Dr. Steven Perrin is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in Cambridge, MA. He earned his Ph.D. at Boston University Medical Center studying the transcriptional regulation of genes during adipocyte and myocyte differentiation. Steven moved into the pharmaceutical industry in 1997 holding positions at the Hoechst-Ariad Genomics Center, Aventis Pharmaceuticals and more recently as Director of Molecular Profiling at Biogen Idec. Steven joined ALS TDI in 2007 as part of historical collaboration between the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Augie's Quest and ALS TDI to develop effective therapeutics for ALS patients. Since joining ALS TDI Steven has spearheaded the development of computational biology capabilities and information management systems to more clearly understand the molecular mechanisms associated with disease onset and progression in neurodegenerative diseases. He has expanded ALS TDI's drug screening program to include expertise in the generation and assessment of gene therapy vectors and protein biologics in preclinical models of neurodegeneration. He has developed a business plan to facilitate pharmaceutical partnerships for rapid clinical development and commercialization of promising targets for ALS patients. Steven is a frequent participant in international conferences in computational biology, genomics, drug development, and neurodegeneration.

Bashar manages ALS TDI's mouse research data system (LIMS) and will architect new LIMS systems for managing mouse gene research data. For many years he was a technical consultant to large companies such as Microsoft, Amazon.com, Serono Pharmaceutical, as well as nonprofits YouthBuild USA, Dimock Services, and the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Most recently, Bashar spent five years at enterprise newsletter company ImakeNews Inc, where he designed newsletter publishing and enterprise delivery systems. Bashar holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a Software Engineering and a Computer Science degrees from the University of Washington and Wentworth Institute of Technology respectively.

Al is an experienced pharmacologist/physiologist with a thorough understanding of practical investigation in complex in vivo animal systems. He came to ALS TDI after a one-year immersion in Huntington's disease drug discovery as the Director and Head of Pharmacology at EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company concentrating on neurodegenerative diseases. Prior to EnVivo he worked for 13 years in Biogen and Biogen Idec's drug discovery research division where he instituted Biogen's Pharmacology Department. These efforts led to drug candidates that were the basis for collaboration with Merck and Co. for their clinical development, and to small molecule and protein potential therapeutics selected for development by Biogen Idec itself. Prior to working for Biogen, Alan worked for 12 years with Johnson & Johnson's worldwide drug discovery research division. He received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the M.S. Hershey Medical Center of the Pennsylvania State University, and his Master's degree in Physiology and Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of San Francisco.

For four years John co-lead Biogen Idec's therapeutic discovery program in ALS and motor neuron disease. An expert in gene therapy for motor neuron disease, John has developed several innovative, patented techniques that have led to gene expression levels far beyond current published studies. At ALS TDI, John is expanding his work in retrograde transport of gene therapies injected into muscle, as well as direct intrathecal delivery of promising vectors — crucial in the validation of pivotal pathways. John received his doctorate in biochemistry from Boston University and pursued post-doctoral study at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Vieira has worked at ALS TDI since 2001 and has deep ties to the ALS/MND community. With nearly a decade in ALS research, he has served in a many capacities advancing scientific efforts at the Institute. He has been integral to the design, execution, and oversight of over 1,000 preclinical studies, the majority of which directly relate to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He worked closely with former ALSTDI President Sean F. Scott to help develop the gold standard for preclinical survival testing using the G93A-SOD1 mouse model. Since presenting the study design guidelines to the international ALS research community at meetings and symposiums, Fernando has helped much of the ALS research community has adopted them. Additionally, he has designed and validated a novel surgical method for constant infusion of therapeutics to the intrathecal space of mice. Currently, he manages the scientific project portfolio at ALS TDI, including both therapeutic and technology development projects. His previous research experiences include work in the University of Florida Condensed Matter Physics Lab and the University of Florida Vascular Surgery Lab. A native of Massachusetts, Vieira received a Bachelors Degree in biological engineering at the University of Florida and his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School.

In his unique role at ALS TDI, Ken ensures the ongoing success of ALS TDI's pivotal mouse studies program. Ken manages all laboratory functions including staffing, working with breeders and ensuring ALS TDI maintains the highest operational and process standards. In addition, Ken manages mouse studies, initiates and oversees all studies in the mouse research data system (LIMS), does formulations and creates daily drug solutions. A close friend of ALS patient Stephen Heywood, Ken discontinued his work in marine biology at the University of Alaska in 2000 to join ALS TDF as a formulations scientist. Ken's previous research experience includes the molecular examination of starvation markers in larval stage cod at the University of Rhode Island.

Vladimir analyzes data generated by high-throughput genomic technologies in order to discover the mechanism of ALS. He assists other ALS TDI scientists in accessing and statistical interpretation of the experimental data. Vladimir has 10 year industrial experience in integration and analyzing biomedical data. He occupied various senior level scientific positions at LION Bioscience and ALTANA Research Institute. He received Ph.D. in Chemical Enzymology from Moscow State University, Russia.

Jerry runs ALS TDI's in vitro and RNA validation and gene profiling platforms. In previous projects, he has had success identifying signal transduction pathways emanating from novel cytokine receptors and stress activated protein kinases that mediate inflammation and neurodegeneration. To identify potential therapeutic targets, Jerry has regularly developed and implemented cell-based assays using a wide variety of cell types, molecules and reagents. Jerry spent four years at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where he gained substantial experience in drug discovery. He earned his doctorate in molecular medicine, specializing in neurodegeneration research, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Formerly a member of Biogen Idec's ALS discovery program, Monica has 18 years of basic research experience in stem cell research and animal surgeries in diabetes and Parkinson's disease. She has spent five years focusing on HIV research at the New England Medical Center Hospital. She has extensive experience in the Cambridge biotechnology community, having held a senior position at Curis, where she filed successful patents. Monica is an expert in advanced confocal microscopy techniques, fluorescence, in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and cutting edge 3D histology using polymerized tissue sections. Her novel techniques include quantification of motor neurons, extraction of complex nerve assemblies, and imaging of ALS neuromuscular junctions. She received an undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, and is pursuing a graduate degree in biology through the Harvard Extension School.

Harveen comes to us from the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. She has extensive expertise in in vivo Physiology, molecular biology, neuroendocrinology, neuroanatomy and CNS drug and gene delivery. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience through the Interdisciplinary program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Florida. Harveen's dissertation work involved gene delivery into the CNS using adneno-associated viral vectors aimed at understanding the neurocircuitry underlying energy metabolism and body weight regulation. Following her PhD, Harveen completed her post doctoral training at Harvard Medical School where she developed and characterized genetically modified mouse models such as neuron specific gene knock-outs and transgenic mice in the field of diabetes and obesity.

With ten years of post graduate research experience in nerve regeneration, AIDS, inflammatory diseases, and cancers, Dr. Li brings critical knowledge and technical expertise to the molecular biology research team at ALS TDI. Guangde has worked previously in both biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Peptimmune, and Wyeth Inc. He has achieved advanced technical skills in molecular biology, cell biology, and animal surgeries. In the academic setting, Guangde spent several years at Children's Hospital in Boston focusing on nerve regeneration projects and doing in vitro drug screening using goldfish retinal ganglion cell based assays. Dr. Li graduated from Shandong Medical College and originally practiced medicine in China.

Ricky brings to institute more than twenty years experience in research and industrial histopathology. Previously, he spent five years at Biogen Idec, Inc. as a histopathology supervisor. Also with over fifteen years of of research experience in nerve regeneration, inflammatory diseases, and cancer biology while working at Curis, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Ricky received his BS in Biology and Histotechnology form Kean University of New Jersey. He and his family live in Andover, MA.

Beth brings years of pharmaceutical and biotechnology experience to ALS TDI. Her background is in inflammation research. She has worked for a number of companies within the industry, most recently with Atlanta Research Institute in Waltham, Mass. Beth has played two roles at the Institute since coming aboard in July of 2007. In her role as Project Manager Beth's goal is to make the scientists' jobs easier by tracking the development of projects at ALS TDI. In her second role Beth arranges for ALS clinics across the USA to collect tissue samples and send them to the Institute to be studied. Beth received her BA in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and lives in Brookline, Mass.

Reenu joined ALS TDI in the fall of 2005 and has participated in various projects in gene expression including the validation of the transcriptome analysis of the ALS mouse. Previously, she studied at Oklahoma State University where she earned an MS in Biomedical Sciences after finishing a BS in Computer Science. Reenu grew up in Zambia, on the African continent, where she enjoyed playing soccer and rugby.

Cindy received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Simmons College and spent 15 years in Research at biotechnology companies, including 9 years at Biogen. She was involved primarily in the discovery and testing of Immunology-based therapeutics, and has an extensive background in monoclonal antibody production and the in-vitro/in-vivo characterization of potential drugs. She took a break from biotech to nearly complete a second degree from Simmons in Nursing and to be home with her two children, Anna and Joe. She has been working with the Pharmacology group at TDI over the past couple of years to help with i.v. injections in the mice as well as to assay serum/plasma samples from the studies to help evaluate in-vivo drug effects in the G93A model.

Joining ALS TDI in 2006, Shawn's role is to help build and maintain applications. Specifically, Shawn is working to expand the Web functionality of the ALS TDI drug discovery pipeline, the process database system we use to identify, evaluate, select and rank candidate drugs for testing. Shawn spent five years as a software developer at ImakeNews, where he helped clients such as Cisco Systems, Progress Software and Parametric Technology develop custom newsletters. He also has experience building AutoCAD import tools, and in QA (quality assurance.) Shawn attended Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Andy joined ALS TDI's in vivo team in 2002. Formerly an assistant in an animal facility at Harvard University, Andy's duties include administering drugs to ALS mice, scoring neurological impairment, performing surgery and collecting tissue. He manages four to six studies simultaneously, collecting and entering data into the LIMS database. In time, he will expand his surgical skills and perform intrathecal surgeries. Andy studied political science for two years at Boston College.

Josh is a Massachusetts native with 5 years experience working with ALS mice at ALS TDI. Before coming to the Institute, Josh attended Minuteman Vocational Technical High school in Lexington, MA where he earned a certificate in graphic design. After a brief stint at Mt. Ida College in Newton, Josh held various Customer Service positions throughout the state before finding his way to ALS TDI. Josh's grandfather had Huntington's Disease. An avid Red Sox fan, Josh calls Lexington home.

Having lost his grandmother's cousin to ALS, Matt has been an inspired member of the animal care team at ALS TDI since 2003. His primary goal is to maintain the facility and provide clean and healthy environments for all of the mice involved in research studies. Matt grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts and pursued a certificate in graphic communications before joining the research staff at ALS TDI.

Carlos has worked with animals since he was a young boy growing up on a farm in Colombia. His father was a veterinarian and taught Carlos how to care for the diverse animals on their farm. Carlos moved to the United States is 1991 and resides in Chelsea, MA, with his wife Juliana, and their three young children, Rafael, Julian and Carlos Jr.

Yun has over 10 years of research experience in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and electro-physiology. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Weill Medical School of Cornell University, where she studied G-protein signal transduction and the protein components involved in the eukaryotic DNA replication and control. She then worked in Drug Discovery and Technology Development at Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceutical on two therapeutic areas: Oncology and Metabolic Diseases, where she gained extensive experience in target identification and validation, compound deorphaning, HTP screening and cell-based assay development.

A native New Yorker and Cornell graduate with a concentration in Biochemistry, Pam spent two years characterizing the Ovine Progressive Pnemonia Virus at the Cornell Vet School before relocating to Cambridge to work for Biogen. During the 12 1/2 years she spent at Biogen, she has been involved in cloning, expression, purification and characterization (in vitro and in vivo) of various cell adhesion molecules, optimizing protein delivery into cells, and in vivo tumor studies.

Soon after graduating from Quinnipiac University with a degree in Advertising, Alicia began her role as Program Manager at ALS TDI in September 2006. Ms. Favicchio plays key roles in the execution of several important fundraising and patient information programs at ALS TDI, including the Tri-State Trek and the Leadership Summit & Open House. Additionally, Alicia provides fundraising tools and support directly to ALS patients and their families while working with the Northeast and Southeast Regional Directors to grow ALS TDI's presence. Before Alicia was born, her grandfather died of ALS. In her spare time, Alicia has developed a penchant for collecting sea glass with her mom, who taught her how to cook. Her favorite activity after work is running near ALS TDI along the Charles River.

Mary Beth Geise, R.N., a well recognized expert in ALS Care, serves as a Resource Consultant for ALS TDI. She has been providing assistance and advice to patients, their families and caregivers for 28 years. In 1986, Mary Beth established a home health agency, specializing in ALS and neurological care in Houston, TX. She relishes the challenge of figuring out how to overcome obstacles such as nutrition, breathing, mobility, safety, hiring/training competent caregivers to the more complex issues of tracheotomy care, maintaining ventilator equipment, responding to emergency breathing or bowel problems.She has served on the MDA Board in Houston, and has been a speaker for MDA and ALSA since 1988. Mary Beth started with ALS TDI in the spring of 2003 helping our first families like the Heywoods. Her unique experience, dedication, and deep commitment to this community of patients and their families have earned her the title ''The ALS Nurse''. Mary Beth graduated from St. Vincent's Hospital, New York City. She lives with her husband, Tom in Greensboro, NC. They have three grown children and one adorable granddaughter.

Rob has been a member of the operations and fundraising teams since June 2004. Having played crucial roles with several of the Institute's fundraising programs, Rob has amassed an enormous amount of institutional knowledge and experience working with ALS patients and their families. In his current role, he is responsible for the execution of a strategic communication plan for ALS TDI which includes corporate development, branding, and all the creation of all print, online and electronic mass communications. Just prior to joining the team at ALS TDI, Rob dabbled in television and event production at WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. While completing his undergraduate degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations at the University of Maine, Rob was an on-air personality at WMEB-FM, and directed a number of student and community involvement programs at the public University's flagship campus. He also holds a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the McCormack Graduate School for Policy Studies of the UMass-Boston. A resident of Brookline, Mass., Robert enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends.

Carol initially joined ALS TDI in 2005 as a volunteer consultant in our federal funding efforts. She has worked closely with the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Capitol Hill, and the National Institutes of Health to familiarize government officials with our program, and increase our funding. We are honored to receive federal funding through the Department of Defense in recognition of our nation's veterans' unfortunate elevated incidence of ALS. Carol is also often involved in ALS TDI's work with foundations and major donors. She graduated from Georgetown University's School of Business, and has been active in politics and campaigns most of her life. Prior to joining ALS TDI, Carol was an executive with Saks Fifth Avenue, where she ran a $50 million a year business. Carol lives in Sherborn, and is the proud mother of two teenage girls.

Lou was first introduced to ALS TDI shortly after his best friend, Fran Delany, was diagnosed with ALS. Soon thereafter, Lou joined the fundraising team at ALS TDI in August 2000. Prior to joining ALS TDI, Lou spent 30 years in the High Tech Industry working for Digital Equipment Corporation, which was bought by Compaq Computer and subsequently acquired by Hewlett Packard. At the time of his retirement from Hewlett, Mr. Kobbs was the Planning and Operations Manager for the New England Customer Business District. In his role as the Southeast Regional Director, Lou attends ALS support groups, helping them understand the state of ALS research and how they can support its acceleration. In his position, Lou is responsible for all ALS TDI awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts across the southeast, from Maryland to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic Ocean to the western border of Texas. Lou also covers Canada. Over the past 7 years, Lou has worked with dozens of ALS patients and their families to develop events and campaigns which involve entire communities. Lou works out of his home office in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He is married to Loreta, and has 3 children; Chris, Mary Bridget and Ben scattered across the U.S.

Mat began organizing fundraising events in 2001, working on Pallotta TeamWorks' AIDS Rides, AIDS Vaccine Rides, and Avon Breast Cancer Walks. After the company closed its doors in June 2002, Mat started his own event production company, Idea Productions, and founded the Tri-Stake Trek, a 270-mile Boston to New York bicycle ride to fund ALS research. Hired by ALS TDI in April 2006, as the Event Development Director, Mat works with Team TDI advising on a variety of events and produces 'A Cure is Coming!', The 2130, and the Tri-State Trek. Mat and his wife, Dori, live in Westborough, Mass. with their two children, Wade and Jaye.

Prior to joining ALS TDI in July 2007, Vanessa was a coordinator for an educational travel company and a milieu counselor for a residential treatment program in Cambridge specializing in crisis intervention. Her primary responsibilities at ALS TDI involve providing fundraising tools and event support directly to ALS patients and their families as well as working with the ALS TDI's Regional Directors to grow ALS TDI's presence in their regions. Vanessa and the Events team also work on the Cure is Coming and the Tri-State Trek. Vanessa grew up in Panama and enjoys traveling to Europe, Asia, and Latin America to visit family and friends. Ms. Plant is a graduate of UMass Boston with a degree in Latin American Studies.

Mike has extensive experience in fundraising and program development having worked for more than 11 years in the nonprofit world, primarily with YMCA. He also has held a variety of positions in the health club management field for 13 years, having worked both in the United States and Indonesia. Mike's background in board and committee development in his career provides him with the tools to work closely with the Family & Friends Community, to develop the Western Region and to lead the development of major gift programs for ALS TDI aimed at providing new ways to build upon the Institute's financial strength and independence. His motivation to work for ALS TDI is due in part to a relative who is currently living with ALS, and his original desire to work in association with a biotechnology company which serves patient populations in pursuit of change. Mike lives near and works out of the Institute's office in San Francisco, Calif.

Jessica comes to ALS TDI immediately after completing a bachelor's degree in European History, and several frustrating years in tourism and retail. She is very glad to have found something meaningful to work on. She is currently a graduate student in Library Sciences at Simmons College, and resides in Brookline, MA.

Laure joined the staff at ALS TDI In May 2008 immediately after completing a bachelor's degree in Finance from Northeastern University she brings along more than five years of experience working as a Volunteer until present in The Finance department of La Vie Abondante Church Worship Center Everett MA, a nonprofit organization with a mission of empowering people Life. She works in the Finance department of TDI processing all donations, Tax receipts and more. Laure lives in Revere MA along with her Husband Serge and 3 years old son Joshua.

Vanessa joined the staff at ALS TDI immediately after completing a bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Culture, Health, and Science. Prior to finding ALS TDI, she interned for two nonprofit health organizations; Women's Health in London, England and Planned Parenthood in Boston. She works closely with the CFO on various accounting projects and ensures that all donations are processes accordingly. Together with her certified therapy dogs, Lola and Zoe, Vanessa donates her time at a local nursing home. Vanessa lives in her hometown of Cambridge, MA.

Previous to joining ALS TDI in 2009, Ben spent six years working in software and web development on an aerospace maintenance & engineering application. Prior to that, he worked for an information technology consulting firm in client/server based technologies for two years. Ben is responsible for maintaining existing web applications and implementing new web strategies for ALS TDI. He currently resides in the Merrimack Valley with his wife and two children. Ben is a graduate of the University of Maine and has a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

Amy Whipple came to ALS TDI as a volunteer shortly after her aunt, Mary Lou Krauseneck, was diagnosed with ALS in June 2000. Over the years, Amy and her mother, Bernadette Cooper, led their community in multiple grassroots fundraising efforts to fuel the research at ALS TDI. Since then, the Mary Lou Krauseneck fund has generated more than $1.6 million for ALS TDI. The involvement with ALS TDI provided their community with a sense of purpose, while giving Mary Lou hope as she valiantly and courageously lived with ALS. In June 2007, Amy joined ALS TDI as the Midwest Regional Director. Her previous work experience includes six years of sales for NewPage Corporation and four years of marketing experience at Compuware Corporation. Amy's husband, Eric, is a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Their family currently includes Matthew, who turned four in July 2009 and Claire who turned two in December 2009. Mrs. Whipple in a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with concentrations in Business Administration, Marketing and Spanish. Amy works out of her home office in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Jen joined the ALS TDI staff in April of 2009. Jen graduated Northeastern University in 2008 with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minor in Business. After graduating, she organized special events and fundraising for an all girl's school in Dorchester. Her responsibilities at TDI include supporting the Director of Programs & Events and Regional Directors with tracking registrations for events, updating family websites, and sending materials to events all around the country. Originally from Holden, MA, Jen currently lives in Boston's Beacon Hill where she enjoys running and spending time with her family and friends.

Ginnette Powell is a Boston native with a gift processing and data entry background. She has worked for the Winsor School, Oxfam America and M.I.T to name a few. She is also a senior majoring in Sociology at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies and is a blogger for Northeastern as well. Her other interests include politics, having participated in several federal, state and local campaigns. She has a 26 year old son and lives with 3 cats in the Dorchester section of Boston.

Amy joined the ALS TDI team as Event Coordinator. Amy graduated from California State University Sacramento with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in marketing. Prior to joining the ALS TDI team, she served as Account Executive at a Sacramento marketing communications agency. In that role, Amy focused on client service and project management - skills she uses to leverage fundraising for ALS TDI. As Event Coordinator, she provides project and administrative support to the Events Team. For fun, Amy likes to play and watch sports, dine at new restaurants and explore the Boston Area as she is originally from California.