Jerrod Brown, M.E. (Engineering & Product Design)
Mr. Brown provides the team with a blended understanding of scientific laboratory protocol and extensive CAD operation. Jerrod graduated from Clemson University in 2012 with a Major in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Mathematical Science. In 2016, he received his Masters of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. Jerrod first joined NanoScreen as a Summer intern in 2016. During his internship, he developed an innovative accessory to NanoScreen’s ORION liquid handling workstation, the Talon. The purpose of the Talon is to enable the dispense head an extended capability of transferring a plate from the loading deck from one position to another.
From 2010-2011, while working in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina, he observed and assumed responsibility for operation and coordination of automated liquid handling systems. Utilized CAD software to design micromolds used to assist in the growth of tissue cells, and prepared CAD renderings of bio printers to assist in the publishing of bio fabrication papers aimed to reinforce the potential of computer aided additive bio fabrication of human organs. As a talented designer and manager, he has also led several large-scale projects during which he obtained and maintained Department of Defense Clearance.
Mr. Brown brings with him a strong knowledge of the liquid handling industry and a level of customer awareness that makes him an invaluable addition to the NanoScreen team.
Nicole Hill (Chief Administrative Officer)
Nicole Hill has over 20 years of high level experience in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Her experience spans several industries including Healthcare, State & Local Government, Bio-Technology, Education and Consulting. She has used her expansive knowledge working for great organizations including United Healthcare, The City of Charleston, and The Medical University of South Carolina. In addition, Nicole has a Masters Degree in Human Resource Development (MHRD)from the College of Education at Clemson University. Along with her academic and professional achievements, Nicole has previously served as Chairman of the HR Committee on the board of a Charleston non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, uplift and support women and children who are the victims of domestic violence and abuse. She led the national search for its new leader who is still leading the organization today.
Nicole prides herself on creating innovative approaches to address many of the contemporary challenges in the workplace including leadership, ethics, strategy, and diversity and inclusion.
Cecilia Maerz MLT, PA (Compliance Officer)
Ms. Maerz has over 20+ years’ experience in the healthcare industry, with particular concentration on Healthcare Compliance of developing and managing effective compliance, risk, and ethics programs in complex laboratories. Her extensive personal experience includes strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of multifaceted compliance laboratory systems, and authorized to implement all necessary actions to ensure achievement of the objectives of an effective compliance program by monitoring and reporting results of compliance/ethics efforts. Maerz has provided consultancy, support, and ongoing program management throughout the life-cycle of client engagements.
Ms. Maerz career included being the regulatory compliance officer/management in the complex laboratory sector with responsibility for the development, implementation, maintaining and revising policies and procedures for operations and related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct on day-to-day operations. This includes ongoing management of programs to meet stringent regulatory requirements. In this capacity, she led an industry and an award-winning team with an exemplary track record of regulatory monitoring and enforcement visits.
Ms. Maerz holds a Bachelor degree in Clinical Health Services/Science – Certification of Completion Physician Assistant from University of Washington MEDEX Northwest, Seattle, WA; Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Science, Math from University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT; Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technician from Lewis and Clark College, Godfrey, IL; NIH/CRA Certification from Unitek, Fremont, CA.
Ms. Maerz is also a member of the Silent Service Motorcycle Team Associate – United States Submariners; Patriot Guard Motorcycle Team; Washington University Alumni Associate Association for Women in Science eWomenNetwork, business networking for businesswomen; VFW – Life time Auxiliary Member, Honor Guard Chaplin/Bugler, Volunteer as Chaplain at least once a month at Tahoma National Cemetery, volunteer for ground duties around the Post, Bingo, a Kitchen assistant/server, Boy-Scout Eagle Projects, and anything I can help with pertaining to U.S. Veterans.
Robert Quillinan (RJ) Esq. (Corporate Advisor)
Mr. Quillinan joined NanoScreen to serve as an Operations Consultant, working alongside the Chief Executive Officer in developing and nurturing a focused and dedicated team to best serve customers.
Mr. Quillinan has a background in accounting, finance, quality control, legal affairs and compliance. Mr. Quillinan holds a BS degree with a Finance concentration from the University of Colorado, a Master’s in Business Administration from The Citadel, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from the Charleston School of Law.
Dean Sproles (CEO)
Mr. Sproles joined NanoScreen as Chief Executive Officer in early 2016. During his tenure Mr. Sproles’ focus has been on streamlining the organization while nurturing a culture of “sustainable” organic growth.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Sproles spent sixteen (16) years as a scientist in the fields of proteomics, genomics, and transcriptomics. His career in science led him to focus on research at small commercial laboratories, the University of Virginia, and Oregon Health Sciences University, where he has published works on the creation and implementation of global standards in transcriptomic research.
Leading Iverson Genetic Diagnostics Mr. Sproles successfully realized three consecutive years of 400% growth in revenue. He served as thought leader and orchestrator of a study for the largest insurance provider in the world (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS). While leading Iverson Genetic Diagnostics Mr. Sproles drafted a series of “Personalized Medicine Awareness Day” proclamations (2011-2013) issued by five state governors (Georgia, Washington, South Carolina, Ohio, and New Jersey). These proclamations and events sought to raise general awareness of the many benefits of accelerating medical science applications into mainstream medical practice.
In addition to his professional experience Mr. Sproles has served on the Board of Directors for the Swank MS Foundation, was a member of the Institute for Systems Biology (“ISB”) Associates Network, previously served on the advisory Board for the University of Washington school of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and was on the general advisory board for Lake Washington School District. Mr. Sproles currently serves as class co-chairman for fund raising for his alma mater, The Citadel, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biology from the school’s Honors Program.