The uPetsia Team

Mr. Zentack, CFA, holds a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering as well as an MBA. He has engineering and operational experience in various industries. Most recently, he held leadership positions in Sales & Marketing, Finance and Capital investments in a large multinational firm. Scott is a founder of uPetsia.

Dr. Lyons, a professor at the University of Arizona, holds a masters degree in microbial biology and a PhD in plant biology. He has worked in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and startups, and currently manages large research projects developing computational and cyberinfrastructure systems for life science research. Eric is a founder of uPetsia.

Dr. Ryu has 20 years of experience in genetics and molecular biology.  He is an expert in genetic engineering, laboratory safety, and managing laboratory teams. 

Co-founder in 1996 and then CEO of company that grew to become the 8th largest firm in the pet food/treat industry in less than a decade--sold to Mars in 2006.

Now serves as CEO of several entrepreneurial companies, a non-profit, as well as a mentor to  entrepreneurs from a number of other firms.

Mr. Freed has had a multi-faceted career in food and allied businesses since starting as a food scientist in 1972. He started or co-founded several companies in the food, computer, data and bio-science fields with several successful exits. Mr. Freed sits on the board of directors of several food and non-food related companies.

Melissa Brookshire, DVM is a graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, she practiced in a small animal hospital in Kansas City. Melissa co-owned a companion animal hospital from 1998 until 2005. Melissa served as the Director of Veterinary Services for a large pet food manufacturer for 4 years prior to creating North River Enterprises in 2007.

Dr. Baltrus, a professor at the University of Arizona, holds a PhD in microbial biology, genetics, and evolution. He is an expert in host-bacteria interactions, genetic engineering, and transgene expression systems. Dave is a founder of uPetsia.