The Team

Kuo-Cheng (James) Chuang, PhD, Consulting Peptide and Formulation Expert

Dr. James Chuang is a senior scientist who received his PhD in chemistry from Tamkang University in Tamsui, Taiwan. He completed his postdoctoral studies at Academica Sinica, and has since held numerous head of R&D positions at AsiaGene, Shangheya, and Herbcopeia Pharmaceuticals before founding AHB Laboratories. He holds several key patents in peptide biology in Taiwan, China, and the United States, among other regions.

Halleck Cui, MBA, Brand and Product | PEP+ BEAM™

Mr. Halleck Cui specializes in 3D simulations, animation, and marketing content for biomedical companies, helping them showcase products with high-precision visuals. He leads a design team at Black Horse Animation & Design, LLC where they collaborate with healthcare professionals across the US to display new products and animate surgical procedures for training. He applies his expertise to Pomelo Biosciences, driving marketing content to position their peptide products in the world of healthcare.

Jessy Felix, Brand and Product | SOHE™

Ms. Jessy Felix is a brand strategist with a background in product development and marketing. She began her career on the Product Development team at Vince LLC, where she gained firsthand experience in how global brands scale and position products for success. As Brand Manager at Pomelo Biosciences, Jessy leads branding and marketing strategy across the company’s portfolio—shaping brand identity, overseeing digital presence, and helping translate biotech innovation into clear, engaging messaging. With a passion for wellness, science-driven solutions, and consumer connection, she’s focused on building brands that are both impactful and approachable.

Hollis Halpern, Marketing Intern

Ms. Hollis Halpern is a undergraduate at U. Chicago working on her degree in business. Previously, she performed research on brain tumor and LPA lipid biology as a scientific intern at The Scintillon Research Institute. Her expanded interests now include marketing, which led to her creation of a marketing consultancy club (The Mark). At PomeloBio, she helps envision and execute creative B2B outreach and copy for multiple Pomelo brands.

Jonathan W. Lockner, Ph.D., Scientist

Dr. Jonathan Lockner is a synthetic chemist with deep expertise in natural product synthesis, focusing on medicinal compounds that address neuroinflammation and cancer growth. He earned his Ph.D. at Scripps Research, where he trained as a postdoctoral fellow under Profs. Phil Baran and Kim Janda. More recently, he has served as Adjunct Faculty at University of San Diego, Miramar College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Palomar College.

Vanessa Marin, Manager, Brand and Product | PEP+ STRYDE™

Ms. Vanessa Marin leads brand strategy, digital growth, and end-to-end execution for PEP+ STRYDE™, driving omnichannel initiatives, lifecycle marketing, and paid media. Her work blends creative direction with technical execution, backed by a multidisciplinary background in product management, full-stack development, and health science. A Certified ScrumMaster®, Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and former U.S. Navy Intelligence Analyst, Vanessa brings analytical precision, cross-functional leadership, and a customer-obsessed approach to building high-impact, science-backed brands.

Julia Ottewell, B.A., Research Assistant and Lab Manager

Ms. Julia Ottewell is a research assistant specializing in regenerative medicine with a focus on stem cell therapies for diabetes. She trained through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a state-funded agency dedicated to advancing stem cell research and regenerative treatments. Her work on the beta cell project explores the therapeutic potential of IPSC-derived beta cells for treating type 1 diabetes using genetic and disease-induced mouse models. She now helps lead in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing of compounds, peptides, and cell therapies to support the development of new regenerative treatments.

Charles (Chas) Rodgers, Manager of Outreach

Mr. Charles Rodgers began his career in fitness and athletic performance, earning multiple advanced certifications while leading shipboard fitness programs during his time in the US Navy. With over 25 years of experience, he has directed fitness programs, created a youth sports performance brand, and trademarked the FLEX 8 System for dynamic movement preparation and recovery. Also a Prostate Cancer survivor, Chas is now a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and serves on two advisory committees dedicated to improving patient outcomes. As Director of Operations in Product Outreach, he leverages his extensive network to expand Pomelo products into the Wellness and Cancer markets both domestically and internationally.

Maria Clara Vasques, Technical Marketing and Sales

Bio coming soon.

Alex Weitz, Business Development & Operations Management

Mr. Alex Weitz serves as Head of Business Development & Operations at Pomelo Biosciences, where he spearheads go-to-market strategy, commercial execution, and cross-functional operational alignment. With over two decades of leadership experience spanning biotechnology, healthcare services, and global consumer brands, Alex brings deep expertise in revenue optimization, omnichannel distribution, and regulatory-compliant product commercialization. His background includes senior roles at Nintendo, Microsoft, Hasbro (Wizards of the Coast), and multi-site healthcare organizations, where he consistently drove growth through strategic partnerships and scalable infrastructure.

Ching-Jing Yung, PhD, Consultant for Taiwan Logistics and Operations

Dr. CJ Yung is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and electrical engineer, with a career that spans 50+ years. He received his undergraduate degree from Taipei Institute of Technology, followed by his PhD degree at the University of Cincinnati specialized in image processing. Following engineering and managerial roles at Racal Milgo and Wang Laboratories, he founded Linux Technologies Ltd to specialize in linux-based hardware and software integration. He then served as Vice President of First International Computers (FIC), Inc, then Vice President at Acer Technologies, Group President of Systems Integration at EliteGroup Computer Systems (ECS), Inc. He co-founded Allele Cypert Technology with Dr. YC Yung to integrate life sciences biological and hardware solutions. He has deep knowledge of supply chain logistics, procurement, and deep ties to the computer industry in Taiwan.