Directors
J Gelles, D.Phil.
Steven B. Mizel, Ph.D.                                                           Dr. Steven B. Mizel is an internationally recognized immunologist who has been one of the most highly cited immunologists during the last three decades. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Mizel served as the Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for 20 years and was responsible for developing a very strong multidisciplinary research group in respiratory immunology and pathogenesis.
He has made major contributions to the study of innate immunity as well as developing one of the first biodefense vaccines to move from the laboratory bench to the clinic (a vaccine against pneumonic plague that has completed a phase I clinical trial). Dr. Mizel managed all aspects of the preclinical development of the plague. In addition to the plague vaccine, Dr. Mizel has developed a number of other experimental vaccines against a spectrum of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Dr. Mizel developed the concept for the North Carolina Center on Vaccine Innovation and has led the effort to establish and fund this novel organization that is designed to facilitate the efficient and cost-effective preclinical development of vaccines by biotechnology companies and universities. ​
Karen A. Scappaticci, Ph.D.                                                       Dr. Scappaticci is an Independent Board Director-Advisor to the Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare Organizations. Previously, she was Vice President of Clinical Operations at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. With over 22 years of experience in the business and development of pharmaceuticals, she has managed large strategic change initiatives and international pharmaceutical drug development programs and operations. Karen has personal experience in over 50 regulatory submissions for new drug NDAs and international filings, supplementary filings, and labeling. She has previously reviewed Clinical Phase I through III portfolios for pharmaceutical companies and is advising pharmaceutical start-up ventures. She also serves on the Boards of The Gaylord Hospital, Inc. and Families and Children Agency Inc. She holds a Ph.D. in neuropharmacology and an MBA in strategic management.
Dr. Scappaticci's direct experience and expertise in pharmaceutical development processes, operations, and markets, as well as her governance experience and strategic management skills, are valuable in addressing AlphaVax's immediate operational and manufacturing needs and in rebuilding the composite skills of the Board.