Disclaimer: Product Under Development. Subject to FDA Clearance
Cern Corporation
Our Team of Experts
Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery specialist with over 17 years of experience. Dr. Santos is Medical Director of Pelvic Health at Providence St. Jude Medical Center where she performs clinical work and serves on both executive and advisory boards for the Providence St Joseph Health Women & Children’s Institute. Dr. Santos has considerable experience working in the medical device and pharma area consulting to various entities and is a key-note speaker internal to Providence Health being responsible for communications with GYN related practitioners within the organization. Dr. Santos Education includes Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University with fellowship at Emory University.
Dr. Park is Professor of Microbiology at California State University Los Angeles with over twenty years of research experience on fungal pathogenesis and is a first-generation, US immigrant female scientist, Dr. Park has focused her career in research with the goal of improving women’s health using C. Albicans as a model for fungal pathogen while recognizing host environmental changes may initiate infection as part of the normal microbiome. Dr. Park received her PhD in Microbiology from Ewha Women’s University in Seoul South Korea. Dr. Park conducted post doctoral research at Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Seasoned legal and regulatory professional specialized in clinical trials, quality assurance, and FDA/international regulations. Her diverse certifications include RAC-U.S., RAC-Global, ACRP-CP, CCEP, and ACUE. With a robust background in FDA communication and compliance, she excels in guiding sponsors through regulatory processes. Joanne's expertise spans medical devices, IVDs, and combination products, demonstrated by successful submissions and clearances. She's been an adjunct professor, worked at Abbott Laboratories and Colorado State University, and is an active member of SCCE, RAPS, and ACRP. Holding a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor's in Agriculture/Animal Science/Biology, she's a notable authority in the field.
Dr Todd Peterson has spent over 35 years in academic research and industrial R&D, spanning molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology and synthetic biology engineering, his experience encompasses biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, life science research tools, drug discovery and industrial biotechnology markets, products, and technologies. Prior to founding GenApex Bio, Dr Peterson was Chief Scientific Officer at the Allen Institute comprising foundational and applied for research programs across Brain Science, Cell Science, Immunology Institutes, and the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group.
Dr Todd Peterson has spent over 35 years in academic research and industrial R&D, spanning molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology and synthetic biology engineering, his experience encompasses biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, life science research tools, drug discovery and industrial biotechnology markets, products, and technologies. Prior to founding GenApex Bio, Dr Peterson was Chief Scientific Officer at the Allen Institute comprising foundational and applied for research programs across Brain Science, Cell Science, Immunology Institutes, and the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group.
Certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). He served as the Chair of the OBGYN Department at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA from 2016 to 2019 and holds active privileges for surgeries and deliveries at various medical centers. He was honored as the Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association and has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Gynecologists in Orange, CA in 2021 and 2019. Dr. Akerman completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in New York and has gained a reputation for his surgical expertise and compassionate patient care. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and actively participates in medical missions globally. He founded AkermanMed in 2005 and continues to make significant contributions to women's health.
David is a seasoned leader and regulatory expert who helps companies get medical devices and combination products to market. David has served in senior leadership roles at AscentX Medical and ConvaTec, and previously worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and St. Jude Medical. He is a founding member of the Kidney Health Initiative, and has helped startups acquire funding and successfully interact with FDA and the Department of Defense. While at FDA, David worked on DARPA projects and consulted with CBER and CDER regarding regulatory submissions, including clinical studies and marketing submissions, and reviewed FDA regulated software submissions.
David holds a Master of Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and a Certificate from HBX, now Harvard Business School Online.
Neelima is an innovative and accomplished, biopharmaceutical leader with a record of transforming projects into successful products. Launched 9 pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. Established Amgen’s initial presence in UK and through nearly 17-year career at Amgen where she worked in Medical, Project Management, Reimbursement, Marketing, and Strategic Planning. Led two key reimbursement projects that were key to Amgen revenue and success. Career experience at Amgen, Alfred Mann Foundation, BMS and GSK in the US and UK. Skilled presenter and communicator of key messages. Applies diplomatic and persuasive skills to build strong collaborative relationships with partners, vendors, and academia. Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of professionals to achieve superior and sustainable results. Experience in delivering workable and profitable strategic plans.
David is a seasoned senior global executive who has served as CEO, President and SVP of public, private, family-owned and not-for-profit enterprises. He was business unit CEO for companies in the healthcare and consumer products industries, including Johnson & Johnson and Avon Products, and has led integrated businesses with up to $1.8 billion in sales. He also served as Operating Partner and as a consultant in private equity. He is proficient in delivering revenue, EBITDA and cash growth with broad global accountability, while leading complex multinational businesses through major transformations and overseeing operations in 30+ countries. He is especially knowledgeable in sales growth, business transformation, manufacturing, supply chain management, new product development, field service as well as with start-ups. David has proactively worked with US, Japan, China and UK governmental and regulatory leaders. David also is engaged with incubators and accelerators in Orange County, CA.
A 25+ year global medical technology executive bringing innovative medical therapies to patients and healthcare systems around the world, Bill is currently managing partner at Alruna Advisors™, offering strategic investments and advisory services to cutting-edge healthcare start-up companies. Prior to this, Bill was vice president/corporate officer at Abbott’s CRM division leading global commercial operations for a $2+B organization. With extensive international experience, including 20+ years residing internationally, Bill integrated multiple acquisitions, led extensive product and market development, and considerable operational/function experiences. He previously held commercial and general management positions at Boston Scientific and STERIS (American Sterilizer).
Dr. Sobel is a consulting Physician, Clinical Advisor, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on infectious diseases of the GYN tract. Dr. Sobel is a widely published and strongly funded physician-researcher. He has been involved in basic science, translational and clinical research since the inception of his Infectious Diseases Research Fellowship in 1976 at the NIH Laboratory of Clinical Investigation. He has served as a consultant for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s special committee for recommending guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease. He has served as President of the Michigan Infectious Diseases Society from 1997 to 1999, a Member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the National State President’s Committee and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Practice Guidelines Committee.
Dr. Roohk has spent over 50 years in physiology associated with the development and testing of medical devices. He has clinical experience as an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) team member and lab supervisor with the original NIH-funded life-support team at UCI. Dr. Roohk has served as lab director and/or IACUC chair for a number of both university and private pre-clinical testing facilities. Dr. Roohk co-founded American ImmunoTech, LLC, and Vestara in Costa Mesa, CA, which conducted sepsis research utilizing ultraviolet technology in an extracorporeal circuit. Dr Roohk is a recognized expert in Animal Physiology, and in vivo testing. Dr. Roohk received his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biochemistry from UC Davis in 1971 where he focused on bioengineering at USC and UCLA.
Dr. Lonky is a recognized leader in women’s healthcare occupying significant roles at both Kaiser Permanente as well as The University of California Irvine as a practicing physician, research lead and key investigator. Dr. Lonky has provided significant support to SoCalPermenenteMedGroup to improve patient care, safety, and affordability and is an acknowledged expert in women's health policy and management. Additionally, Dr. Lonky is on the Editorial Board of American Society of Colposcopy Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease and Contributing Editor for OBG Management. Editorial Board of American Society of Colposcopy Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease and Contributing Editor for OBG Management. Dr. Lonky’s association with Kaiser includes, Practicing Physician, Elected Board of Directors, Chairman of the Quality Committee of the Board of Directors, Oversight of operations and policy for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in concert with Kaiser Foundation. Co-Chairman of the Elected Board of Directors, Chairman of the Quality Committee of the Board of Directors. Association with The University of California Irvine includes roles as Clinical Professor as well as Faculty Clinical Professor at the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Lonky is also CEO, Founder (and inventor) at Histologics LLC, whose focus is minimally Invasive tissue sampling and wound hygiene/debridement devices.
Cern Corporation
Our Board Of Directors
Annette’s current position is President, City of Hope Orange County and has also held past positions as President, Strategy at St. Joseph’s as well as CEO, St. Joseph’s Health. Annette is recognized as one of the “Top 100” people in US Healthcare and has been named one of America’s most influential health care leaders @modernhealthcare. Annette is now building a world-class cancer center for The City of Hope in Orange County CA. Annette is a solutions architect and nationally recognized strategist, thought leader and author/keynote speaker on transforming the health care industry. Annette also mentors hundreds of up-and-coming next-generation executives. Annette is a passionate team leader and Life-long advocate for female leaders and moms.
Gregg’s background is principally in business with most of his career in technical sales and marketing for a Fortune 50 organization. Gregg has senior management experience, an extensive background in global sales and account management, and extensive training through the Boston Consulting Group. His interest in life sciences has generated multiple patents in the medical device space. In the summer of 2019, Cern Corp. was nominated to participate in the LA-BioStart program for CEOs bringing novel and disruptive technologies within the life sciences vertical to market.
David’s current position is Chief of Service, Maternal Fetal Medicine at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, CA. Prior to Hoag, David was Regional Executive Medical Director for Women's Services where he manages development of the Ministry's Centers of Excellence and regional Clinical Institute of Women's Health within St. Joseph’s/Providence Health. David’s background also includes extensive executive experience having held the position of Medical Director at Long Beach Memorial as well as Medical Director, Women’s Services at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Women’s Services at St. Joseph’s. David has recently retired from over 35 years of clinical practice and is regarded as a thought leader within the industry.
