovation that helps cure diseases. I have been empowered to always be at the forefront of new assay development. I hope my work can bring good health and quality-of-life to many generations.”

Sambandam has been Moving Science at Southern Research since 2005.

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