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Bio::Neos Online Press Room - Management Team

Bio::Neos Online Press Room - Management Team
Below are bios, pictures, and quotes for each of the six owners: For higher quality pictures, please contact us.
From left to right:   Michael F. Smith, Steven G. Davis, Brian M. O'Leary
Photograph by Mike Schlotterback, Fisheye Photography

Steven G. Davis, President and Head Programmer

Steven Davis earned a B.S. with distinction at the University of Iowa where he majored in Computer Science. During his undergraduate experience, he began working as a research assistant in the CLCG. He was then accepted into the College of Engineering graduate program, from which he received a M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. During his studies at the University of Iowa, Mr. Davis has augmented his computer science and computer engineering curricula by working in the fields of biology, genetics, and bioinformatics via his position in the CLCG. He has over three and a half years of experience in the field of bioinformatics. His graduate thesis involved the development of software tools that allow for a computer-aided mutation identification study. He also has studied the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Image Processing, and Multi-Agent Systems and is eager to apply his knowledge towards new bioinformatics methods. He is a hard worker with immense drive and is dedicated to advancing the areas of mutation discovery and genomics research through his work at Bio::Neos.

Brian M. O'Leary, Treasurer and Senior Programmer

Brian O'Leary received a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa with a focus in Bioinformatics. He was considered a national student of distinction and graduated with honors. Mr. O'Leary performed bioinformatics research for five years as a research assistant in the CLCG. This experience has contributed to his strong multi-disciplinary background in computing and biology. Mr. O'Leary's distinct and diverse background gives him a competitive edge in today's market by bridging the gap between high-performance computing and biological applications. He is committed to applying himself in the newly emerging world of bioinformatics through improved computer-based tools offered by Bio::Neos.

When asked why he joined Bio::Neos, Mr. O'Leary stated, "I have always enjoyed being a part of something larger than myself, and Bio::Neos is my opportunity to contribute to the advancement of our knowledge of genetic variations and cures for genetic diseases."

Michael F. Smith, Secretary and Senior Programmer

Michael Smith received a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa. His studies have extended into the fields of genetics, image processing, artificial intelligence and algorithm design and optimization. As an undergraduate, Michael began working at the Coordinated Laboratory for Computation Genomics (CLCG) as a research assistant. He continued his research at the CLCG while working towards his Masters degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with an emphasis on Bioinformatics. Mr. Smith focused his research on developing computational methods to prioritize candidate genes for disease. He is committed to developing software solutions and techniques that can improve the capabilities of genomics researchers.

Thomas L. Casavant, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Adviser

Dr. Casavant earned a B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa. From 1986 to 1989 he taught at Purdue University before returning to the University of Iowa as an assistant professor. He is currently affiliated with the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Ophthalmology. He has a strong background in parallel computing and computational molecular biology. Since 1996 he has been leading efforts in Gene Discovery, Mapping, and Disease Gene Identification / Isolation as the Principal Engineering Professor and primary investigator at the CLCG. In 2003, he created the CBCB to enable departments to pool their resources in order to best aid genomic research. Dr. Casavant has been a world wide presence in the field of bioinformatics since its inception.

"Bio::Neos is bridging the gap between robust, easily deployed commercial software and the cutting edge academic algorithms and prototype software tools that are succeeding in accelerating the discovery of disease mutations."

Terry A. Braun, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Adviser

Dr. Braun earned his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa. He then moved on to acquire his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University. In 2002, he became an assistant professor at the University. He is appointed by the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology. He was promoted to the position of Principal Engineering Professor of the CLCG in January of 2003 when Dr. Casavant left the position to create and manage the CBCB. Dr. Braun is well versed in the fields of biology, genetics, and bioinformatics while maintaining a good background in engineering and computers.

Todd E. Scheetz, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Adviser

Dr. Scheetz earned his B.S and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa. He continued his studies by receiving his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Iowa. Dr. Scheetz is a computational scientist for the CLCG and also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa. Dr. Scheetz is knowledgeable in both the computational sciences and genetics. Dr. Scheetz's background in computing and engineering coupled with his extensive knowledge in genetics gives him a unique insight into the realm of bioinformatics.