The Manchester University Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program & Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics strives to be on the very leading edge of PGx. In doing so, we recognize the need for guidance and advising from industry partners and thought leaders. Therefore, we have established an advisory board of members who are leading the way in biotechnology, pharmacogenomics, and genetics. The Advisory Board meets twice annually to address specific questions raised by program faculty and students and to identify the most pressing needs in PGx. The Advisory Board consists of the following industry leaders:
Kristine Ashcraft, Head of YouScript, Invitae Co.
Ashcraft joined Genelex in 2000, and has served in several roles, including Director of Sales and Marketing and Chief Operating Officer, prior to her promotion to CEO in 2015 when YouScript spun out of Genelex.
Ashcraft defines the company’s overall strategy, vision, and place in the pharmacogenetics industry. She is responsible for business development, product design, market share and internal systems, in addition to being the primary liaison for governmental agencies, clients, and partners. Under her leadership, Genelex/YouScript sales have more than doubled multiple years in a row.
She obtained her MBA in Entrepreneurship, graduating magna cum laude from the Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College, and BS in Molecular Biology from the University of New Haven.
YouScript is a leader in precision medication management. Evolving from Genelex, a pioneer in DNA testing since 1987, YouScript focuses exclusively on clinical decision support analytics software that evaluates potential drug-drug, drug-gene, and multidrug-gene interactions.
Dr. Wendy S. Clark, Graduate Nursing Program Director, Saint Francis University
Dr. Clark obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing in 1993, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Track from the University of Saint Francis in 2001, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice form the University of Miami in 2013. Dr. Clark’s practice experience in critical care and family practice. She joined nursing education in 2005. Dr. Clark currently holds an academic appointment as a tenured Associate Professor of Nursing in an administrative faculty position at the University of Saint Francis and maintains a clinical practice in family medicine. Interests include pharmacology and pharmacogenomics with a focus on engaging students to understand the emerging science of personalized/precision medicine.
Elizabeth Kearney, Genetic Counselor
Kearney received her Master of Science in Human Genetics from the University of Michigan. Kearney went on to a number of positions that solidified her leadership in genetics as the field itself was gaining momentum. She also received an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and ran her own genomic strategy company.
More recently, Kearney worked as Vice President, Genetics, Clinical Services at PWNHealth, and previously at Veracyte as Brand Director on a personalized genomic medicine tool for thyroid nodules.
Notably, she has also served as President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, where she led a marketing effort to promote awareness of the genetic counseling profession.
Dr. Anna Langerveld, President and Chief Scientific Officer, Genemarkers LLC
Dr. Langerveld received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience from Tulane University. Langerveld leads efforts in laboratory applications in pharmacogenomics across clinical and research settings.
Genemarkers provides collaborative services that enhance the utilization of genomics for improving health care, pharmaceutical research and consumer products.
Dr. Doug Storts, Head of Research, Promega Corporation
As head of research at Promega Corp., Storts has a long list of responsibilities including: strategy and development of reagent systems for nucleic acid isolation, nucleic acid amplification (real-time and end-point), DNA sequencing, cloning, expression analysis, genotyping (human forensic, paternity and diagnostics) and ribonucleic acid interference, as well as managing external consultants and collaborators at Promega for more than 20 years.
After graduating from Manchester in 1978, Storts went to Miami University to earn his Ph.D. in microbiology and continued on to the University of Chicago for his post-doctoral research. With a portfolio of more than 3,000 products covering the fields of genomics, protein analysis and expression, cellular analysis, drug discovery and genetic identity, Promega is a global leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to life scientists in academic, industrial and government settings.