The Zeptometrix Team

Our ZeptoMetrix Team represents a cross section of the best and brightest in our industry. From our highly skilled and responsive Scientific team to the collaborative mindset and experience of our Manufacturing and Distribution groups, ZeptoMetrix is focused on delivering unparalleled quality, consistency, and innovation in the products and services provided to our global partners and customers. We continue to strive towards developing innovative solutions that contribute to positive outcomes in global healthcare.

Executive Team

Karuna Sharma, PhD
Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer
Karuna Sharma, PhD
Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Sharma first joined Zeptometrix as the Manager of the Molecular Biology department in 2007 and became the Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer in 2016. She is responsible for the design and development of the NATtrol™ product line including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. She provides technical supervision of all manufacturing activities of the Molecular Biology department and leads collaborations with various organizations to design and develop custom products. In her new role as the Vice President, CSO, Karuna supervises and coordinates the activities of all the scientific divisions at ZeptoMetrix. Karuna received a Ph.D. degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology from University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, a M.S. degree in Natural Sciences, Bioinformatics from University at Buffalo and B.S. & M.S. degrees in Microbiology from Pune University (India).
Shawn R. Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
Shawn R. Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
Shawn is the President and CEO of ZeptoMetrix Corporation, headquartered in Buffalo, NY and with key operations in Franklin, MA. After receiving a BS in Biochemical Pharmacology from SUNY/Buffalo, he continued his education in graduate curricula in the sciences [Medicinal Chemistry, Biometry] and in business [Sales, Marketing, Business Administration]. Shawn has spent his entire career in the Life Sciences market, transitioning from an analytical chemist in R&D to various roles within cGMP (medical device) Manufacturing before ultimately spending the past 20 years in Sales/Marketing/Business Development leadership roles.
Ronald Urmson
Vice President & Chief - Financial Officer
Ronald Urmson
Vice President & Chief - Financial Officer
Ron is the Vice President of Finance at the Buffalo, NY. He is responsible for managing the accounting, banking and finance activities, proper reporting and payment to all taxing authorities, insurance recommendations, and provides an array of information needed by executive officers. Ron holds a B.A. in Finance and Economics from Slippery Rock University and is a Certified Public Account. Ron joined ZeptoMetrix in December, 2001.
David Waterman
Vice President, Operations
David Waterman
Vice President, Operations
David is the Vice President of Operations at the Buffalo, NY facility. He is responsible for facilities, materials management, IT and customer service. David has over 30 years of experience in the biotech industry operating under FDA license, ISO9001 and ISO13485. He has extensive experience in design, operation and environmental controls of BL-3 containment laboratories. David is trained in Building Trades and holds a First Class Stationary Engineer license and is IATA certified. He joined the company in 1999.
Michael A. Hershfield
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Michael A. Hershfield
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
James Hengst, PhD
Co-Founder
James Hengst, PhD
Co-Founder
Our co-founder, Jim Hengst, obtained a BS degree in Chemistry from Eureka College in Illinois before completing his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After working for a number of years as a Research Scientist, Jim served as Director of R&D for a large multinational life sciences company prior to creating one of the first biotechnology companies in Buffalo, NY. As President of Cellular Products, Dr Hengst was a pioneer in developing technologies that enabled the detection of HIV. Then in 1999 he co-founded ZeptoMetrix and led its business for many years, creating a strong company with diverse capabilities. Jim now enjoys retirement but remains an active consultant to the leadership team at the company he helped to establish.
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