Our team – dmv petri dish

Ulisses Santamaria

Founder and President

Ulisses is a scientist who has conducted research in a variety of fields. He previously conducted vision research, basic neuroscience research, ALS research, HIV research, and COVID-19 research. In addition to traditional scientific training, he also holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University, and has spent over 10 years working and studying in clinical settings alongside doctors and nurses.

Alexandre Sathler

Trustee, Business Incubation

Alex is an aspiring neuroscientist, synthetic biologist, and entrepreneur. He earned his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Oregon State University and now works as a postbaccalaureate fellow studying interplay between aging and mitochondrial DNA maintenance. His expertise connects benchside cell biology with computational data analysis.

Kaan Türkmen

Trustee, Capital Development

Kaan is a software engineer and aspiring entrepreneur with a degree from George Mason University. Passionate about technology and innovation, he enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals and committed to growing as an individual through continuous learning and collaboration.

Stokeley Griffin

Advisor

Tyler "Stokeley" Griffin is an MBA graduate of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, with concentrations in Capital Markets & Investments and Corporate Finance. Previously, Stokeley interned at Desai Capital Management (DCM) as an equity research analyst and worked for six years in investment management at an Outsouced CIO firm, where he managed investment policy and allocated across multiple asset classes on behalf of endowments, foundations, and high-net worth families. Stokeley is a CFA charterholder, a CAIA charterholder, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and earned his B.S.B.A. (summa cum laude) from the University of Mary Washington in his hometown of Fredericksburg, VA.

Matthew Zamora

Executive Consultant

Matt is a web developer, technologist, and serial entrepreneur. He has served as an advisor to many entrepreneurs and non-profits in the DC Area. He is also a longtime advocate of the do-it-yourself culture, and has been highly involved in makerspaces for many years. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park.