Our Team - Scientist Solutions

Meet Our Team

Marcia Allen

Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Marcia Allen

Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Marcia’s love for life sciences and a passion for improving an outdated system of selling—where salespeople would walk into labs and interrupt experiments—a new approach was developed in 2003 to help scientists access the information they need more efficiently. Over the past 20 years, the events division has facilitated connections for scientists at more than 1,100 institutions across North America, bringing them together with the top 1,000 suppliers worldwide through over 6,000 events. The ScientistSolutions.com website is now in its second iteration, built on 18 years of experience and innovation in creating effective ways for researchers to connect and collaborate. The organization owns trademarks such as Connecting the World of Life Science and ...by Scientists...for Scientists, as well as several patents poised to transform the life sciences field. New tools designed for both researchers and vendors are set to launch in 2025, promising exciting advancements for the community.

Steve Henry

Chief Operating Officer

Steve Henry

Chief Operating Officer

Steve loves his role in helping Scientist Solutions reaching a world stage utilizing the best software and systems technologies. As the former IT Manager of a $320 million division at Qualcomm Inc., he also led the company's Advanced Technologies Group. Prior to joining Scientist Solutions, he spent 20 years as a consultant, assisting over 450 companies in various capacities, showcasing their expertise and versatility across industries.

Gaganjot Singh

Vice President, Technology

Gaganjot Singh

Vice President, Technology

Dr. Gaganjot Singh is a Cancer Biologist and Protein Chemist who is with Scientist Solutions for the past 16 years. With over thousand posts on Scientist Solution Forums, he is second highest contributor who has provided solutions and saved thousands of experiment hours for Scientists. A Maverick, with diverse background in Life Sciences, digital technology, marketing and data analysis, he has been closely involved with assessment and implementation of new technologies and create a difference for the Life Science researchers globally. He likes to travel, spend time with family and gardening.

Tijana Miljkovic

IT Systems Administrator

Tijana Miljkovic

IT Systems Administrator

Tijana joined Scientist Solutions Inc. a few years ago after completing her medical degree in Serbia, driven by a passion for life sciences and innovation in the medical field. Working here has truly deepened her appreciation for the remarkable discoveries and advancements researchers bring to life every day. As a Senior Systems Analyst specializing in Logistics Planning and Support, she collaborates closely with a talented team to ensure smooth operations behind the scenes. She is grateful to contribute to a company dedicated to making a lasting impact in science and health.

Hope Achterberg

Director - Event Operations

Hope Achterberg

Director - Event Operations

Hope joined Scientist Solutions in 2021, stepping into a marketing role after earning her degree in computer science. Since then, she has contributed to various functions, ensuring smooth operations and addressing emerging needs with efficiency. Now serving as the Director of Event Operations, she specializes in logistics management, vendor coordination, and strategic planning, all executed with meticulous attention to detail. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Melody Viggianelli

Territory Director

Melody Viggianelli

Territory Director

Melody Viggianelli is the Territory Manager for Southern California. She has an extensive background supporting biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies during the clinical trial phase. She assisted in the design and analysis of multiple clinical trials that were successfully brought to market. She is passionate about her work at Scientist Solutions and eager to help connect those in the Life Science industry. In her free time, she enjoys being out in nature.

Annalise Shapiro

Business Development Manager

Annalise Shapiro

Business Development Manager

As the Business Development Manager at Scientist Solutions Events, Annalise focuses on fostering meaningful relationships with new accounts nationwide, achieving a 10% growth in the account base within one year. Alongside organizing events in Florida and the Carolinas, she manages key administrative and customer support tasks with a laid-back yet detail-oriented approach. By connecting researchers with top resources, she is dedicated to enhance the scientific community through engaging and impactful events.

Harmandeep Kaur

Project Manager

Harmandeep Kaur

Project Manager

Harmandeep Kaur holds an MS in Biotechnology and joined the Scientist Solutions team with a strong belief in connecting scientists worldwide. Previously, she worked as a scientist at a leading Fortune 500 company in the health and wellness sector, successfully managing and delivering numerous projects over an eight-year span. As Project Manager, she collaborates with a dynamic team to explore innovative avenues and modernize existing systems, driving the growth of Scientist Solutions. In her free time, Harmandeep enjoys music, traveling, and playing volleyball.

Paige Morgan

Business Development Specialist

Paige Morgan

Business Development Specialist

Paige is an intern at Scientist Solutions. She is involved with business development, and quickly proven herself as a valuable member of our team. Her interests and native skills in things related to data, and reporting are also proving valuable as she contributes in meaningful ways.

Paige is a junior at Claremont McKenna College and a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team, with a deep interest in life sciences and healthcare. She is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to high-growth, high-impact industries that focus on improving lives. Paige enjoys researching complex topics and working closely with others to solve meaningful problems. Outside of academics and athletics, she enjoys the simple pleasures in life such as reading, painting, and baking.

Paula Zerdes

Territory Director

Paula Zerdes

Territory Director

Paula Fritz serves as the Director for the East Coast and Texas at Scientist Solutions. She holds a marketing degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. With 14 years of experience at Scientist Solutions Events, she has excelled in building strong, loyal relationships with scientists and vendors while using her creativity to plan and promote engaging and successful events. Fascinated by the world of science, she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing life science research, which ultimately benefits the global community.

Edward Dunphy

Territory Director

Edward Dunphy

Territory Director

Ed has been the Midwest Territory Manager for Scientist Solutions Events since 2017. He leverages his 30 years of experience as a lab manager and life science researcher to ensure vendors are meeting the right attendees at his shows.

Patrick Neis

Territory Director

Patrick Neis

Territory Director

Patrick Neis serves as the Director for California and Hawaii at Scientist Solutions. Patrick is a driven, and solutions-focused professional with a knack for simplifying complexity and making things happen.When we is not conducting events, Patrick enjoys sailing, and the company of his dog.

Matthew Henry

Territory Manager

Matthew Henry

Territory Manager

Matthew spent most of his enlisted career in the Pacific Northwest completing two tours with the Coast Guard stationed at Group/Airstation North Bend, and a year spent on an icebreaker stationed out of Seattle. He retired from the US Coast Guard as a Chief Operations Specialist where he supervised Operations/Communication centers in charge of Search and Rescue, Marine Safety, Law Enforcement, ice breaking, and pollution response. Matthew is well trained to handle problems as they arise, find best solutions, and communicate with varied positions across the board. He has an attention to detail with a passion to find innovative solutions. Making the transition to Scientists Solutions-managing the Pacific Northwest, has been an exciting next step utilizing his knowledge and love of the area to his advantage.

Elizabeth Henry

Territory Manager

Elizabeth Henry

Territory Manager

Elizabeth, equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Cal-State San Marcos, worked in the water/wastewater treatment construction sector-assembling project proposals, statement of qualifications and bid packages for numerous multimillion dollar projects. She excelled at business development and assisted the VP of Marketing in tracking and handling logistics for project proposals and managed logistics for the annual DBIA trade show they attended. After moving to the Pacific Northwest, Elizabeth now enjoys working with Scientist Solutions, helping manage the Pacific Northwest territory (Washington and Oregon) with her husband Matt.