Our People Jnana is building the first drug discovery platform targeting the solute carrier (SLC) family of metabolite transporters. We are comprehensively interrogating SLCs, so that we can transform our knowledge into new therapeutics for patients who lack viable treatment options. Jnana is a Sanskrit word meaning wisdom gained through experience, and it is a concept that threads through our daily work. From our thoughtful, rigorous approach to drug development to our dedication to building a legacy of healthy people and happy families, we are guided by a deep sense of purpose.
MEET OUR TEAM We are building a company where all employees aspire to empower each other and to work together to make breakthrough medicines.
Giovanni MuncipintoPrincipal Scientist, Chemist
“Everyone here is extremely collaborative. They’ve inspired me to go beyond my limits when undertaking new challenges, so we can provide patients with newer, safer treatment options.”
Christina CampagnaBiology Research Associate
“The science here is compelling. We don’t know the answers — and that’s a big challenge — but that’s what makes Jnana so exciting.”
Nick LastScientist II
“Coming from a physics background, I’ve always been fascinated by the way things work. I feel that my purpose at Jnana is to help expand the knowledge of SLC transporters to help those in need.”
Mary LarrabeeOffice Manager
“Jnana has an amazing group of people who are passionate about what they do. Everyone is driven to accomplish a single goal with a ‘go-getter’ attitude.”
Christina WestgateResearch Associate
“The culture here is so uniquely collaborative, passionate and inspiring. Everyone is dedicated to find treatments to help patients.”
Joel BarrishChief Scientific Officer
“Jnana provides the opportunity to work for patients on such a rich class of druggable targets, which is both exciting and humbling.”
Jaclyn HendersonAssociate Director
“I enjoy the opportunity to think differently about neurological diseases. I’m constantly learning from the team and working together to solve problems.”
Justin RettenmaierPrincipal Scientist, Biochemistry
“We wash dishes together — there’s no such thing as managers and subordinates, we have teams with co-leaders. Everyone is pulling their own weight.”
Matt Labenski Director, Proteomics and Chemical Biology
“I’m inspired by this challenging journey to build novel platforms for patients and their families who are in desperate need of treatments to improve their quality of life.”
Lara GechijianScientist
“What I love about Jnana is that it has a unique environment where people from different scientific and business backgrounds come together to solve complex, biological questions to make a difference in the lives of patients.”
Edyta TyminskiSr. Scientist
“I feel that many of us here have something in common — we’re not afraid of stepping out from our comfort zone to do something new, different, unproven or unfamiliar and we all enjoy every bit of that journey.”
Andrew AllenAssociate Scientist
“I am inspired daily by a Santiago Ramon y Cajal quote, which evokes our purpose at Jnana: ‘It is important to realize that if certain areas of science appear to be quite mature, others are in the process of development, and yet others remain to be born.’”
Heather BlanchetteExecutive Director, Preclinical Development
“Everyone is passionate about developing therapies in disease areas with tremendous unmet need. To be able to do what you love with such a high energy, devoted group of talented scientists? There’s nothing better!”
Dan Van KalkenAssociate Scientist
“Jnana is filled with a tight knit group of the most innovative and inspiring group of scientists who are all driving towards the same goal of delivering novel therapies to patients in need.”
John MalonaPrincipal Scientist, Chemistry
“We all have had family and friends afflicted by disease, and seeing firsthand the shortcomings of even the most current therapeutic options reassures what we’re doing here is necessary and will be valued by patients who struggle to find relief.”
Diana LeeAssociate Scientist
“Having met some of the individuals affected by rare diseases, I love how Jnana has a unique platform that focuses on SLCs, which might hold the key to future medicine for many untreatable diseases.”
Lea RosskampResearch Associate II
“I love coming to work every day because I am inspired by the people I work with and the science. I’m motivated to help develop medicine that will one day improve the lives of patients.”
Rob MathisScientist
“Jnana is filled with enthusiastic, driven individuals who strongly value each other. This is a place where you can comfortably take risks and grow.”
Lyn Jones, Ph.D.Vice President, Chemistry and Chemical Biology
“It’s an absolute privilege to develop therapeutic SLC modulators with such a talented group of scientists.”
Joanne Kotz, Ph.D.President and CEO
“I am inspired each day by the Jnana team, who each bring tremendous energy to our shared mission of developing new medicines for patients.”
Jonathan RubinsResearch Associate II
“Working in this environment has urged me to look outside the scope of what I previously knew, evolving my understanding of the complex mechanisms through which cells interact with their microenvironment, ultimately developing novel tools for modulating these processes.”
Billy CrottyResearch Associate II
“It takes a village to solve the complexities of human disease, and Jnana embraces that concept. Every day I get to watch people from different backgrounds bring their unique experience to the table to solve common goals. I love being a part of that.”
Nick BrandonSVP, Head of Biology
“We’re an outstanding team trying to find solutions for patients who have few options. The Jnana culture is open, high energy and we are all fortunate to do the job we do.”
Vlad ZarayskiyPrincipal Scientist
“At Jnana, I’m able to gain wisdom through positive experiences, which allows us to have exciting science, innovative people and a collaborative culture.”
Taeg KimSenior Principal Scientist
“Jnana is a community of talented, experienced scientists who bring their passion, innovation and commitment into building transformative medicines for medical unmet needs. I am proud to be a part of Jnana!”
Jimmy BlairSenior Scientist
“What drives me at Jnana is that we’re doing impactful work. We all have a “can-do” attitude and a willingness to pitch in and help—making Jnana such an enjoyable, productive and inspiring place to work.”
Josh ZweigScientist II
“The Jnana culture is centered around utilizing everyone’s skill as best as possible to provide drugs to patients who need them urgently.”
Steffan PaulResearch Associate I
“What I find most remarkable about Jnana is the learning aspect of our culture. Everyone is always willing to teach each other with a common goal of learning more about SLCs. It’s thrilling to be able to work with such experienced and intelligent people from such a variety of backgrounds.”
Leslie ConwaySenior Scientist
“To me, the most meaningful part of my work at Jnana is knowing that the science I contribute to each day brings us one step closer to helping patients in need.”
Matt LyonsResearch Associate I
“Every day I am motivated at Jnana to play my part in all of the exciting research going on here. It is the type of environment where everyone is so involved in all the different projects, because we all want to succeed together.”
Liam GrossResearch Associate I
“Jnana has provided me with an opportunity to make contributions towards important research and has surrounded me with a group of talented, team-oriented individuals”
Lacey JamesExecutive Assistant
“Jnana is a team of uniquely skilled individuals who work collaboratively to solve complicated problems. Everyone is driven by our mission and is humble and passionate.”
Olivia RinghamResearch Associate I
“Working alongside a diverse group of passionate and talented scientists allows me to learn how to solve problems from many different angles. Every day I am excited to be working towards improving patient lives on the Jnana team.”
LEADERSHIP Cofounder, President and CEO
Cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer
SVP, Head of Biology
VP, Head of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Executive Director, Head of Preclinical Development
ACADEMIC FOUNDERS Founder
Founder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director
Board Observer
Director
Director
Director
Chair
Director
Director
Board Observer
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD 
