Bob Hutkins, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska – Scientific Founder
Dr. Hutkins is a world-renowned expert on probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, with 35 years’ experience as an academic researcher. He has multiple published papers, multiple patents, has written a popular textbook on fermented foods, and is a board member for the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics.
Jens Walter, Ph.D.
University College Cork – Scientific Founder
Dr. Walter is an expert on gut microbiota and has spent 20 years studying microbiome ecology, with a focus on the gut environment, is a global leader in developing ecological strategies for modulating the gut microbiome and in translating this research into therapeutic and nutritional strategies, and has published 100+ scientific articles on gut health.
Andy Benson, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska – Scientific Founder
Dr. Benson is a current director of the Nebraska Food for Health Center, has spent 25 years as a gut health researcher, and has published important papers on genome evolution and gut-microbiome-host interactions.
Tom Burkey, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska – Scientific Founder
Dr. Burkey is an expert on animal gut health with a 15-years of research focusing on interactions between nutrients, gut microbes and immunity in animal species.
Our Executive Commercial Team
Tim Brummels
President/CEO
Mr. Brummels has 30+ years of executive management experience and entrepreneurism. He has industry experience in founding and launching a company with a leading prebiotic branded ingredient, xylo-oligosaccharides, in the natural health market.
Steve Prescott, MBA
Chief Commercial Officer
Mr. Prescott is an industry veteran experienced in bringing new probiotic ingredients to market. Previous roles include leading several early stage microbiome companies, Global VP – Marketing and Operations and Global Business Director for leading probiotic producers. He holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a MS in Organic Chemistry from Iowa State University.
Kevin Hooper
Director of Business Development
Mr. Hooper is an experienced sales and business development professional who has worked for global leading companies, including IFF Health and Danisco. He has particular expertise with probiotics, fibers, and sports nutrition applications and has built strong relationships across the dietary supplement, nutraceutical, and biotech sectors. His 16+ years of industry experience spans from managing business in raw material/ingredient supply, contract manufacturing solutions, and as a leader for multiple CPG brands.
Erin Vyhlidal, CPA (Inactive Registrant)
Vice President-Corporate Finance/Controller
Mrs. Vyhlidal has 20+ years of accounting experience, beginning her career with the public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, then moving into the private industry. She holds a CPA certificate with the State of Nebraska and is a member of The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting.
Thomas Auchtung, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager
Dr. Auchtung is an experienced microbiologist and manager of lab operations who previously spent three years as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and previously worked in research labs at Harvard as well as Baylor College of Medicine, Michigan State University, and MIT.
Mallory Van Haute, Ph.D.
Laboratory Scientist
Dr. Van Haute is a scientist with ten years’ experience in food and gastrointestinal microbiology, having worked in multiple academic laboratories at University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She previously worked as Research Manager at the Nebraska Food for Health Center and has more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications. She holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Shara Yumul
Laboratory Technician
Ms. Yumul is a microbiologist with previous experience as a technologist in a manufacturing lab, using mammalian cell culture practices and techniques. Along with her proficiency in microbial laboratory techniques and attention to detail, she brings to Synbiotic Health an eye for design and illustration, having worked as a digital illustrator specializing in biology. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Patrick McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Manager of Fermentation Development
Dr. McLaughlin is a Biochemist with over two decades of experience as a scientist. He has led multiple projects resulting in the production of valuable products produced by microorganisms. Most recently, he spent time as a scientist working on the optimization of growth and stability of lactic acid bacteria. He has co-authored several patents that resulted from his work. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University.
Sarah JZ Hansen, M.Sc.
Probiotic Application R&D Manager
Ms. Hansen is a microbiologist who has worked in the probiotic industry for 18 years, specializing in application and stability of probiotics. Her expertise lies in the animal, dietary supplement and food and beverage industries with lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spores. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Bacteriology.
Laurie Handel
Quality Manager
Ms. Handel is an accomplished food safety and quality leader with a demonstrated history working in many different regulated industries. She brings more than 30 years’ experience developing quality management systems and leading new product commercializations. Her strong passion for quality is evident, always ensuring products of the highest possible quality are delivered. Most recently she worked as Senior Specialist, Quality Assurance Systems at Catalent, and previously held several positions within the Oscar Mayer Division of Kraft Heinz Company.
Katherine Chacón-Vargas, Ph.D.
Scientist, Microbial Genomics
Dr. Chacón-Vargas is a molecular and cellular biologist with a skillset that spans functional and comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and fermentation. Specializing in computational genomics, she holds a Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts and has led genetics courses and workshops both in Colombia and the US. Additionally, she has participated in different outreach and science communication projects.
Brian (BJ) Esser
Fermentation Manufacturing Manager
Mr. Esser has 35+ years of operational leadership in the food industry. He brings to Synbiotic Health strong technical knowledge and problem-solving ability paired with exceptional communication skills, developed while working at global fermentation companies, most recently as Production Project Coordinator to Operations at IFF. He is driven to help Synbiotic Health achieve operational excellence at its fermentation facility.
Recent News
Synbiotic Health Announces the Expansion of their R&D and Commercial Capabilities with the Acquisition of a New Facility in Madison, WisconsinNovember 1, 2022 - 10:36 am
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts Presents Synbiotic Health with the 2022 Governor’s Bioscience AwardOctober 31, 2022 - 9:39 am
Synbiotic Health Welcomes Kevin Hooper as Director of Business DevelopmentFebruary 11, 2022 - 3:14 pm