Innovation driven by people.

Joseph Wu, MD, PhD

CO-FOUNDER
 

Dr. Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, is a Co-Founder of Greenstone Biosciences and a distinguished scientist specializing in cardiology. As the Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Radiology, he has established himself as a leading figure in the field. Dr. Wu obtained his MD. from Yale University and a PhD. in molecular pharmacology from UCLA, laying the foundation for his extensive contributions to the application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. With over 500 peer-reviewed articles and an impressive H-index of 123, Dr. Wu’s expertise is widely recognized, placing him among the top 0.1% highly cited researchers globally for the past five years. His exceptional achievements have garnered prestigious awards from the NIH and AHA, while his memberships in the NAI and NAM underscore his influential role in the scientific community.

Dr. Wu’s remarkable career spans both academia and industry, with his co-founding role at Greenstone Biosciences exemplifying his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into tangible solutions. His groundbreaking research on iPSCs and their potential applications in regenerative medicine and drug development has paved the way for innovative approaches to tackle cardiovascular diseases.

With his vast publication record and exceptional H-index, Dr. Wu’s contributions have made a lasting impact on the scientific community. His studies have shed light on the mechanisms of disease, provided valuable insights for developing targeted therapies, and accelerated progress in personalized medicine.

Beyond his research accolades, Dr. Wu’s membership in prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) reflects his influential role in shaping the future of healthcare and biomedical innovation.

As the incoming President of the American Heart Association, Dr. Wu is poised to lead the organization in its mission to combat heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of global mortality. His visionary leadership and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to advancing research, fostering collaborations, and advocating for policies that promote cardiovascular health.

Dr. Joseph C. Wu’s groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership positions highlight his dedication to improving patient care and driving scientific progress. His work continues to pave the way for novel therapies, offering hope to individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases worldwide.

Wu Lab Link

Jade Chao, MPH, JD

CO-FOUNDER / GENERAL COUNSEL

Jade is a dynamic professional with expertise in health policy and law. She co-founded Greenstone Biosciences, driving innovative healthcare solutions. With an MPH and JD, Jade navigates public health policy and legal frameworks adeptly, addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access. Her advocacy led to a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products in California in 2020. Jade engages with community organizations, amplifying marginalized voices and promoting inclusivity. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges gaps in healthcare policy, guiding transformative change. Beyond her career, Jade enjoys gardening, calligraphy, and swimming.

Lip-Bu Tan

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lip-Bu Tan is a visionary entrepreneur and technology investor, renowned for his significant contributions to the semiconductor industry and his dedication to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and transformative technologies. As the Founder and CEO of Walden International, a venture capital firm, and Cadence Design Systems, a leading electronic design automation company, Tan has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the global tech industry.

With a strong educational background, including an M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the University of San Francisco, Tan possesses a rare combination of technical expertise and business acumen. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have led to the success of numerous companies in the semiconductor and AI sectors.

In addition to his accomplishments in the business world, Tan is deeply committed to philanthropy. Through his support for educational initiatives and entrepreneurship programs, he actively promotes the development of future leaders and the cultivation of innovation ecosystems worldwide.

Lip-Bu Tan’s exceptional leadership, visionary mindset, and dedication to technological advancement have positioned him as a prominent figure in the global tech community. His influence and contributions continue to drive transformative change, shaping the future of industries and improving lives around the world.

Amit Parikh, MBA

CFO / OUTFORCE, LLP
 

Axel Brunger, PhD

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

Professor Axel Brunger is a distinguished scientist widely recognized for his remarkable contributions to the field of structural biology and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission. Professor Brunger’s scientific career has been defined by his pioneering work in X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, which have shed light on the intricate workings of biological macromolecules.

Axel’s groundbreaking research focuses on the structure and function of proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, a fundamental process essential for neuronal communication. Through his innovative use of advanced imaging techniques, Axel has unraveled the three-dimensional structures of synaptic proteins, such as SNARE complexes, providing invaluable insights into the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.

His seminal work has not only advanced our understanding of synaptic transmission but has also laid the foundation for the development of potential therapeutics targeting neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Furthermore, Axel’s contributions have had a profound impact on the field of structural biology, revolutionizing the field’s techniques and methodologies.

Axel Brunger’s outstanding achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences in 2013. In addition to his groundbreaking research, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring and training young scientists, fostering a new generation of researchers in the field of structural biology.

With his relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and unwavering dedication to unraveling the intricacies of synaptic transmission, Axel continues to inspire and shape the field of structural biology, leaving an indelible mark on our understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the functioning of the brain.

James Zou, PhD

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

Professor James Zou is an accomplished scientist and leading figure in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Born with a passion for harnessing the power of data and computation to solve complex problems, Zou has made significant contributions to the areas of bioinformatics, computational biology, and healthcare.

Zou’s research focuses on developing innovative machine learning algorithms and computational models to extract meaningful insights from vast and diverse datasets. He has pioneered novel approaches for analyzing genetic and biomedical data, with the aim of advancing our understanding of complex diseases and improving personalized medicine.

A sought-after expert in the field, Zou has published numerous influential papers, showcasing his expertise in topics such as deep learning, transfer learning, and fairness in machine learning. His groundbreaking work has not only contributed to the scientific community but has also found practical applications in healthcare, genetics, and precision medicine.

Beyond his research achievements, James Zou is known for his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He actively advocates for responsible and fair use of machine learning technology, particularly in sensitive domains like healthcare, where equity and privacy are paramount.

As an inspiring educator and mentor, Zou has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of AI researchers and practitioners. His dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the field is reflected in his efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for underrepresented groups.

James Zou’s exceptional contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with his dedication to ethical considerations and mentorship, have solidified his status as a highly influential figure in the scientific community. His work continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare, genetics, and data-driven decision-making.

Mukhtar Ahmed, PhD

DIRECTOR, PROJECT & PORTFOLIO STRATEGY

Mukhtar is an accomplished scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he received exceptional training under the guidance of Professor Stephane Angers. His expertise lies in employing cutting-edge functional proteomics approaches to uncover novel non-canonical functions of heterotrimeric G proteins.

During his postdoctoral tenure at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Ahmed excelled under the mentorship of Professor Ian Macara and was ultimately promoted to the position of Research Assistant Professor. His remarkable contributions to the field involved utilizing advanced quantitative methods in cell biology, targeted proteomics, single molecule and membrane biophysics to unravel the intricate processes of polarized membrane trafficking and vesicle tethering in mammalian epithelial systems. Dr. Ahmed’s research endeavors have been recognized and honored by prestigious institutions, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Notably, Dr. Ahmed’s scientific journey also includes a pivotal role at the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes, where he was part of the pioneering team that established biomolecular protein complementation assays. This groundbreaking work showcases his ability to contribute to cutting-edge techniques and methodologies in the field.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Dr. Ahmed has fortified his leadership and management skills through business training at Wharton. This interdisciplinary approach has equipped him with the strategic acumen necessary to navigate the complex landscape of biotech and pharmaceutical industries, enhancing his capacity to lead innovative research teams and projects.

Beyond his remarkable scientific achievements, Mukhtar nurtures a passion for music and is an avid collector of vinyl records. He finds solace in exploring arts and culture with like-minded individuals, fostering meaningful connections. In his leisure time, he rejuvenates by embarking on invigorating hikes through the woods with his loyal canine companion.

Honit Piplani, PhD

DIRECTOR, TRANSLATIONAL & CLINICAL SCIENCES

Honit received his Ph.D. from Panjab University, India followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Before joining Greenstone Biosciences, Honit was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiology and Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Funded by NIH R01 and DoD awards, his research was focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms of fibrosis and autophagy in heart failure and pancreatitis.

Apart from his passion for science, Honit enjoys cooking, camping, exploring new places, and enjoying the sport of cricket.

Robin Shivnaraine, PhD

DIRECTOR, DRUG DISCOVERY

Rabindra (Robin) received his PhD from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toronto and his graduate work focused on the mechanism of allosteric modulators at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). After, he joined Stanford University as a post-doctoral and Dean’s Fellow of the School of Medicine where he worked with Professor Brian Kobilka to understand how conformational changes in GPCRs determine their function. For this work, he was co-mentored by Professor Steven Chu to develop biophysical methods to assess GPCR function and this work was awarded with an interdisciplinary fellowship from the Stanford Neurosciences Institute. Robin enjoys playing tennis and biking and can be seen occasionally enjoying the beautiful biking trails in California.

Paul Pang, PhD

DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Paul is a biomedical scientist with over 14 years of research experience in disease modeling and translational medicine for cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and rare diseases. His work currently focuses on advancing precision health and medicine by pioneering novel applications of human pluripotent stem cells to accelerate drug discovery and de-risk clinical trials to address clinically unmet needs. Through his work, Paul is spearheading innovative projects with multiple federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with several private companies and academic institutions. Additionally, he is working cross-functionally to translate several therapeutic candidates through preclinical studies and into clinical trials.

Paul received his bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Maryland and completed his graduate studies researching kidney and vascular progenitor cells at Harvard Medical School. He then spent a year working at the University of Southern California to continue his research on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine before subsequently receiving his Ph.D. in Integrative Molecular & Biomedical Sciences from Baylor College of Medicine, where he was the recipient of the Claude W. Smith Fellowship Award for Outstanding Research Performance and the Dean’s Award of Excellence. Paul then completed his postdoctoral training at Stanford University in the lab of Dr. Joseph Wu, where he continued pursuing his curiosity and longstanding interest in precision health and drug discovery using human pluripotent stem cells for translational medicine.

For his work in disease modeling and drug discovery, Paul received numerous competitive awards, including the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein F31 and F32 National Research Service Awards, the R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Award, and the R44 Small Business Innovation Research Award. In addition to the NIH, Paul is also a recipient of the Idea Development Award from the DOD, the Discovery Quest Award and the Translational Research Award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and other national and international awards from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing volleyball, exploring new places, writing short stories, and conducting research on the health benefits of wine and whisky.

Todd Herron, PhD

DIRECTOR, HIPSC BIOBANK

Dr. Herron received his PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Cardiac Physiology. After graduation he completed a Medical Research Council (UK) postdoctoral fellowship at King’s College London in Molecular Cardiology and an NIH funded F31 and F32 NRSA fellowship at the University of Michigan in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Center for Arrhythmia Research. His research has been funded by NIH R01 and R44 Small Business Innovation Research Grants as well as the American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant Program.

He was the founding Director of the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Regeneration Core providing research services related to hiPSC derivation and cardiac directed differentiation to create 3D engineered heart tissues and organoids. His work has contributed to the maturation of hiPSC cardiomyocytes and their use in high throughput screening. Dr. Herron has contributed to the development and validation of New Approach Methods to replace animal testing as a member of the Health and Environmental Sciences Cardiac Safety Committee for the last ten years.

Besides science, Dr. Herron enjoys hiking around the foothills of Northern California, golfing and visiting with his family and friends.

Souhrid Mukherjee, PhD

SENIOR SCIENTIST - AI & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Souhrid has worked extensively on computational biology and machine learning during his PhD at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. He has collaborated with several rare disease groups such as the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying rare undiagnosed diseases.

Originally from Kolkata, India, he has explored the wonders of stem cell biology and protein biochemistry in some of the best research institutes in India before coming to the US for his PhD and focusing on computational structural and systems biology. During his PhD he has also led multidisciplinary research teams working on rare diseases and presented his work at several international conferences.

Outside the lab, Souhrid enjoys cooking, playing video games and watching cricket, and is very excited to explore the gastronomic treasures of the Bay Area.

Jeremy Leitz, PhD

SENIOR SCIENTIST

Jeremy received his PhD from the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, studying the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmission. He then pursued postdoctoral training in structural biology at Stanford University with Professor Axel Brunger. There he created a novel method to isolate and examine functional and structural properties of synaptic vesicles ex vivo using a combination of fluorescence imaging and cryo-electron microscopy, work that was published in Nature, Nature protocols and Cell Reports. He co-developed software to analyze cryo-electron tomograms rapidly and in parallel for challenging membrane-bound proteins. He continues to be an active contributor to the computational side of tomography data processing and has used the hybrid ex-vivo method to develop peptide inhibitors of neurotransmission and therapeutic candidates for mucin secretion in lungs.

Outside of science, Jeremy is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys whitewater rafting, hiking and can’t wait to introduce his son to these activities. He has completed multiple months-long hundreds of miles unsupported trips throughout his life. 

David Dolivo, PhD

PROJECT SCIENTIST

David is a research scientist with a background in wound healing and regenerative medicine. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in surgery prior to joining Greenstone Biosciences.

Evgenios Neofytou, MD

SENIOR SCIENTIST

Dr. Neofytou received his MD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. After graduation, he joined Stanford as a Research Fellow studying cardiac regeneration using human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.

He then pursued Postdoctoral training at Stanford University in Joseph Wu’s lab. There he focused on the clinical translation of stem cell therapies for cardiac diseases in particular focusing on leading the HECTOR clinical trial.

Ibrahim Ibrahim, PhD

SENIOR SCIENTIST

Ibrahim received his Ph.D. from the University of Gent, Belgium, where he was trained in developing a small transgenic human liver chimeric mouse model to study molecular mechanisms of viral hepatitis and evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of potential therapeutic interventions. Then, he completed his postdoctoral training at the University of California San Diego, where he developed stem cell-based 3D organoids and gut-in-a-dish models from inflammatory bowel disease patients, cancer patients, aging, and healthy subjects. He used this model to study the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. After that, he joined UMASS Lowell as a research professor, where he developed a high-throughput gut-in-a-dish model for testing environmental toxicants, host-microbiome interactions, and nutritional supplements.

Besides his research experiences, Ibrahim has pharmacy training. He got his BS and master’s degree (Pharmaceutical Sciences) from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Egypt.

Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his family, watching soccer, reading about historical people and business development, and playing chess online.

Chris Yan

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMERCIAL STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

Chris graduated from Reed College in Portland, OR with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He then worked at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute modeling genetic and cardiovascular diseases.

With a broad experience spanning the biotechnology sector, he has a deep interest in how we can provide better therapies at scale and reform the arduous process of drug discovery. A San Francisco Bay Area native, he can be found playing ultimate frisbee or trying new foods to eat.

Celine Lai

ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST

Celine earned her Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She began her career working with CRISPR-edited cancer cell lines before transitioning to cardiovascular research at Dr. Joseph Wu’s lab at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. There, she has contributed to studies on cardiovascular diseases, utilizing patient-specific iPSC models to uncover new insights into heart disease and potential therapeutic strategies.

Outside the lab, Celine enjoys spending time with her cat, discovering new food spots, and traveling the world.

Sushma Shenoy, MS

ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST

Sushma holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Microbiology from the University of Mumbai, India. She began her research career studying the epigenetics of breast cancer cell lines before transitioning to the cardiovascular field at Dr. Joseph Wu’s lab at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.

 Away from the lab, she is an avid food enthusiast who loves exploring the diverse culinary landscape of the Bay Area, has a passion for experimental cooking and loves reading faith-based books.

Rebecca Yu

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Rebecca graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her education and previous work in aerosolized medicine and inhalation technology contributed to her interest in drug discovery and novel pharmaceutical strategies. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys traveling and finding new coffee or boba spots.

Zachary Cook

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Zach graduated from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During his time there, he worked alongside Dr. Marc Tatar investigating renal fibrosis and mechanistic understandings of human neurodegenerative diseases. For this work, Zach received the Donald A. King Fellowship from the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Following graduation, Zach moved to Hilo, Hawai’i where he served as researcher for the USDA Forest Service. During this time, Zach contributed to novel understandings of emergent forest diseases and early detection mechanisms. This work included groundbreaking discoveries for the use of remote sensing to detect early stage forest disease and inform forest management and planning.

Zach has always had a passion for elucidating rare disease mechanisms and improving the ways in which medicine is developed and delivered. He is excited to bring his expertise to the team to help achieve their collective goals. Outside of the lab, Zach can be found hiking, disc golfing, or playing video games with friends.

Yang Zhou, MS

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Yang earned her master’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and went on to specialize in mammalian stem cells and regenerative medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

In 2017, she joined Dr. Joseph Wu’s lab at Stanford University, where she focused on “clinical trial in a dish” technologies and cardiovascular disease modeling using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Outside the lab, Yang enjoys gardening, knitting, and exploring gemology.

Parker Walther

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Parker graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with further focus on computer science and biochemistry.

After graduation, he worked at Dr. Joseph Wu’s lab at Stanford before joining Greenstone. Outside of work, Parker enjoys reading, playing card games, and cooking meals from as many different countries as possible.

Audrey Jia, MD, PhD

CONSULTANT

CMC Regulatory and GMP Professional

ex-FDA Drug Quality Reviewer

Keith Zhang, MD, PHD

CONSULTANT

Dr. Zhang devoted nearly 30 years at the US Food and Drug Administration as a senior nonclinical reviewer, where he reviewed pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity studies for numerous INDs and BLAs/NDAs. He is passionate about supporting drug development and bringing safe and effective medicines to patients.

Daniel Levy, PhD

CONSULTANT

Medicinal Chemistry Consultant

DEL BioPharma LLC

www.delbiopharma.com