COMPANY

TEAM2022-06-07T23:27:18+00:00

TEAM

Robert Bernard, President & CEO

Bob co-founded Ichor® in 1994 and was principal in the invention of the company’s platform technologies as well as in establishing technical proof of concept. He is a proven entrepreneur with extensive experience managing and directing technology-based companies.  Bob negotiates and manages Ichor’s commercial partnerships. He received degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and has an extensive background in the life sciences.

Drew Hannaman, Vice President, Research & Development

Drew joined Ichor in 1995 after he earned his B.S. in Bioengineering/Cybernetics at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a co-inventor of Ichor’s TriGrid® technology and designed and developed the company’s experimental and clinical administration systems. He leads the multi-disciplinary team responsible for Ichor’s nucleic acid drug research, development, regulatory, and manufacturing activities. Drew speaks at industry conferences on the future of electroporation for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications.

Claire Evans, Ph.D., Senior Director, Scientific Programs

Claire joined Ichor in 2003 and directs preclinical and translational vaccine and passive immunity studies at Ichor. Previously, she oversaw gene profiling programs at Digital Gene Technologies in areas of multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases and mucosal vaccines. Formerly, she was an Assistant Professor at The Scripps Research Institute in the Department of Neuropharmacology where she ran research programs in central nervous system inflammation and demyelination, autoimmunity, and persistent viral infections. She has been Co-editor of the journal CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets since 2002. Claire received her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 

Lacey Tichenor, Business Manager

Lacey joined Ichor in 2001 after earning her B.S. in Management Science from the University of California, San Diego.  She manages Ichor’s business and administrative activities including accounting, government contract management and human resources.  She earned her MBA in 2005 from San Diego State University.  She has played various roles at Ichor through the years, supporting activities ranging from corporate record-keeping to quality oversight of GLP studies to representing Ichor in financial and quality audits by outside parties.

Barry Ellefsen, Clinical Device Management & Engineering

Barry joined Ichor in 1999 after earning his B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego.  He has been instrumental in the development of Ichor’s electroporation technology from early research activities through the current generation of Ichor’s TriGrid Delivery System, continuing to work closely with Engineering to further product development.  He also currently oversees end-user product training and support for Ichor’s TriGrid technology in research and clinical settings.