The team

Co-founder & CEO

With eight years of experience working in laboratories, Dr. Behar has extensive knowledge of coordinating and carrying out scientific research projects. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia where she conducted multidisciplinary research projects in plant biochemistry and protein characterization. Additionally, she established a moss research centre and generated modified moss strains for the synthesis of enzymes with potential applications in biofuels.

Co-founder & CSO

Dr. Mahon has over seven years of experience as a research scientist in plant genetics and biochemistry and has earned both a M.Sc. and Ph.D. Her work has focused on using biotechnology tools to address climate change issues. As part of her doctoral degree at UBC, she successfully engineered several novel biochemical pathways into target plant systems to improve overall feedstock value for biofuel applications. She has extensive experience across a wide array of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.

Senior Scientist

Dr. Maisha Farzana earned her PhD from the University of New Brunswick, where she focused on reconstituting complex plant secondary metabolic pathways within microbial and novel plant hosts. With deep expertise in chemical characterization and isolation of plant secondary metabolites, she bridges the fields of plant biology and biotechnology to unlock the potential of natural compounds. Her passion for scientific discovery and meticulous approach to research make her an invaluable member of our team.

Advisor

Sheree Wiener is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of leadership experience in the skincare and beauty industry. She has held pivotal roles, including Vice President of Product Development at Kate Somerville Skincare, Senior Director of Global Product Development at Arbonne, and Head of Marketing at Allergan. In addition to her executive leadership roles, Sheree has spent many years consulting for industry leaders such as Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Obagi, Allergan and SkinMedica, Novartis, Ever Skincare, and Modere. Her deep expertise in product development, coupled with her extensive industry connections, highlights her ability to bridge innovation and market needs. Her knowledge of regulatory pathways, marketing strategies, and customer acquisition positions her as a valuable asset in fostering BryoSphere's growth and establishing strong partnerships with leading skincare brands.

Advisor

Karen Boodram boasts a distinguished 30-year+ career focused on enhancing patient health through the commercialization of cutting-edge medical technologies. Her extensive expertise spans the pharmaceutical realm, where she led the development of drug products/franchises, orchestrating their regulatory compliance, clinical development and marketing. Transitioning into the financial sector, Karen's role as a Life Science analyst centered on propelling the medical innovations of public Life Science companies into commercialization or acquisition. Karen's academic achievements include an MBA, BSc.Pharm., and BSc. Bioch., underlining her knowledge and experience in merging medical innovation with business acumen for improved drug development.

Advisor 

Dr. Anthony Marotta, Ph.D., is a serial entrepreneur focused on innovative health and wellness solutions. A proven scientific and clinical leader, Marotta co-founded Augurex Life Sciences Corp and Peqish Food Group. In his eleven-year tenure at Augurex, he led the development of 14-3-3η biomarker programs, securing approvals and launches globally. At Peqish, Marotta played a crucial role in differentiating the business with a "food is medicine" approach, achieving double-digit profitability. Previously, he served as Director of Business Development at Stressgen Bioreagents, strategically expanding the product portfolio.  Marotta holds several patents, has co-authored and presented at various  international conferences, and has strong relationships with clinicians  worldwide. Marotta began his career in research at Kinetek  Pharmaceuticals whilst pursuing his Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine at  the University of British Columbia. 

Advisor 

Richard Gibson has over 30 years of plant science innovation experience in private, multi-national and government R&D organizations with leadership roles in agricultural field research, enterprise and information architecture, bioindustrial innovation, marketing, investment attraction, product and business development. 

He has extensive experience in strategy development, proposal, project and program creation, negotiation and implementation in both public and private sector environments. He is an avid bryophyte photographer and excited to be part of the BryoSphere’s advisory team.