- Leadership
- Team
- Board of Directors
- Advisory Board
Our Leadership team combines deep technology, pharmaceutical and therapeutics expertise with a proven track record of operational and commercial success.
Dr. Hazel Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Hazel Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Hazel has significant oncology research experience, both in pharma/biotech and academic/charity sectors. She has a focus on long term strategic planning, both of logistics and scientific deliverables, as well as driving operational change. Hazel brings with her a broad understanding of all stages of drug development. In her capacity as CEO Hazel will lead, scale, and grow the Company’s global business operations. She will also be crucial in delivering the Company’s strategy to commercial and academic partners.
Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics, Hazel held various roles within AstraZeneca, including Executive Product Director of Clinical Data, and Head of Business Planning and Operations in Oncology R&D. She was also previously Head of Combination Therapies at Cancer Research UK.
Dr. Nic Walker
Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Nic Walker
Chief Technology Officer
Nic has 20 years of experience extracting and developing tools for insight from complex datasets in biotech, research institutes, and start-ups. His domain expertise crosses epigenomics, molecular technology development, cancer diagnostics, software engineering and machine learning. Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics Nic conducted research at the University of Cambridge in Epigenomics and was the Director of Data Science at Cambridge Epigenetix Ltd.
Dr. Daniel Turner
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Daniel Turner
Chief Scientific Officer
Dan has over 20 years of senior leadership experience within the fields of genetics, molecular biology, and sequencing research. He joins Enhanc3D Genomics from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, where he held roles including Senior Vice President, Vice President and Senior Director of Applications. During his tenure at Oxford Nanopore, he established various strategic collaborations and led projects to demonstrate the range of applications of the company’s technology. Dan has also held the role of Head of Sequencing Technology Development at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. He holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford and completed an MSc and PhD in Genetics at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
Dr. Stefan Schoenfelder
Chief Scientific Advisor
Dr. Stefan Schoenfelder
Chief Scientific Advisor
Stefan is a recognised expert in the area of 3D genome organisation and function. Having led the development of Capture Hi-C while working in Prof. Fraser’s laboratory, Stefan is a group leader in the Epigenetics Programme at the Babraham Institute. He co-founded Enhanc3D in 2020 and continues to serve as Chief Scientific Advisor.
Our Team brings together some of the greatest innovators in the field with vast experience across scientific and operational verticals.
Dr. Mohamood Adhil
Data Science Team Leader
Dr. Mohamood Adhil
Data Science Team Leader
Adhil has extensive experience in extracting meaningful information from large biological and clinical datasets. He has a Master’s degree in Life Sciences Informatics and completed his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Marco Foiani, studying DNA supercoil role in genome organisation. Prior to joining Enhanc3D, Adhil was a product manager and data scientist at InterpretOmics, where he was responsible for the development of omics-based clinical software and knowledge bases tailored to enhance precision medicine.
Dr. Helen Bignell
Principal Scientist
Dr. Helen Bignell
Principal Scientist
Helen is highly experienced in technology development within the field of genomics, successfully taking innovative ideas to commercialised products. She holds a Master’s and a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology. Previously Helen worked at Cambridge Epigenetix developing epigenetic tools to identify methylation in DNA. Prior to this Helen spent 10 years at Solexa/Illumina as a major contributor working on many aspects of the early NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology.
Dr. Laura Caller
Senior Scientist
Dr. Laura Caller
Senior Scientist
Laura is a molecular biologist with experience designing and executing wide-ranging CRISPR screens, and target validation. Before joining Enhanc3D Genomics Laura studied host-virus interactions using proteomic and whole-genome CRISPR screening at both University of Cambridge and The Francis Crick Institute, London. Laura gained her PhD in Pathology at University of Cambridge.
Dr. Kishen Chahwala
Business Development Manager
Dr. Kishen Chahwala
Business Development Manager
Kishen holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge, where he investigated neurodegeneration in axons using various genetic tools. Previously, Kishen worked at Cambridge Epigenetix and helped to develop their automated sample processing pipeline. Kishen has also had the opportunity to work for Start Codon and was responsible for landscaping and upgrading their suite of investment pipeline tools. It was here that Kishen discovered his passion for business and the commercialisation of science.
Dr. Lyubomira Chakalova
Senior Scientist
Dr. Lyubomira Chakalova
Senior Scientist
Lyubomira has over 20 years of experience in cutting-edge methodology development in molecular and cellular biology. Before joining Enhanc3D, Lyubomira worked in the Fraser group at Babraham for 10 years and previously led her own independent research group. At Enhanc3D Lyubomira is focused on maximising the value of the Company’s technology.
Dr. Vassili Kusmartsev
Data Scientist
Dr. Vassili Kusmartsev
Data Scientist
Vassili is a biological data scientist, motivated to combine the growing amount of data with the ever advancing computational methods to reduce suffering. He obtained his PhD at Imperial College London in Evolutionary Genomics with Dr. Tobias Warnecke, where he worked to quantify selective pressures and investigate the mutational burden of cytosine methylation. Prior to joining Enhanc3d Genomics, he worked as a data scientist at Exscientia, finding novel druggable targets by building large biological networks and developing new methods.
Felix Llanwarne
Scientist
Felix Llanwarne
Scientist
Felix, an immunologist by training, is deeply passionate about understanding the intricacies of the human immune system and our responses to diseases. Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics, Felix was completing his PhD research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His doctoral work focused on investigating T and B cell responses in infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on long-term immunity. During this period, Felix gained extensive expertise in human cellular and humoral immunological assays, ranging from multiparameter flow cytometry to Luminex and microarrays. His wealth of experience and unwavering interest in immunology make him a valuable asset to our team at Enhanc3D Genomics.
Dr. Lira Mamanova
Lead Scientist
Dr. Lira Mamanova
Lead Scientist
Lira is a highly experienced scientist with proven scientific, administrative and service experience with a strong interest in new technologies, and how to best apply them. Lira had previously worked at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for 14 years, developing and optimising various Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based technologies, including a high-throughput Single-cell transcriptomics and genomics pipelines. Lira led a team in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Prior to this she has worked at Imperial College London. She holds a Master’s and a PhD in Genetics from Moscow State University.
Catherine Maurice
Accountant
Catherine Maurice
Accountant
Catherine joins the team with over 20 years of accounting experience. She started out working in practice for accountancy firms in Cambridgeshire to gain a wide range of knowledge covering a variety of business sectors. Catherine ran her own outsourced accounting support service for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, working with a range of clients using different accounting software, as well as providing training for in-house staff. She then moved into industry to expand on specific skillsets and qualified with the Association of Accounting Technicians in 2005.
Dr. Eshwar Meduri
Senior Data Scientist
Dr. Eshwar Meduri
Senior Data Scientist
Eshwar is a computational biologist with long-term research interests in understanding genomic and epigenomic variation and their impact on quantitative traits and disease susceptibility. Before joining Enhanc3D Genomics, Eshwar worked in Prof. Brian Huntly's group at the University of Cambridge. During his stay in Brian's lab, Eshwar gained vast experience in developing computational approaches to analyse multiomics datasets of human and mouse cell lines, as well as human primary tumor tissues of several haematological malignancies.
Patrizia Messina
Laboratory Manager
Patrizia Messina
Laboratory Manager
Patrizia has a master's degree in Biological Science and a post degree specialisation in Human Nutrition. Originally from Italy, she moved to Cambridge to join the MRC Epidemiology Unit, where she worked for 7 years. She has 20 years of experience, both in research and clinical laboratories, covering a wide range of methodologies but with a particular focus on establishing and validating large-scale human sample measurement pipelines with robotic assistance.
Sophie Miller
Office Assistant
Sophie Miller
Office Assistant
Sophie graduated from the University of York with a degree in Psychology in 2020 and initially started her career in mental health. Following this, Sophie worked as a detective where she honed essential skills in confidentiality, communication, and teamwork. Her ability to analyze complex situations and work collaboratively with others set her apart. Now, as a valued member of the Enhanc3D Genomics team, Sophie brings her unique blend of experiences to the forefront. Her dedication to excellence and adaptability make her an incredible addition to the team.
Vicki Murray
Scientist
Vicki Murray
Scientist
Vicki obtained her Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology in 2005 and has 15 years of experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Before joining Enhanc3D Genomics she was part of the core facilities in the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. Vicki will join the Data Generation team working on CUT&Tag protocols.
Ann Rone
HR Manager
Ann Rone
HR Manager
Ann is a senior HR professional with over 20 years' experience ranging from FTSE 100 companies to start-ups and has experience in the biotech, manufacturing, chemical, technology and retail sectors.
Alex Scott-Simons
Head of Bioinformatics Engineering
Alex Scott-Simons
Head of Bioinformatics Engineering
After initially training in Chemistry, Alex held a range of hands-on and management positions across data science and data engineering. He has built commercially successful data science products from scratch and gained global experience at high-profile companies (including Facebook, Lazada, and WPP) in consumer and advertising technology before returning to science and joining Enhanc3D.
Lucy Shaw
Executive Personal Assistant to CEO
Lucy Shaw
Executive Personal Assistant to CEO
Lucy has over 20 years’ worth of experience as a PA and Executive Assistant. Before joining the team at Enhanc3d Genomics, Lucy worked in a variety of sectors including quantity surveying, printing, NHS, health and safety and social housing safety systems maintenance. Lucy has now joined the Operations Team as Executive Personal Assistant to the CEO.
Dr. Carine Stapel
Principal Scientist
Dr. Carine Stapel
Principal Scientist
Carine is a Molecular Biologist with extensive experience in the development and application of novel technologies to study gene regulation. She completed her PhD in single molecule RNA imaging and a postdoc in single-cell multi-omics. Prior to joining Enhanc3d Genomics, Carine worked at another Biotech start-up where she set up the lab and managed several drug discovery projects.
Dr. Ben Watkinson-Powell
Senior Data Scientist
Dr. Ben Watkinson-Powell
Senior Data Scientist
Ben is a mathematical modeller with a range of experience and expertise across bioinformatics, biostatistics, and theoretical biology. Having originally trained as an evolutionary ecologist, Ben completed a PhD in mathematical epidemiology at the University of Cambridge before moving into statistical genomics while working at Congenica prior to joining Enhanc3D. A common thread throughout Ben’s work has been the development of models that aim to achieve a balance between practical simplicity and the necessary reflection of biological complexity.
Dr. Jenni Westoby
Lead Bioinformatics Engineer
Dr. Jenni Westoby
Lead Bioinformatics Engineer
Jenni is a bioinformatician who specialises in developing automated bioinformatics workflows. She holds a bioinformatics PhD in single-cell RNA-seq and alternative splicing from the University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics, Jenni worked at Inivata developing precision medicine bioinformatics pipelines, and at CS Genetics performing single-cell RNA-seq analyses and automating daily pipeline runs.
Steven Zemke
Vice President of Operations
Steven Zemke
Vice President of Operations
Steven has a wealth of experience in developing, assessing, and managing academic and research programmes. Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics, he spent several years at the Sanger Institute focused on strategic initiatives involving their research programmes and overall scientific portfolio. More recently Steven was Chief of Staff at CS Genetics, a Cambridge based start-up focused on single-cell technologies.
We are supported by strong scientific and strategic advisors and engaged scientific founders.
Dr. Chris Torrance
Chairman
Dr. Chris Torrance
Chairman
Dr. Chris Torrance is a cancer researcher and entrepreneur. In 2007 he founded Horizon Discovery to translate advances in human genome editing into a range of research tools and services to accelerate the discovery of new and improved ‘Personalized Medicines’.
In 2014, Dr. Torrance founded PhoreMost Ltd, a drug discovery company focusing on drugging “Undruggable” targets using a new technology called “SITE-SEEKER®” that systematically identifies cryptic drug sites throughout the human proteome and ties them to useful therapeutic functions.
Dr. Torrance has a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Technology from Sheffield Polytechnic; a PhD in Biochemistry from East Carolina University (U.S.A) and completed Post-Doctoral training in the laboratory of Professor Bert Vogelstein at the Johns Hopkins University (U.S.A).
Dr. Cassie Doherty
Investor Director
Dr. Cassie Doherty
Investor Director
Cassie is Investor Director representing Parkwalk Advisors. She specialises in Healthcare and Life Sciences investments. Prior to joining Parkwalk Cassie worked for IP Group Plc leading investments into UK University spin outs. She holds a BSc and PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Leeds. Her interest in commercialisation started in her first role in a start-up where she led the development of drugs identified during her PhD into Phase II clinical trials.
Dr. Debora Dumont
Investor Director
Dr. Debora Dumont
Investor Director
Debbie is co-founder and Managing Partner of Bioqube Ventures. Previously, she served as Head of Health & Care at LRM, a Belgium-based private equity and venture capital firm and was a business developer at the Biomedical Research Institute of Hasselt University and manager of the local life sciences cluster organization. Debbie holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering. She is also the Vice Chairman of the Limburg Cancer Foundation.
Lucy Edwardes Jones
Investor Director
Lucy Edwardes Jones
Investor Director
Lucy is an investor in BGF’s early stage team where she focuses on the life sciences space. She is based in London and Cambridge, sourcing and executing new investments as well supporting portfolio companies. Prior to joining BGF Lucy spent five years at CIL Management Consultants where she conducted strategy and commercial due diligence projects in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Tim Rea
Board Observer
Tim Rea
Board Observer
Tim joined BGF in 2018, and joined our Board in August 2022. He is based in London and Cambridge and is a part of BGF’s early stage investment team with a specific focus on tech and life sciences propositions. Tim has been active in the venture capital and start-up ecosystem for over 20 years, initially as an entrepreneur and then as an investor with SoftBank, NEC and DFJ ePlanet Capital.
Dr. Karolina Zapadka
Board Observer
Dr. Karolina Zapadka
Board Observer
Karolina has nearly a decade of experience in building life sciences and healthcare companies within the Cambridge Cluster. She played a pivotal role in securing pre-seed and seed investment from a stellar syndicate of investors. In 2018 she co-founded and successfully delivered the first life sciences startup accelerator with a portfolio of 20 early-stage ventures in Cambridge. She started her career as a scientist at a leading biopharmaceutical company delivering a portfolio of products to clinics. Karolina completed a PhD in biophysics (diabetes & neurosciences) from the University of Cambridge and carried out a drug development postdoc work at MedImmune/AstraZeneca.
Elaine Eggington
Board Observer
Elaine Eggington
Board Observer
Elaine is Executive Director (Consulting) at IP Pragmatics, an established and respected specialist management consultancy that provides a range of intellectual property management and commercialisation services. Following a career in biotech and the lifescience industry, Elaine has been successfully commercialising early stage technologies through venture capital investment and consultancy since 2000. She has worked with The Babraham Institute to support their Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation activities for several years, and helped to spin out Enhanc3D Genomics from their cutting edge research.
Dr. Hazel Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Hazel Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Hazel has significant oncology research experience, both in pharma/biotech and academic/charity sectors. She has a focus on long term strategic planning, both of logistics and scientific deliverables, as well as driving operational change. Hazel brings with her a broad understanding of all stages of drug development. In her capacity as Interim CEO Hazel will lead, scale, and grow the Company’s global business operations. She will also be crucial in delivering the Company’s strategy to commercial and academic partners.
Prior to joining Enhanc3D Genomics, Hazel held various roles within AstraZeneca, including Executive Product Director of Clinical Data, and Head of Business Planning and Operations in Oncology R&D. She was also previously Head of Combination Therapies at Cancer Research UK.
Supported by a strong scientific advisory board and engaged scientific founders
Prof. Peter Fraser
Co-Founder
Prof. Peter Fraser
Co-Founder
Peter is a world-leading expert in gene expression and chromosomal architecture and the inventor of the GenLink3D platform. During the scientific discovery and early concept of the business, Peter led the Nuclear Dynamics Programme at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, UK. Peter is Chair at Florida State University where he is Director of the Centre for Genomics and Personalised Medicine.
Dr. Stefan Schoenfelder
Co-Founder
Dr. Stefan Schoenfelder
Co-Founder
Stefan is a recognised expert in the area of 3D genome organisation and function. Having led the development of Capture Hi-C while working in Prof. Fraser’s laboratory, Stefan is a group leader in the Epigenetics Programme at the Babraham Institute. He co-founded Enhanc3D Genomics in 2020 and continues to serve as Chief Scientific Advisor.
Laurie Heilmann
Strategic Advisor
Laurie Heilmann
Strategic Advisor
Laurie is a veteran executive of the life sciences industry, with over three decades of leadership experience in healthcare technology developed and deployed across multiple markets including diagnostics, biotechnology, drug development, and medical devices.
She has a proven track record of global commercial transformative strategies leading to revenue growth, profitability, and multi-national brand awareness, providing an immediate impact while building long-term strategy including financing, merger, acquisition and IPO as exit strategies. She is an engaged board member and strategic advisor for several tech bio and diagnostic companies. Heilmann’s synthesis of global business, clinical research, and technological acumen is ideal for assessing needs and assembling strategically sound, high-value solutions for her board and advisor roles as well as multifaceted experience from concept to commercialization, and knowledge of life science technology. Previous executive roles held were as CEO, President, and Chief Commercial Officer.
Dr. Louise Jopling
Strategic Advisor
Dr. Louise Jopling
Strategic Advisor
Louise is an immunologist with extensive experience working across drug discovery, development and commercialisation domains within academia (University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London), biotech (Celltech) and pharmaceutical (UCB & Janssen/Johnson & Johnson Innovation) organisations.
Louise leads the commercial team at Eastern AHSN to develop partnerships and support innovators refine their business models, value propositions and navigate the NHS to maximise population benefit and generate economic growth at a regional and national level.
Louise has a BSc (hons) in Zoology (Parasitology) from the University of Aberdeen, a PhD in Immunology from Imperial College London and conducted her postdoctoral training at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Patrice Denefle
Strategic Advisor
Dr. Patrice Denefle
Strategic Advisor
Patrice Denefle, Ph.D & adjunct Pr has been the General Manager of INSTITUT ROCHE (2015-2019), then CSO at 4P-Pharma (2020) and Centogene (2021-2023). He is now advising several Biotechs (Enhanced 3D genomics, Epiterna, Phialogics, Mimetas), Pharmas and VCs (Merieux Equity Partners, Korys, Nordic) as a senior strategic R&D advisor at DNFL Consulting.
He run many senior leadership positions in Large Pharma (Sanofi-Aventis, RPR Gencell for 23 years), Biotechs (Genethon for 3 yrs) and recently mid-size Biopharma (IPSEN for 4.5 yrs) before getting back to the Open Innovation world with MedBiomix, dedicated to the practical applications of Precision Medicine.
Prof. Adrian Liston
Scientific Advisor
Prof. Adrian Liston
Scientific Advisor
Prof Adrian Liston is Professor of Pathology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Honorary Group Leader at the Babraham Institute, Professorial Fellow and Director of Studies at St Catharine's College, and Editor-in-Chief of Immunology & Cell Biology. Liston runs a biomedical research laboratory together with Dr James Dooley, Principal Research Associate. The Liston-Dooley laboratory currently works on understanding the regulation of immune responses in the tissues, in particular the brain and lung. The laboratory has extensive experience in the fields of neuroimmunology, autoimmune genetics, diabetes, primary immunodeficiencies, systems immunology, the thymus and regulatory T cells. Prof Liston has been awarded fellowship to the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Francqui Chair, the Eppendorf Prize, a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award and three ERC grants, among other honours. Liston has published more than 200 scientific papers, with >16,000 citations and a h-index of 61.
Dr. Rab Prinjha
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Rab Prinjha
Scientific Advisor
Rab Prinjha is the former head of GSK’s Immunology Research Unit and elected fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
He served on the OpenTargets, Altius and Milner Governance Boards and as a member of the Padlock and Sitryx Boards. He has an extensive record of successful leadership with multiple projects progressed from target discovery to beyond Ph2. He is passionate about collaborative science and has published extensively with papers in the areas of immunology, oncology, epigenetics and neuroscience. Rab joined GSK from academia, completing a post-doc in neuroscience at Guy’s Hospital and PhD in molecular cellular immunology at UCL.
Prof. Rahul Roychoudhuri
Scientific Advisor
Prof. Rahul Roychoudhuri
Scientific Advisor
Rahul Roychoudhuri is a Professor of Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Cambridge Department of Pathology, and Director of Studies in Pathology at St Catherine’s College. He is Director (non-clinical) of the CRUK Cambridge Centre Training Programme and co-leads the CRUK Cambridge Centre Fundamental Cancer Biology Programme.
Rahul studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and Clinical Medicine at King’s College London. Rahul undertook his Ph.D. in Gary Nabel’s laboratory at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a postdoctoral fellowship at Nicholas Restifo’s laboratory at the US National Cancer Institute (NCI). His research has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of immune regulation, tumour immunosuppression, immunological memory and gene regulation.
Dr. Julie Stock
Operational Advisor
Dr. Julie Stock
Operational Advisor
Julie is a cell biologist with over 20 years’ R&D experience in academia, biotech/pharma, and the scientific charity sector. She has clinical experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in the delivery of early phase oncology trials (CRUK Centre for Drug Development), and managing a Phase 1b trial in women’s health (Imperial College London).
Julie also has expertise in sourcing, evaluation, and commercial development of novel drugs, diagnostics, and medical devices (CRUK Commercial Partnerships, Blue Earth Diagnostics/Therapeutics, Closed Loop Medicine, BerGenBio).
Julie has a PhD in nuclear organisation from Imperial College London and conducted her postdoctoral training at CRUK London Research Institute.
Crane Harris
Business Advisor
Crane Harris
Business Advisor
Crane is a business development professional with experience in genomic and cell therapy companies: large and small, public and private, Rx and Dx, including Illumina, TwinStrand, ChromaCode, La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, Monsanto and others. He has a passion for building collaborations that move well beyond zero-sum outcomes. His business development achievements have ranged from insourcing reagents, to closing novel and lucrative research and sales collaborations, to out-licensing non-core businesses.
