Meet the Team

Sally Potentier

Sally has extensive experience in the event/hospitality industry and has worked in the field of pharmacy and biotech organising training courses and conferences in North America, UK, and Europe.

Upon joining Biopharma Group in 2014, she has been instrumental in expanding Biopharma Group’s lyo training programme from solely scheduled & customised courses, into live customised and scheduled webinars, pre-recorded e-learning modules, a larger catalogue of training content to choose from, in-depth university accredited micro-courses and free educational webinars, on demand for our customers. We can deliver our courses globally, so there’s always a solution to suit.

Along with our Director of R&D, Sally is responsible for creating the annual training courses programme and making sure our customers achieve the goals they were anticipating, while having a welcoming experience.

Originally from the Northeast of England, Sally has lived in a number of countries, so her accent is somewhat unidentifiable now, leading to much surprise when people ask her where she is from.

For fun, Sally play tennis regularly and says that “…although I’m no Serena Williams, I do love a game of doubles”.

Ian Blackham

Ian worked within the cryopreservation industry for over 30 years and has recently transferred my knowledge of critical temperature analysis to the Biopharma Group range of analytical lyo instruments.

Having joined the team in 2019, Ian is responsible for the range of analytical instruments, including the Lyostat FDM, Lyotherm DTA & Impedance analyser and MicroPress Mechanical Property analyser, enjoying global sales across all continents.

Being an avid football fan, the banter within the Biopharma Group office is always good natured, with divisional brand teams across the UK, represented within the company.

Erin Kuhn

Erin’s main role within the company is to establish relationships with global pharmaceutical companies who want to better understand and optimise the handling, processability and scalability of their liquid and freeze dried formulations. Erin is not a scientist by trade but has applied her technical sales and marketing experience to a variety of businesses from bio-decontamination to rheology and now freeze drying. A fun fact about Erin is that she lives on a small holding which consists of donkeys, goats, pigs, a bunny called Elvis and more!

Dr. Mattia Cassanelli

Mattia joined Biopharma Group in February 2018 and is based in Italy. His role responsibilities cover the contract R&D services, supporting worldwide pharma and biotech companies with services such as desktop study, cycle audit, characterisation of the material pre- and post-process, liquid/lyo formulation development, optimisation of the freeze drying cycle and tech transfer/scale-up to name a few. Previously, he covered the role of Technical Business Manager of the Consultancy Division and International Technical Sales Executive.

Mattia’s background includes a PhD focused on drying mechanisms of hydrocolloids in the food industry from a microstructural point of view at the University of Birmingham. He also gained a master’s degree in material engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering completed at the University of Trento, Italy.

Outside of work, Mattia enjoys spending time with his young family in Italy, creating lasting memories through adventures, outdoor activities, and quality time together.

Dr. Emma Garrett

Emma joined Biopharma Group in 2023. Her role is to develop the diagnostic product area and assist customers with their proof-of-concept, cycle and formulation development, validation and certification, production, and packing requirements.

Emma’s background includes a PhD in analytical chemistry focused on Entomotoxicology and a BSc in Forensic Science and Computer Science.

Outside of work, Emma spends her time chasing around after her twin boys and loves to travel and experience different cultures.

Rebekah Stibbs

Rebekah Stibbs (Bex) has over a decade of experience in the medical diagnostics industry, where she has undertaken diverse roles. Having accumulated more than six years of hands-on laboratory experience in both Research and Development (R&D) and Quality, Bex has contributed to various projects, including the development of novel enzymes and electrochemical biosensors.

Transitioning away from the laboratory environment, Bex subsequently entered the realms of Product and Operations Management. In these roles, she oversaw customer projects from their initial conceptualization to full commercialization. Bex supported her career development through a combination of on-the-job experience and distance learning, acquiring qualifications in Biochemistry, Business Development, and Operations Management.

Outside of her professional role, Bex dedicates her free time to exploring the Welsh countryside and taking time to ice skate at the local rink.

Dr. Edmond Ekenlebie

Edmond is the Research & Development Manager at Biopharma. With over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry spanning roles as a Pharmacist, Principal Scientist, and now an R&D manager. Edmond joined the team in 2014 after a PhD from Aston University in Birmingham, UK. His PhD focused on optimising the bulk freeze-drying process and the implications of powder rheology using methods including the novel use of Micro X-ray tomography. He also holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science with Management Studies (Distinction) from Kingston University in London. Edmond brings a unique perspective to drug development, leading a team of talented scientists and brings a wealth of expertise in stabilising parenteral, biologics, small molecules and in vitro diagnostics using rigorous research and development. Edmond’s expertise in lyophilisation has proven invaluable to numerous small to large biotech and pharmaceutical companies over the years through consultancy. Beyond the lab coat and boardroom, Edmond has a passion for football and enjoys crafting delectable dishes in the kitchen.

Dr. Pranav Bhujbal

Pranav has almost 10 years of scientific experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and hands-on technical experience. A pharmacist by training, his academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Liposomal Drug delivery from Aston University, an M.Sc. (with Distinction) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Greenwich and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Prior to joining Biopharma Group, Pranav worked at multi-national pharmaceutical companies, including Aesica Pharmaceuticals Ltd., LM Manufacturing Ltd., Cipla Ltd, Serum Institute Pvt. Ltd. as a Formulation and Early Product Development Scientist, and Pfizer as a part of industrial collaboration.

He joined Biopharma Group over 5 years ago as a Senior Scientist. In 2023, he earned a promotion, seamlessly transitioning into the position of Principal Scientist. He brings considerable expertise and a versatile skill set to the forefront of dosage form development, tech transfer, scale-up, and validation activities. In his current role at Biopharma, he has emerged as a specialist in lyophilisation, providing valuable consultancy support to meet the diverse needs of existing and new clients. Throughout his professional journey, he has acquired in-depth expertise in Pre-formulation studies, Process design and Quality-by-design (QbD) concepts. He is recognised for his adept interpersonal skills, effective leadership, and ability to foster inclusive and supportive work environments. Beyond his professional pursuits, he indulges in his passions for travel, culinary exploration, and dancing during his leisure time.

Dr. Bhaskar Pandya

Bhaskar joined Biopharma Group in 2021 as a Senior Scientist after a PhD from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. Working with Professor Geoff Smith, his PhD was centred on the single vial monitoring of the freeze drying process using through vial impedance spectroscopy (TVIS). At Biopharma Process Systems in Winchester, Bhaskar is managing several highly collaborative projects for clients in the pharma and diagnostics sectors involving product and process assessments, formulation development, lyophilization cycle development, post process analyses, packaging and consultancy for new and existing products.

Bhaskar holds a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with a sandwich industrial placement within product development of Zydis® ODT at Catalent in Swindon, UK. He also holds a master’s by Research (MRes) from University College London, where his research involved exploring the paediatric application of hot melt extrusion and cyclodextrins for reformulating a poorly soluble active ingredient.

Bhaskar has been playing the ‘Tabla’, an Indian percussionist instrument since childhood and loves to jam! He is also a Cricket enthusiast and dreams to play in the World Cup after retiring!

Mervyn Middleton

Mervyn holds a BSc (hons) Biochemistry Degree from the University of Portsmouth. After graduating in July 2009, Mervyn joined Biopharma in December 2009, where he worked for six years to 2015. During this time, Mervyn gained significant experience of product analysis and freeze-drying cycle development/optimisation. Following this, Mervyn joined the Bio Products Laboratory (BPL), where he worked within a production setting, gaining considerable experience of the operations of production freeze-dryers and the management of GMP cleanroom environments. During his time at BPL, Mervyn also attained a master’s degree in Biopharmaceuticals from King’s College London, having conducted a research project within the R&D department at BPL which focused on the impact of viricidal heat treatment processes on Factor VIII/ vWF concentrates.

Mervyn returned to Biopharma Group as a Senior Scientist in February 2021 and has since worked on approximately 50 customer projects involving a range of activities, including characterisation of both pre-lyophilised and lyophilised products, formulation development, freeze-drying cycle development and optimisation, process auditing and consultancy on all stages of the freeze-drying development and scale-up process. Additionally, Mervyn is a contributor to the freeze-drying courses provided by Biopharma, during which he delivers lectures and provides hands-on training with the freeze-drying equipment and analytical instruments associated with product characterisation.

Mervyn lives by the seaside with his wife, three young children and three small dogs. Together they love doing lots of seaside related activities, including walks along the beach, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Niloo Ganji

Niloo joined Biopharma Group as a Research Scientist in 2020 and has a wealth of expertise in molecular biology techniques and freeze-drying as well as extensive experience in managing diverse projects, formulating products, and equipment validation. Niloo’s educational background includes a MSc in Genomic Medicine and a BSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Genetics).

The core of her role is developing understanding of client's requirements ahead of project commencement, creating strategies, and executing projects aimed at meeting those needs. It involves sharing our expertise with the customer in areas such as formulation development, freeze-drying cycle development, process improvement and stability assessments. This allows us to help our clients complete their product development efficiently to a high standard, while ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

Outside of work, Niloo enjoys skiing and surfing.

Chelsea Gemmell

Chelsea has 10 years’ experience working in laboratories across both industry and academia settings. She joined Biopharma in 2016 as a Research Assistant in the R&D laboratory and progressed to Senior Scientist, working on thermal analysis characterisation and developing freeze-drying cycles. In 2020 the company expanded its production services for medical devices and Chelsea moved into this department to manage its operations as Production Manager. She has successfully transferred multiple projects into manufacturing developments and helped customers to streamline processes. Alongside this, she is a quality management representative and supports the company with holding its ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accreditations.

One of Chelsea’s most memorable projects was freeze-drying goldfish for an art exhibition piece.

Sarannya Chandran

**Currently on Maternity Leave**

Sam Woodyard

Sam started at Biopharma Group after graduating from Reading University with a degree in Biological Sciences, focusing on molecular biology and biochemistry. Following this, Sam completed an additional research project in the cardiovascular laboratory at Reading, examining protein expression/inhibition in murine red blood cells.

Sam started at Biopharma in 2020 as a Research Assistant in the R&D department and progressed to Research Scientist in 2022 where his main responsibilities include project management, customer communication, freeze-drying formulation and cycle recipe development and performing pre/post lyo analysis.

Sam loves to travel and enjoys the opportunity to visit customer sites to perform training courses and consultancy in person. 

Emily White

Emily received a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Warwick and has been at Biopharma Group since 2021. On a day-to-day basis, Emily is responsible for carrying out much of the analysis in the lab, helping with freeze-drying cycles and other general lab tasks. 

David Banks

David is Head of Technical Services at Biopharma Group, having rejoined the group in 2013 as a Senior Scientist following experience as a coordinator in the NHS and various analytical laboratories. David was promoted to the senior management team in 2016, having built up significant experience in the freeze-drying industry, providing analytical research, consultancy, and product and process development for customers worldwide. Since then, David has helped expand Biopharma Group’s technical portfolio, leading the growth of the R&D laboratories and assisting the move into diagnostic and GMP pharma production.

David particularly enjoyed his leading role in Biopharma Group’s covid production campaign which saw ‘all hands to the deck’ and a large expansion in staff as we developed and manufactured up to 100,000 covid tests per day throughout the pandemic.

In 2024, David will pivot slightly away from the operational side of the business and take up a more commercial role. This will involve assistance to the Heads of Sales for the various business areas in finding new opportunities for growth.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, and 3 children.

Donna Fish

Donna has recently joined the company as the GMP Production Manager.

She has previously managed two other GMP production cleanroom facilities, and her career has alternated between Operations and Quality Assurance working in IVD and Clinical Trial facilities.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys attending live music venues and events and keeps fish and amphibians.

Dr. Kevin Ward

Biopharma Group’s Director of R&D is globally recognised as a lyophilisation expert. Kevin has been in the field since 1993 and joined Biopharma Group in 2000. He’s been involved numerous academic research projects and, together with his team, has worked on over 4,000 projects for customers worldwide. 

Kevin received his PhD for investigations into the freeze-drying of pharmaceutical formulations and drug/vaccine delivery systems. Prior to joining the team, Kevin worked at Pfizer Central Research and as a Research Fellow in vaccine development at Aston University. 

Dr. Ward is an editor and a contributing author of articles and texts on freeze drying, most recent being the Springer book “Lyophilization of Pharmaceuticals and Biologicals”. He is also in demand as a frequent lecturer to many of the leading regulatory agencies and prominent pharma companies. In his spare time, Kevin is part of a small acapella group, who sing at weddings and charity events, who recently performed a concert for Ukraine and raised more than £3000 for medical supplies.