We are entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, nature lovers, and business leaders with a shared ambition to dramatically expand our understanding of the natural world and to revolutionize health. We are driven to bring clarity to the complex, tackle the most important and difficult problems, and lead where others fail to see opportunity.
About Kapoose Creek
Team
A team of entrepreneurs and innovators committed to reshaping health.
Dr. Brown leads Kapoose Creek Bio and is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. A former Chair of his department and the founding Director of McMaster’s Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program, he is a proven leader in managing acclaimed research and educational enterprises. Dr. Brown brings more than 30 years of drug discovery experience spanning the pharmaceutical industry and academia. He is internationally recognized for a substantial body of research in antibiotic discovery and for pioneering innovations across diverse areas of drug discovery, applying tools from chemical and systems biology to explore the complexity underlying disease. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Dr. Brown has also received numerous honors, including the Canadian Society of Microbiologists’ prestigious Murray Award for career achievement.
Dr. Stewart brings an extraordinary background at the intersection of science, business, and innovation. A McMaster University alumnus, he holds a PhD in Biochemistry and an MBA. He has co-founded and led several technology companies, including Synmedix, focused on enhancing antibiotic effectiveness, and has advised numerous Canadian biotech and technology firms, entrepreneurs, and investors. In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Dr. Stewart has contributed to business education at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business, helping to develop case studies aimed at improving financial literacy and strategic thinking among commerce students.
Mr. Jackson is a Chartered Accountant and Corporate Director with over 25 years of experience leading mergers and acquisitions, financial operations, and corporate governance initiatives across both public and private companies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and is a designated member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. In addition, he is a certified member of the Institute of Corporate Directors of Canada. Mr. Jackson brings deep expertise in strategic financial management, operational leadership, and organizational growth to his role.
Mr. Dejong is an innovative computational drug discovery scientist and technology leader with a proven track record in leveraging AI and software development to accelerate therapeutic discovery. As VP Technology at Kapoose Creek Bio, he spearheads the design and implementation of AI-enabled drug discovery platforms, leading to analytical automation of hit identification and acceleration of novel lead candidates. Mr. Dejong has extensive experience in developing and deploying machine learning models, managing cloud-based systems, and leading technology teams. He holds a Master's degree in Computational Biology from McMaster University and has contributed to several high-impact publications in the field of drug discovery and bioinformatics. His expertise spans data science, machine learning, software development, and strategic leadership, making him a valuable asset in advancing the frontiers of drug discovery and development at Kapoose Creek Bio.
Ms. MacLellan is an accomplished microbiologist with over a decade of hands-on experience in bioscience, specializing in industrial-scale microbial fermentation, strain and extract library generation, and drug discovery. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Mount Allison University, and has previously worked with private biotechnology companies, academic research labs, and within the bioanalytical services environment. She is recognized for her skills in project management and laboratory leadership, as well as her great appreciation for rigorous documentation and quality control practices.
Dr. Capstick has over two decades of experience working in scientific research, beginning with his MSc thesis at the University of Waterloo where he studied the genetics and biochemistry of plant-growth promoting bacteria in agriculture. This was followed by a move to McMaster University where he obtained his PhD in Microbiology, during which he studied a family of developmental proteins from antibiotic-producing bacteria, and published the first direct evidence linking amyloid fiber formation to the multicellular development of these bacteria. After deciding to hang up his lab coat and move away from the bench, Dr. Capstick worked for a brief period in the field of medical communication and education, engaging with multi-national pharmaceutical companies and key opinion leaders in healthcare on projects related to oncology, cardiology, rheumatology, respirology, and dermatology. For the past 10 years, Dr. Capstick has found his true calling, becoming an expert in science operations management, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support and elevate research and development initiatives in both academia and the private biotech sector.
Dr. Li is a seasoned scientist with a passion for unlocking the secrets of natural products through metabolomics. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of New Brunswick. Following his PhD, Dr. Li transitioned to a Postdoctoral Fellowship at McMaster University, where he honed his skills in analyzing complex biological samples and developing bioinformatic tools. This experience further solidified his foundation in analytical chemistry and bioinformatics. Before joining Kapoose Creek Bio, Dr. Li served as the Director of Analytical chemistry at Adapsyn Bioscience, where he led the development of an industry-leading LC/MS platform for high-throughput metabolite detection and spearheaded the identification, purification, and structure elucidation of over 100 novel natural products. His contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also hold immense potential for future drug development.
Dr. Bhando is a globally recognized scientist dedicated to translating nature-inspired discoveries into impactful therapies. She leads Kapoose Creek Bio’s research initiatives focused on identifying and developing bioactive compounds that address diverse healthcare challenges. Dr. Bhando earned her PhD in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India, where she specialized in antibacterial drug discovery. During her postdoctoral research at McMaster University, she contributed to advancing natural product drug discovery by developing innovative biological assays and methodologies to evaluate therapeutic potential. Her work has earned her prestigious recognitions, including the CIHR Post-Doctoral Fellowship and the MITACS Innovation of the Year Award.
Board of Directors
A seasoned group of business leaders and visionaries who have done it, and are driven to do it again.
Mr. Feldman is a successful music business executive, serial entrepreneur, and investor. With nearly 50 years of experience in the music, media, and entertainment sectors, Sam has become a Canadian icon, honing his ability to identify, bring together, and manage some of the world’s most influential talent. He is a full partner in A&F Music Ltd and its group of companies, which include Macklam Feldman Management, Bruce Allen Talent, Watchdog Management, The Characters Talent Agency, and INF Influencer Agency. Mr. Feldman is also a Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee.
Mr. Petrelli is a biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry leader with a proven track record of success built over 23 years of leadership experience at companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and most recently, Gilead Sciences. Notably under his leadership, Jazz Pharmaceuticals was recognized as a Great Place to Work in Canada. Paul's experience includes extensive product launch expertise, lifecycle management and breadth of understanding in sales, marketing, market access, medicine, government relations and regulatory affairs.
Dr. Biln is the co-founder and Chair of Augurex Life Sciences Corp., a Vancouver-based biotechnology company specializing in autoimmune diagnostics. With over 30 years in the life sciences industry, she has held senior roles at Pfizer, Amgen, and Abbott Laboratories. Dr. Biln has served on various boards, including BIOTECanada and Arthritis Research Canada. Her accolades include Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award and BC’s Most Influential Women in STEM. She holds a BSc in Physiology from McGill, an MBA, and a PhD in Population and Public Health from UBC.
Dr. Fisher is a veteran in drug discovery and development with over 25 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. He was Chief Scientific Officer at C4 Therapeutics, advancing oncology programs into clinical trials and helping secure over $540 million in funding. He previously held leadership roles at the Broad Institute and AstraZeneca, leading efforts in protein degradation, infectious diseases, and oncology. His expertise in enzymology and medicinal chemistry has contributed to several first-in-class therapeutics. Based in Boston, he has built collaborations to drive new therapies. Dr. Fisher holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Caltech and completed postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Brown leads Kapoose Creek Bio and is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. A former Chair of his department and the founding Director of McMaster’s Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program, he is a proven leader in managing acclaimed research and educational enterprises. Dr. Brown brings more than 30 years of drug discovery experience spanning the pharmaceutical industry and academia. He is internationally recognized for a substantial body of research in antibiotic discovery and for pioneering innovations across diverse areas of drug discovery, applying tools from chemical and systems biology to explore the complexity underlying disease. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Dr. Brown has also received numerous honors, including the Canadian Society of Microbiologists’ prestigious Murray Award for career achievement.
Scientific Advisors
A brain trust featuring some of the top minds in biology, chemistry, computation and health.
Dr. Cynader is the Founding Director of the Brain Research Centre, and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC. He is one of Canada’s leading neuroscientists and his research career includes studies of neuroplasticity, visual and auditory processing mechanisms, and neurodegenerative disorders. He has received many honours and awards, including the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia, Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of The Canadian Academy for Health Sciences, and induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. He was a semi-finalist in the Canadian Astronaut Programme and has served as President of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience. Dr. Cynader is also a serial entrepreneur, and has founded or cofounded four startups based on advances in Neuroscience research.
Dr. Cowen is Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto, Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics, co-Director of the CIFAR Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities program, and co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Bright Angel Therapeutics, a company focused on development of novel antifungals. She has received a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award, Grand Challenges Canada Star in Global Health Award, E.W.R. Steacie Award, and is Canada Research Chair in Microbial Genomics & Infectious Disease. She is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Brown is a Reader in Behavioural Phenomics at Imperial College London and a Programme Leader at the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences. He has made conceptual and technical advances in whole-animal tracking, behavioural profiling, and machine learning applied to phenotypic screens. His lab has developed a platform for tracking the response of nematode worms to drugs at unprecedented throughput and applied it to model rare genetic diseases, predict the mode of action of drugs, and detect the effects of microbes on the nervous system. André has consulted with agchem and biotech companies including Syngenta and Perlara on the use of worm screens in pesticide discovery and drug repurposing.
Dr. Wright is the M.G. DeGroote Chair in Infection and Anti-Infective Research and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Science at McMaster University. He was the founding director of the DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research (2007-2022), the David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, and McMaster’s Global Nexus School for Pandemic Prevention and Response. Gerry was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2012) and the American Academy of Microbiology. His research interests are in the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the discovery of microbial natural products using synthetic biology methods.
Dr. Kaplan, a developmental and stem cell neurobiologist, is Senior Scientist at the SickKids Research Institute, Professor at the University of Toronto and Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia. He was Head of the Cancer Research Program at SickKids and founding Science Chair of Brain Canada. His is known for his discoveries in the signal transduction field, including Trk as the receptor for Nerve Growth Factor and PI3-kinase. To address his questions, he uses single cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics and transgenic and knockout mouse tools. Of particular interest is how growth factors mediate brain development and injury repair. Dr. Kaplan has founded three Canadian biotechnology companies, with a present focus on the discovery of drugs that mobilize our stem cells for skin regeneration and repair.
Dr. Magolan, a synthetic and medicinal chemist, is Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University and the inaugural Boris Family Endowed Chair of Drug Discovery. He earned undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Physical and Health Education at Queen’s University, where he also played varsity volleyball and developed a strong appreciation for team-driven science. Dr. Magolan completed his PhD at Western University under Prof. Michael Kerr, and pursued postdoctoral research in medicinal chemistry at the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery in Australia. He launched his independent career at the University of Idaho, building an NSF-funded research program, earning recognition for undergraduate education, and delivering a TEDx talk to popularize organic chemistry. After achieving tenure, he returned to Canada in 2017 to join McMaster, where his team advances collaborative drug discovery and develops new tools for organic synthesis.
Dr. Yves-Alain Barde is Emeritus Professor in the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University in Wales. He is recognized for the discovery, purification and molecular cloning of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a secreted protein that is essential for the function of the nervous system.
Dr. Barde completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Geneva. He studied biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Basel where he was awarded the Swiss Certificate of Molecular Biology. He served as Director the Max-Planck Institute for Psychiatry in Martinsried, Germany and of the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Basel. He became a member of the Science Faculty in Basel and worked for several years at the Biozentrum before joining the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University in 2013.
He is recipient of the IPSEN prize, the Ameritec Foundation Award, and the Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize and a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization and of the Academia Europea. He is a fellow of the Royal Society.
