Unique technology, amazing people
iota Biosciences is made up of a proudly diverse team of exceptional people. We come from different backgrounds and bring different skills, but we all share a passionate belief in the power of innovative bioelectronics to improve health and transform lives. As a team we work collaboratively and cross-functionally, with a strong connection to doctors and patients, to ensure that what we are developing is aligned with their core needs. We continually challenge what’s possible and inspire each other to think differently as we create and design cutting-edge technologies with the potential to change lives.
Speed without compromise
We know that some patients don’t have time to wait. Driven by passion and tenacity, we combine a rigorous focus on quality with the agility and adaptability to keep moving our ideas and innovations forward, fast.
“We have a culture of moving fast and embracing change. iota allows everyone to maintain their individuality while adhering to quality practices.”
Meet our leadership team
Michel Maharbiz, PhD
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Michel cofounded iota Biosciences in 2017. He is a serial entrepreneur and in his spare time loves bouldering, hiking and off-roading.
Gil Mandelbaum, PhD
Senior Director of Product Innovation and Technology Strategy
Michael Woods, MD
Director of Bioelectronic Medicine
Rebecca Crane
Senior Director of Quality
Lusin Markaryan
Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs
Puji Weerakoon, PhD
Senior Director of Research and Development
Cameron Esacoff
Senior Director Engineering and Manufacturing
Michelle Patruno
Director of Human Resources
Casey Trubo
Director of Program Management
Michel Maharbiz, PhD
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Michel cofounded iota Biosciences in 2017. He is a serial entrepreneur and in his spare time loves bouldering, hiking and off-roading.
Until 2021, Michel was a Full Professor and is now an Adjunct Professor, with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Prof. Maharbiz received his B.S. from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley under nanotechnologist Professor Roger T. Howe (EECS) and synthetic biologist Professor Jay D. Keasling (ChemE). He is a Senior Member of the IEEE (Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society) and a member of the Society for Neuroscience. Prof. Maharbiz is a recipient of the McKnight Foundation’s Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award (2017), a Chan-Zuckerberg (CZ) Biohub Investigator (2017), a Bakar Fellow (2014) and recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2009).
Gil Mandelbaum, PhD
Senior Director of Product Innovation and Technology Strategy
Gil leads innovation programs at iota. Outside the office he enjoys exploring new places, train rides and cooking!
Gil is a neuroscientist with dual undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Tel Aviv University, and a PhD in Systems Neuroscience from Harvard. During more than 15 years of neuroscience research, he has developed various experimental approaches, including pioneering the design of novel research hardware and software systems. His research contributions have played a role in the establishment of a neuroscience research tools company as well as being published in prestigious journals such as Nature Neuroscience. Additionally, his work has been highlighted in Nature Methods and featured on the cover of Neuron magazine.
“I joined iota because of the excellent people, the exciting technology, and the vision and commitment to developing new classes of medical devices that address a range of unmet patient needs.”
Michael Woods, MD
Director of Bioelectronic Medicine
As Director of Bioelectronic Medicine, Mike is responsible for the planning, design and execution of pre-clinical and clinical trials to document the safety and efficacy of our medical devices to meet patient needs and support regulatory filing and market strategy. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, camping, hiking and writing (having written and published one novel and four non-fiction books!).
Mike is a fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon who obtained his BSc in cellular biology, and MD and surgery degrees from the University of Kansas. His career spans surgical care from rural-to-Level 1 trauma centers, to leadership positions in healthcare, IT and software, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare delivery systems. He brings his passion for clinical research to iota’s Bioelectrical Medicine team.
“Bioelectric medicine is the new frontier — the promise it holds seems unbounded!”
Rebecca Crane
Senior Director of Quality
Rebecca takes the lead in ensuring iota Biosciences meets safety, efficacy, and regulatory standards. Outside of work she is a keen athlete, having completed four triathlons including an Ironman and enjoys off-roading and dirt biking.
Rebecca possesses extensive experience in quality management within the medical device industry, integrating her engineering background into product development and the quality management system processes. Her prior experience includes roles at Medtronic, SetPoint Medical, and Advanced Bionics. Her proficiency spans new product development, risk management, quality management systems and technically focused, data-driven continuous improvement initiatives. She has a BS in Engineering and Applied Science with a focus in Computation and Neural Systems from Caltech.
“I joined iota for its collaborative culture, technical excellence, and shared drive to innovate and build impactful products together.”
Lusin Markaryan
Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs
As Head of Regulatory Affairs, Lusin leads a team responsible for obtaining and maintaining approval for iota’s medical products. Outside of work her passion is travel and she has so far visited 21 countries.
Lusin has more than 20 years of experience in regulatory affairs for medical devices. She was formerly a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at SetPoint Medical where she received approval for FIH and pivotal clinical trials of a bioelectronic medicine device. Prior to SetPoint, she was a Director of Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic Diabetes where she authored an original PMA.
Lusin received her undergraduate degree from University of California, Irvine, and has earned the Regulatory Affairs Certificate (RAC) for both U.S. and the European Union.
“iota has innovative technology, an incredible leadership team and an effective and energetic team of experts working together to achieve the company goals.”
Puji Weerakoon, PhD
Senior Director of Research and Development
Puji leads the engineering organization at iota Biosciences. He is also an ardent outdoor enthusiast and enjoys running marathons and climbing mountains.
Puji holds a PhD, MS, and M. Phil in Mixed-Mode Integrated Circuit Design and Biomedical Engineering from Yale University and a Bachelors Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Lafayette College. He has also completed the Chief Technology Officer Program at The Wharton School, along with executive courses in Technology Development and Driving Strategic Innovation.
Puji’s contributions to the advancement of the MedTech field is underscored by his portfolio of over 20 patents issued worldwide in several patent families. Before joining iota, Puji spent 12 years at Boston Scientific Neuromodulation where he developed Class C medical devices for Deep Brain (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation. He is committed to advancing the field of medical technology and making a tangible difference to patients and healthcare providers by crafting impactful solutions that enhance patients’ quality of life.
“I joined iota because I want to create value for patients and I want make sure what we make gets in to a patient through my influence.”
Cameron Esacoff
Senior Director Engineering and Manufacturing
Cameron is a passionate results-driven leader, innovator, and collaborator with nearly a decade of experience in the Class III Implantable Medical Device Industry. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys designing and building dynamic multi-disciplined art projects and sculptures and spending quality time with his family.
With a broad perspective, Cameron’s prior accomplishments have demonstrated a high degree of ownership and collaboration through multiple product phases: from early development, through manufacturing, to FDA submissions & approvals, and ultimately to field deployment. His formal training is in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
“I joined iota Biosciences to deliver novel diagnostics and therapies to underserved patient populations. Iota is a vast landscape of many diverse and rewarding opportunities, with a highly competent team that work with camaraderie, pride, and integrity.”
Michelle Patruno
Director of Human Resources
Michelle is responsible for leading People strategy at iota Bio, with a focus on cultivating a thriving workplace culture that fosters talent and growth.
Michelle is a passionate People Leader with over 15 years of People experience. She has expertise in scaling early technology organizations and a track record of fostering strong workplace cultures and optimizing HR operations. She values trust and empathy to create stainable solutions to complex people problems. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
She enjoys camping, hiking with her pup and traveling in her free time.
“I’m inspired by working for an organization with a central mission to develop technology that could dramatically improve patients’ lives and attracting employees that deeply connect to the work we’re doing.”
Casey Trubo
Director of Program Management
Casey leads the way in ensuring effective project management across iota Biosciences. His hobbies include playing squash and surfing.
Casey has been working in medical device development since 2008 and his career has spanned the fields of endoscopic surgery, neonatal care and neurological surgery. During a six-year tenure at Equalize Health, he led the design and development of medical devices suited for the specific needs of nurses and doctors treating premature neonates in low-income settings in India and East Africa. The novel CPAP project Casey initiated and managed was acquired by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“I was attracted to iota’s high energy, relational, and nimble culture as well as to the prospect of being involved in a completely new medical technology.”