Industry Advisory Board
The Industry Advisory Board counsels MMB program staff on curriculum and marketing to ensure our students have the quality education and foundational experiences necessary for success after graduation. Current Industry Advisory Board members and their affiliation are listed below.
Industry Advisory Board Members
Jose Bruno Barcena: Dr. Bruno-Barcena is a translational industrial microbiologist with an effective research program, which includes strong collaborative relationships within the biotechnology industry, and a passion for bioprocess workforce training. During the last two decades at NCSU he contributed to the teaching, training, and service mission of the University including inter and intra college teaching efforts with interactions at all levels, from undergraduate and graduate students to industry outreach programs including training of professionals and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors
Jason Caplan: Best selling novelist and experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of developing and commercializing “green” remediation technologies for maritime and terrestrial applications. Started up four different biotechnology companies and sold two for multiple ROI’s. Skilled in Life Sciences, Business Development, Operations, Management, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Planning, R&D, Product Commercialization, and Capital Raising. Strong business development professional with M.S. and PhD degrees in Marine Sciences from the University of Maryland at College Park.
Vivian Doelling: Vivian Doelling is a Duke New Venture Mentor in Residence (MiR) in the Office of Translation and Commercialization. Most recently, Vivian was Vice-President of Investments, Emerging Company Development at the NC Biotechnology Center in Durham, NC. She provided strategic direction to the team’s evaluation and execution of 20-25 annual investments, the management of a $20 million portfolio of existing investments and the Center’s investments in angel and venture capital funds. Vivian has strong experience in life science product R&D leadership, including senior roles at Embrex/Pfizer, Integrated Laboratory Systems (ILS) and SCYNEXIS. Her background includes starting and managing research, development and commercial operations. Dr. Doelling received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University.
Julie Fleming: Julie Fleming is the Director of Advising and Student Affairs for the Jenkins MBA program. Her previous professional experience includes roles at William Peace University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan.
Terri Long: Dr. Terri A. Long is an Associate Professor of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University and as the Platform Director for Education and Workforce Development for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic regulatory mechanisms that control nutrient homeostasis in plants. She has also taught plant physiology for over ten years. She has led initiatives with the North American Arabidopsis Steering committee and the American Society of Plant Biology to increase diversity and inclusivity in plant sciences. In her more recent role at the N.C. PSI, Dr. Long focuses on facilitating inclusive educational and professional development programs that create and sustain career pathways to innovation in plant science.
Mike Stocum: Michael is an entrepreneurial executive leader with two-plus decades of experience driving innovation (idea-to-product), delivering transformational products to market in healthcare and life sciences. From his NC State University roots, including undergraduate and graduate research and early days as a scientist in industry, he steadily moved from the bench to the market and eventually the Board room. Throughout his career in both large companies and emerging biotechs, he has held global roles where he has provided strategic and operational leadership spanning the patient care value chain, from translational and clinical science to product development and commercial strategy to external partnership building, corporate fundraising and culture management. He carries a deep passion for improving patient care, enhancing wellness and advancing science for the benefit of humankind. Michael received his BS degrees from NCSU in Microbiology and Biochemistry, with a MS in Biotech Management.
Nick Taylor: Nick Taylor is the Senior Manager of IT Innovation at Gilead Sciences, where he leverages design thinking and other innovative paradigms to solve complex business problems and empower scientists to tackle significant challenges using cutting-edge technology. A former teacher and an alumnus of the Master of Microbial Biotechnology and dual MBA program at North Carolina State University, Nick brings a unique perspective to his work.
During his time in the MMB program, Nick laid the groundwork for Locus Biosciences, a startup built on NCSU’s CRISPR technology, which aims to selectively remove specific bacterial populations as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. With his diverse background and experience in biotechnology, education, and business innovation, Nick is well-positioned to contribute to the MMB Industry Advisory Board.
Sarah Windsor: Dr. Sarah Windsor is currently the Associate Director of Scientific Engagement at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB). She is responsible for FDB’s academic research portfolio, which includes projects in the fields of engineering biology, microbiome, and gene therapy. She is chair of the strategic board for FDB’s UK research partnership program (Centre of Excellence in Bioprocessing) and is also on the Advanced Mammalian Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (AMBIC) Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). Prior to joining FDB in 2022, she worked as a consultant and in the non-profit field focusing on connecting universities, nonprofits, and business through various scientific and workforce projects. She completed a HHMI post-doctoral fellowship, fusing research, teaching and outreach at NC Museum of Natural Sciences and NC Central University. She received her PhD from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her undergraduate degree from NC State University. When not rooting for her favorite triangle area sports team, she enjoys her two kids, playing tennis and reading the latest non-fiction page turner.