About Us

With more than 20 years of experience helping startups and corporations achieve success, Sandra J. Miller joined University Lab Partners in November 2024 to lead Orange County’s premier nonprofit life science incubator and accelerator into the future. As executive director, she is focused on growing a thriving life science ecosystem in the Southern California region by providing state-of-the-art wet lab facilities, global accelerator programs for early-stage life science companies, and workforce development and education for students and early career professionals.  

 

Prior to joining ULP, Sandra supported paradigm-shifting companies in Silicon Valley, most recently serving as CEO of Foundry 415, an innovation firm that bridges the gap between large corporations and startups to drive meaningful growth. She also co-founded the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign, and helped launch powerhouse programs including Singularity University’s accelerator, growing the portfolio from five to more than 30 startups in two years. 

 

Throughout her career, Sandra has mentored more than 1,500 entrepreneurs across breakthrough spaces ranging from AI and robotics to synthetic bio and quantum computing. She also served as director of InnovationX at Oregon State and led entrepreneurship curriculum development for Singularity University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship track. She is currently a member of the UC Office of the President’s Entrepreneurship Network Council and the co-creator and co-host of Before We Die, a podcast focused on exposing patients and caregivers to the latest medical innovations. She graduated from San Jose State University and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, in addition to completing the Women’s Director Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Samantha Renusch is a seasoned professional in Laboratory Sciences, commencing her journey in 2006 within a clinical setting. Transitioning to academic research labs in 2009, she contributed her skills and expertise to renowned institutions such as Ohio State University, University of California Irvine, and the University of California San Diego.

 

Samantha successfully earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California Irvine. Building on her academic foundation, she ventured into the dynamic realm of biotech start-ups, specializing in immuno-oncology labs. With a focus on cell therapies in both the R&D and clinical spaces, Samantha played a pivotal role in three different biotech companies, showcasing her commitment to advancing innovative solutions in the field.

 

Her extensive experience and dedication underscore Samantha’s impactful journey within Laboratory Sciences, reflecting a passion for cutting-edge research and advancements in biotechnology.

 

Currently, Samantha holds the position of Education Program Manager at University Lab Partners, where she passionately inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers. Her role underscores not only her wealth of experience but also her dedication to fostering the growth of future leaders in the scientific community.

Stephanie Chan, PhD is a seasoned expert in the medical device and diagnostics sectors, with over a decade of experience spanning startup ecosystems, venture capital, and product development. She holds a BS in Biochemistry from UCLA and earned her PhD from the Keck School of Medicine at USC in Virology and Immunology. Stephanie began her career at Beckman Coulter and has since cultivated a broad background across diverse technologies and scientific disciplines.

 

Her cross-functional expertise includes research and development, clinical validation, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—positioning her as a key resource for diagnostic innovation and commercialization. With a deep understanding of early-stage company dynamics, Stephanie brings practical, strategic insights and innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges startups face.

 

Driven by a passion for accelerating scientific breakthroughs, she is committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare technologies and guiding startups through the complex journey from bench to market.

Dr. Barr has worked in various academic research labs for 14 years. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis in 2013. With the goal of helping to bridge the gap that currently exists between basic science research and clinical medicine, she received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at UC Riverside's School of Medicine in 2018. Dr. Barr worked as a journal editor and taught biology courses at Chaffey College for one year before completing her postdoctoral fellowship at City of Hope focusing on cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Barr is passionate about training the next generation of scientists and joined ULP in 2024 to aid student learning of cutting-edge life science research techniques.

Melody has worked in the biotechnological industry for 5 years and education for 8 years. She has taught and mentored students from pre-school to undergraduate in various volunteer, professional, and managerial positions. The multi-faceted skills she developed over the years allow her to work as an admin and designer for our program. She was one of the first students in our program, earning an internship at one of our companies, and now working for the facility to help other students on their path. Melody holds a B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from UC Riverside and is currently pursing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

University Lab Partners is seeking Experienced Professionals and Leaders to join our Advisory Board.  

The Advisory Board provides non-binding strategic advice and guidance to ULP’s leadership team, helping us to achieve our goals and fulfill our mission. Our aim is for the Advisory Board to function as one cohesive group with two dedicated focus areas: 

Incubator/Accelerator Advisors:  
The University Lab Partners incubator/accelerator provides resources, mentorship, and funding to help transform promising research projects into successful startup companies. We work closely with faculty, students, and researchers across multiple universities to identify high-potential innovations. Our incubator then provides the strategic guidance, business expertise, and investor connections to launch and grow these new ventures. We are seeking experienced professionals and leaders to help guide and support our mission of accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge research and technologies emerging from leading research universities. 

Workforce Development Advisors:
To continue to grow a thriving life science ecosystem, ULP serves as a catalyst to develop the next generation of talent supporting this sector. We are seeking individuals passionate about or experienced in providing and supporting STEM education and career development opportunities for students in the Orange County region. 

Key Attributes and Expectations for Advisory Board Members 

• Alignment with ULP’s Mission and Vision: A genuine passion for and commitment to ULP's goals. 
• Relevant Experience: The ability to contribute meaningfully through applicable expertise. 
• Networking: A willingness to leverage personal and professional networks to connect ULP with funding and resources. 
• Philanthropic Support: A commitment to personally support ULP's mission as one of your top philanthropic priorities. 
• Engagement: Availability to attend at least three in-person meetings/events per year, along with virtual group or one-on-one calls as needed for a term of two years. 

Click Here to Apply

Learn about open opportunities here.