Banner

Michelle Dennis is the Regional Innovation Officer for the Heartland BioWorks, leading strategy and growth for the Tech Hub. She brings a diverse background spanning federal funding strategy, university-industry partnerships, and corporate sustainability. Prior to this role, Michelle served as Vice President of Proposal Management at the Applied Research Institute, where she helped secure the EDA Regional Tech Hub grant for Indiana. She also held leadership positions in proposal development and partnerships at Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive. Michelle holds an MA in Modernity, Literature, and Culture from University College Dublin and BAs in Management from Purdue University and English from Indiana University Bloomington.

Dr. Kerri Dugan is the Senior Vice President for Biotechnology Programs at Applied Research Institute. Her experience includes transitioning capabilities across broad multi-disciplinary domains including biotechnology, geospatial intelligence, forensic science, and critical technology areas in support of national security. She held leadership positions at the National Science Foundation, DARPA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division. She holds a PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University and BS and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary.

Anne Marie Murphy is the Director of BioTrain for the Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub, advancing Indiana’s biomanufacturing workforce through training, industry partnerships, and statewide program development. With experience spanning healthcare, entrepreneurship, and economic development, she has led organizations through startup launches, federal program management, and multi-million-dollar regional growth initiatives. Anne Marie previously held leadership roles with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, and the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, where she directed statewide small business programs, regional initiatives, and federal entrepreneurial support networks. She holds a master's in Nursing and Strategic Management from Western Governors University and Indiana Wesleyan University, a bachelor's in Nursing and Biology from Western Governors University and Pennsylvania State University, and certifications in Project Management and Equity & Inclusion.

Tyler Yoder is the Director of BioLaunch for the Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub, facilitating innovator connections to Indiana-based biomanufacturing and drug development resources. A native Hoosier, Tyler brings startup, corporate finance, and product management experience across the life sciences to help innovators reach their next commercialization milestone. He completed his BA in Business Finance at Ball State University and his full-time MBA at Indiana University Bloomington with concentrations in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Innovation.