Our Leadership
Meet the dynamic and innovative team behind Helix Biotech. Get to know the experts, scientists,
and visionaries driving our biotechnology advancements. Learn about their backgrounds
and commitment to shaping the future of healthcare and biotech.
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Graham Taylor, PhD
Founder & President
Dr. Taylor earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Tennessee (2007, 2014, 2016, respectively). He has 15 years of experience in Quality, Product Development, and Project Management in the medical device and pharmaceutical sector. Dr. Taylor is positioning Helix Biotech to be a premier global pre-clinical and clinical stage development and manufacturing firm for pharmaceutical companies working with LNP and other nanoparticle-based therapeutics and vaccines.
Michael HL Nguyen, PhD
Manager of Business Development, Sales
Dr. Nguyen was a B.S. and Ph.D. graduate from the University of Windsor's Chemistry & Biochemistry program. His area of focus was on the biophysical analysis of liposomal and lipid-based nanoparticle formulations using small angle neutron and X-ray scattering and in silico techniques. Over his 8+ years in the lipid field, he has visited and conducted research in some of the world's largest and most prestigious national laboratories: NIST (USA), ORNL (USA), ANSTO (AUS) and the CNL (CAN).
Haden Scott, PhD
Manager of Manufacturing
Dr. Scott earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2013 and 2018, respectively). Following his Ph.D., Dr. Scott held two different Post-Doctoral Research Associate positions at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Lab. He has 10 years of experience in the research sector studying the function of synthetic phospholipid membranes, including both their structural and dynamic properties as well as their interactions with small peptides.
Elizabeth Klavon, MSc
Manager of Quality Control
Originally from North Carolina, Elizabeth moved to Knoxville in 2017 to study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee. She went on to earn her master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, as well, studying the electrical properties of cell lipid membranes and how artificial membranes can be integrated with thin film transistors for biosensing capabilities. Building on her academic and lab experience, Elizabeth has become a recognized expert in analytics, focusing on the characterization of complex biomolecular systems.
Board of Advisors
Robert K. Prud'homme, PhD
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University
Robert “Bob” Prud’homme is an esteemed professor emeritus of chemical and biological engineering with a career spanning over four decades. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in drug delivery, Bob developed the Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) technique, a globally adopted process for producing consistent, stable nanoparticles. This innovation has advanced treatments for malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, and played a pivotal role in the production of mRNA vaccines. Holding more than 100 patents and over 40,000 citations, Bob’s contributions extend beyond research to mentorship, having guided over 50 Ph.D. and 100 undergraduate students who now lead in academia and industry.
Hemant Kumar, PhD
Global Head of Technology & Manufacturing
Hemant Kumar is a seasoned biotech executive and globally recognized expert in CMC accelerated development, risk mitigation, and the translation of gene therapies and complex biologics into regulated products. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Sanofi, Merck, and Lonza, Hemant has advanced non-viral (LNP) and viral AAV gene therapies, vaccines, ADCs, and biopharmaceuticals from early stages to licensure. Most recently, as Chief Technology & Manufacturing Officer at Genprex, he led the development and commercialization of novel gene therapies for cancer and diabetes, leveraging advanced AAV and LNP platforms. His proven leadership in building high-performing teams, securing global regulatory approvals, and delivering life-changing therapies continues to make a significant impact on the biotech industry and patient lives worldwide.
At Helix Biotech, our mission is to empower researchers and pharmaceutical companies by providing high-quality, custom mRNA synthesis and innovative nanoparticle solutions. We are dedicated to supporting your success through our expertise and technologies.
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- Dr. Graham Taylor, President