Mark Mortimer
Director
Research and Enterprise
01904 435103
e-mail

• PhD in Organometallic Chemistry, University of Bristol
• Postdoctoral research at Stanford University, University of Florida and University of California, Los Angeles
• Senior Scientist and Head of Process Research at Imerys Minerals, developing products for the paper, plastics and ceramics industries
• R&D Manager at Microtherm, developing high performance insulation materials and engineered products for high temperature and demanding applications
• Joined the Business Development team at the University of York in 2006

Phillip Morris
Business Development Manager
Arts and Humanities
01904 435251
e-mail

• MA (Birmingham University) in Philosophy and an MSc (University of Hull) in Computer Science
• Set up an Antiquarian Book company and a Publishing House
• Freelance writer for the Film Company Sikka and a broadcaster for BBC’s Radio 3
• Seven years working for the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission in Northern Italy before returning to York
• Two years working for the White Rose University Consortium

James Walsh
Business Development Manager
BioMedicine
01904 435289
e-mail

• Ph.D. Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Sheffield investigating the role of developmentally conserved genes in controlling the fate of pluripotent cells
• Post-Doctoral Research, University of Sheffield using fusions of pluripotent and non-pluripotent cells to investigate the genetic basis of developmental plasticity and double stranded RNA-mediated inhibition of gene expression as a tool for controlling cell fate 
• Research and Development Manager, Axordia Ltd -  developing human embryonic stem cell lines and associated technologies for research and medicine
• Director of Stem Cell Research, Intercytex Ltd - developing human embryonic stem cell lines and associated technologies for research and medicine
• National Business Stream Team Leader, Drugs, Forensic Science Service - producing scientific evidence in the field of offences suspected to involve controlled drugs

Joe Ross
Business Development Manager
Life Sciences
01904 561534
e-mail

• DPhil in Microbiology
• Post-doctoral research associate at the Universities of Edinburgh and Oxford carrying out research on maize mitochondrial biogenesis
• Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) at the Biology Department of the University of York where he managed the research group of CNAP’s Director, Professor Dianna Bowles, and headed the CNAP Development Group
• Key role in helping to secure a major award of $13.6 million into the University from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new varieties of a plant species, Artemisia annua, which produces the anti-malarial compound artemisinin
• Centre for Low Carbon Futures and the development of the Renewable Oils Institute which is being set up as a partnership between CNAP and Yorkshire Forward who have plans to build a regional biorefinery
• Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre

Rukmal Abeysekera
Knowledge Transfer Manager
01904 435287
e-mail

• MSc degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Auckland and a doctoral degree in Biology from Dalhousie University
• Manager of the Macromolecules Unit at the Department of Biology in York
• 31 scientific publications and provided over 200 confidential reports to industry
• General Manager for Bioincubator York Ltd
• Acting Commercial Manager in 2005 and the post of Operations Manager in 2007

Amanda Selvaratnam
Head of Continuing Professional Development
01904 435102
e-mail

• Research Assistant working in an embryology research facility
• Running a transgenics laboratory to commercial high-throughput screening eventually led to employment with SmithKline Beecham. Amanda moved from research on 7-transmembrane receptors to competitive intelligence
• Business Analyst in Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) and later in the commercialisation start-up company Amaethon
• Established and developed the University of York IT Academy, which was the University’s first Learning and Skills Council funded programme

• Masters in Maths, University of Cambridge and Chartered Engineer.
• Development and execution of technology and business development strategy for Image Processing and Sensor Systems Technology at Roke Manor Research  for 7 years, delivering sustainable business offering the 25 person strong group.
• Algorithm and software development across a broad range of applications in the image processing, acoustics and radar domains.
• Facilitated and coached a wide range of high tech teams to achieve focus and deliver strategic goals.

Maggie McGowan
Business Development Manager
Physical Sciences
01904 435193
e-mail

• PhD in organometallic chemistry from Wayne State University in Michigan, USA.  Research areas - synthesis of transition metal antitumor agents and enzyme kinetics of DNA repair
• Scottish and Newcastle (brewing industry) where she spent six years in a variety of roles including environmental management and quality systems development
• Led the UK Analytical and Sensory Services at John Smith’s Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire supporting production in the UK, Europe and USA

• Studied History at Utrecht University (NL)
• Level 5 Certificate in Business Studies, Stockport College
• Research and Research Impact Facilitator, Departments of Politics and Sociology, Univeristy of York (2010-2012)
• Manager, ESRC Centre for Social Cutural Change, University of Manchester (2006-2010)
• Coordinator, AHRC Centre for Cultural Analysis, Theory and History, University of Leeds (2001-2006)