Archives: Speakers

MarieElena has been active in both research and clinical care through her career.  She brings more than ten years of leadership experience in clinical research sites management to the Worldwide team. She is also a clinically active nurse practitioner with more than 17 years of experience and a specialty in endocrinology. She has served as principal and sub-investigator for cardiometabolic trials and holds publications in peer-reviewed and high-impact journals. She is passionate about bringing her understanding of the patient journey to the Worldwide team.

Kelly has over 25 years of experience in obtaining and discerning the patient and caregiver experience as well as developing strong relationships with advocacy groups on a global scale. She has extensive experience in multiple therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, endocrinology, orthopedics, infectious disease, neurology, pediatrics, and critical care. This depth and breadth of experience translate into a keen understanding of how patients think regarding their treatment giving her a singular perspective on the best way to approach patients with their treatment options, and an understanding that proves invaluable to her pharmaceutical and clinical research stakeholders.

Aki Ko has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors since May 2017, when he co-founded the company. Previously, Mr. Ko served as Chief Operating Officer for Elixirgen, LLC, the parent company of Elixirgen Therapeutics, and President of Elixirgen Scientific, LLC, a provider of stem cell reagent kits and related services. In his previous roles, Mr. Ko was responsible for operations and business development at Elixirgen, LLC and Elixirgen Scientific. Mr. Ko earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia, where he cultivated his interest in biology.

Kevin Douglass, Associate Director, RBQM Center of Excellence, Biostatistics & Data Management (BDM), Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Kevin is an Associate Director in the Risk-Based Quality Management Center of Excellence (RBQM COE) at Daiichi-Sankyo.  The RBQM COE partners within BDM, with cross-functional stakeholders, and CRO partners to optimize RBQM processes and tools.  The RBQM COE has central (e.g., as process owners developing and delivering tools and training) and Program/Study-level responsibilities (providing guidance to study teams).

Kevin has 40+ years of industry experience working for numerous companies in various positions (Data Management, Quality & Compliance, Operational Excellence/Change Management, and RBQM).  He received a BS in Biology from Ursinus College, an MS in Biology from Villanova University, and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and multiple Change Management methodologies.

Kevin can be contacted at kdouglass@dsi.com.

Jehan, Associate Director, Functional Excellence, Biostatistics & Data Management (BDM), Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Jehan is an Associate Director in the Biostatistics & Data Management Functional Excellence at Daiichi-Sankyo.  In this role, Jehan partners with BDM and R&D teams on functional initiatives, system roll outs, and committee as well as supporting key partners like the RBQM COE as a member.

Jehan has 18+ years of industry experience working for numerous companies in various positions (TMF, Clinical Monitoring, Quality & Compliance, Operational Excellence/Change Management, Metrics/Benchmarking and RBQM).  He received a BA in Cell Biology & Neuroscience from Rutgers College, an MBS in Biomedical Science from the University of Medicine and Dentistry NJ (UMDNJ), and is certified Auditing and Change Management methodologies.

Jehan can be contacted at jpoco@dsi.com

Thomas Ryan is Head of Agri-Sustainability and Customer Engagement at Tirlán, where with colleagues and our farmer owners he has co-designed our sustainability strategy called Living Proof. The five core pillars of our Co-op wide Living Proof sustainability strategy are: carbon reduction, regenerative agriculture, natural nutrition, circular economy and growing together.

Sustainability is an integral part of all we do in Tirlán, where our farm families’ focus on a better future is supported by our c.€18m annually Sustainability Action Payment that incentivises positive on-farm actions that enhance economic, environmental and social sustainability in the areas of carbon reduction, improving air quality, biodiversity, soil health, water protection, animal health and welfare and reducing fossil fuel use.

Thomas is a member of the Irish Environmental Law Association, Agricultural Science Association and an inaugural recipient of Royal Dublin Society’s Talamh sustainability award.