Leadership, Expertise, and Service
The Metis Foundation is guided by experienced leaders, scientific advisors, and professional staff committed to advancing military medical research through collaboration, integrity, and service.
Who We Are
The Metis Foundation is supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals with experience across military medicine, scientific research, administration, and nonprofit governance. Our structure ensures strong oversight, scientific rigor, and operational excellence in support of researchers and programs nationwide.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rodney Chan, MD
Dr. Rodney Chan is co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at the Metis Foundation. As an active investigator who has worked many years within a federal laboratory, Dr. Chan understands the institutional infrastructures necessary to maximize research productivity. Along with Drs. Grewal and Carlsson, the Metis Foundation was founded in 2016 with the basic premise of helping researchers achieve their scientific goals while minimizing undue administrative and financial burdens.
Dr. Chan’s background includes a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Biology and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed post-graduate training in both general surgery and plastic surgery. He is president of STARS Plastic Surgery, a multi-physician, private group practice. He is Professor of Surgery at the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences and adjunct Professor of Surgery at University of Texas Health San Antonio. Dr. Chan is a practicing plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in late burn reconstructions. Together with a team of talented clinicians and scientists, he also directs the Q-SCARR (Quality Skin Collaborative for Advanced Skin Regeneration/Reconstruction) research program with the focus of developing novel skin replacement technologies that minimize donor site and therapies to mitigate scarring.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Chan brings his background, his passion for dismantling complex problems and years of clinical research experience to help Metis Foundation researchers and other stakeholders navigate the nuances of translational military medical research.
Anders Carlsson, PhD
Dr. Anders Carlsson is a Co-Founder of the Metis Foundation where serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Science Officer. He oversees all day to day operations of the organization. Dr. Carlsson obtained his PhD in Medical Biology from Linköping University in Linköping, Sweden. His research interests focus on modulation of immunological and regenerative pathways in models of skin inflammation, infection, regeneration, and scarring.
Specifically, his research aims to develop treatment strategies and products to improve wound healing and reduce scarring. Dr. Carlsson is working as a Metis Foundation Scientist contracted to perform research at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research and at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio where he holds an Adjoint Associate professorship appointment. He is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD.
Prabh Grewal, DDS
Dr. Prabh Grewal is one of the Founding members of the Foundation. He’s been instrumental in our efforts to simplify military medical research for the benefit of our service members and the military scientific community.
Originally from California, Dr. Grewal started his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. He was a recipient of the DOD Health Professional Scholarship Program and attended Dental School in San Francisco. He served in the as an an Officer in the US Army on Active Duty for 15 years, during which he pursued advanced training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. including deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was during his time in Theater treating wartime Craniomaxillofacial Trauma that he saw first hand the results that can stem from Military Medical Research.
Now, he serves as the CEO of the Metis Foundation, bringing his dedication and enthusiasm to the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has gone through unprecedented growth and he continues to implement strategic thinking for future endeavors.
Richard Ma, MD
Dr. Richard Ma is a dedicated member of the Metis Foundation’s board. As a primary care physician deeply involved in the healthcare sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge about current and future trends in medicine. Dr. Ma began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned his medical degree at the University of Hawaii. He completed his residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School – Cambridge Hospital.
In addition to his role at the Metis Foundation, Dr. Ma serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Tewksbury State Hospital. He has previously held important positions, such as Chief Hospitalist at Lowell General Hospital and Director of Hospital at Saints Medical Center and Kadlec Medical Center. Dr. Ma has focused his research on the structural study of peptides and proteins, and he has received honors such as Most Compassionate Physician, Best Nursing Advocate, and Excellence in Hospital Medicine.
Dr. Richard Ma’s extensive experience and leadership have played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the Metis Foundation. His deep understanding of the healthcare field greatly contributes to the foundation’s mission.
Rachelle Mainard, JD, MBA, CRA
Ms. Rachelle Mainard is an accomplished executive administrator and leading authority on healthcare and research administration, organizational leadership, and strategic planning and implementation. Ms. Mainard is the Business Development and Legal Advisor and a Board Member of the Metis Foundation.
As an experienced executive, she provides strategic and administrative leadership and oversight of healthcare and research administration operations for the Metis Foundation. Rachelle is committed to supporting research and healthcare delivery by evaluating, improving, and monitoring processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and support of all constituents.
Rachelle currently serves as the Executive Administrator for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX where she oversees human resources, administrative operations, policy administration, strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management for the Schools of Health Professions, Nursing, and Population and Public Health.
Formerly, Rachelle served as the Medicine Department Administrator in the area of Infectious Disease, Infection Control and Employee Health at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Her role was strategic planning and implementation, faculty relations as well as divisional and institutional support. She was also responsible for the management of finances, human resources, clinical service, clinical research, and research operations. Previously she was the institution’s Associate Director for Finance, Grants and Contracts. Rachelle is the recipient of the MD Anderson 2019 Award in Education Excellence and the 2018 MD Anderson Best Boss Award Winner.
In Tacoma, Washington, she was the Grants and Contracts Director at The Geneva Foundation, a leading non-profit organization whose sole mission is to advance military medical research. At Purdue Global University in Davenport, Iowa, she serves as an Adjunct Online Professor of Medical Law and Bioethics, Health Law, and Health Informatics.
While at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she held positions as the Program Manager in the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health as well as Grants and Contracts Officer in the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration. She was the Buyer/Contract Specialist for the Office of Central Procurement Services at the University of Chicago.
Rachelle earned a BS in Business Administration from Samford University, a JD from The University of Alabama School of Law, and an MBA with a concentration in Health Care from Case Western Reserve.
Rachelle is a Certified Research Administrator as well as Merit Reviewer and Ambassador with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Her professional memberships include the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Society of Research Administrators International (SRA), National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).
Rachelle lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, three children and French Bulldogs, Frankie and Fenny. In her spare time Rachelle enjoys reading, cooking, entertaining, and F45 workouts.
Michael Davis, MD, Col. (Ret.)
Colonel (ret) Davis received his medical doctorate (MD) from the Uniformed Services University with post-graduate education/ board certification in General Surgery as well as Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (UT Health, San Antonio | University of Alabama at Birmingham); BA, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara. Colonel (ret) Michael Davis, is recently retired after 26 years of military service, and has accumulated an extensive, rare knowledge base involving the clinical, scientific, operational and governmental programmatic domains. He has garnered numerous military and medical publications and awards, and serves as a reviewer for professional journals. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons as well as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (London). Colonel (ret) Davis is the Chief Strategy Officer and a board member at the Metis Foundation. He brings his extensive research experience as well as creating a strategic vision and plan to support the mission of advancing military medical research.
In the past decade, Colonel (ret) Davis has served in escalating Department of Defense programmatic roles as Deputy Commander, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, and culminating over the past three years, as Director, US Combat Casualty Care Research Program-the Department’s largest medical R&D program. While deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2009-2010, Michael served as Chief of Reconstructive Surgery. Additionally, he founded and directed the RESTOR (Restorative Endeavor for Servicemembers Through Optimization of Reconstruction) Research Program in San Antonio for advanced reconstructive surgery and regenerative medicine research for injured warfighters. Michael began his career with a residency in General Surgery/Trauma at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. During his General Surgery residency, Michael completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX. Michael followed on with an additional residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With more than 30 years in the clinical and biomedical science field, Colonel (ret) Davis provides services and expertise in Trauma, Regenerative/ Restorative Medicine, Federal Government Relations, Defense, Health, Cyber and National Security. He has garnered expertise in contemporary and emerging Department of Defense operational concepts and maintains a deep understanding of working within the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, and Army/ Navy/ Air Force/ Marine Corps Service specific programmatic as well as with COCOMS and International Allies.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
Kevin Chung, MD, COL (Ret.)
Dr. Kevin Chung, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army, is a renowned expert in multi-organ support and extracorporeal therapies. Dr. Chung is an advisory board member at the Metis Foundation. He brings his extensive research experience to support the mission of advancing military medical research.
In addition, he is the Chief Medical Officer of SeaStar Medical, a medical technology company developing proprietary solutions to reduce the consequences of hyperinflammation on vital organs. Dr. Chung is responsible for the strategy, direction, and execution of SeaStar Medical’s clinical development plans as the company develops and commercializes extracorporeal therapies that target the effector cells that drive systemic inflammation and secrete a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and propagate imbalanced immune responses.
Prior to joining SeaStar Medical, Dr. Chung served as professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine, and professor of Surgery, at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief of the Department of Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Chung deployed as the Chief, Intensive Care Unit, for the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq 2008, and as Director, Joint Combat Casualty Research Team in Bagram, Afghanistan 2012.
He is a 1995 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a 1999 graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. After finishing a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr. Chung was assigned to the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) in San Antonio, Texas, where he served in the capacity of Medical Director of the Burn Intensive Care Unit, Task Area Manager of Clinical Trials, and the Director of Research for 12 years.
Dr. Chung has authored over 300 peer reviewed manuscripts, reviews, editorials, and book chapters, and has been an invited speaker for over 150 lectures internationally.
STAFF MEMBERS
Noor Obaidi, MD, PhD
Dr. Noor Obaidi serves as Sr. Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at the Metis Foundation. In this role, she oversees developing of new research programs and grant administration and management. She has successfully assessed, supported, and developed strategies to implement, lead, and drive the foundation’s organizational medical, scientific, and regulatory Affairs.
Before working with the Metis Foundation, she obtained her medical degree in 2009 from the Baghdad School of Medicine. She received training at the Royal Jordanian Ministry of Health to work in clinical practice before pursuing a basic and translational research career.
In 2022, she completed her PhD in Translational Science at the University of Texas Health Science Center. In addition to her administrative and management duties, she continues her passion for research. She serves as a Clinical Research Scientist, primarily focusing on wound healing to improve acute burn and wound outcomes. She oversees the day-to-day clinical research activities such as planning and designing research experiments, performing data analysis, and writing manuscripts and grant applications.
In her free time, Dr. Obaidi studies fine art, focusing on impressionism; she enjoys practicing yoga daily, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Marlene Barrera, MBA
Marlene Barrera has been the Sr.Vice President of Financial Services at The Metis Foundation for the past 6 years specializing in the finance and operations department. Marlene earned an MBA from the University of Texas at El Paso, with a focus on finance. When she is not at The Metis Foundation, Marlene is an avid reader and loves spending time with her family and friends.
Samantha Saldana, BA
My name is Samantha Saldaña. I have a strong background in grants and contracts management, serving as a Senior Grants & Contracts Manager at the Metis Foundation since 2016. With over 7 years of experience in this field, I assist in the grant negotiation and once the agreement is received, I assist in overseeing grants throughout their period of performance, ensuring due diligence in monitoring budgets, reporting dates, and renewal dates for all Metis foundation awards and agreements. In addition, I collaborate closely with our finance team and project managers to ensure that grants and contracts are meeting their goals, deadlines, and financial requirements.
Shiv Lala, MS
In 2021, Mr. Shiv Lala joined the Metis Foundation as a pre-award research specialist, where he interacts daily with researchers and investigators to enhance the proposal submission process. In his capacity, Shiv streamlines various aspects, including identifying funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, proposal development, and outreach activities. Holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Shiv is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science at Texas A&M University. His scientific background uniquely equips him to grasp the diverse needs of researchers, leading to the successful development of proposals across a wide range of focus areas. Beyond his professional pursuits, Shiv finds enjoyment in kayaking, board and video games, sports, and cooking for family and friends.
Cassandra Tello, BS, SHRM-CP
Cassandra Tello is a Human Resources Specialist at the Metis Foundation with experience in both Profit and Non-Profit Sectors dealing with Human Resources, Accounting, and Office Management. Cassandra graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts. She uses her experience to assist the Metis Foundation with its daily Human Resources functions dealing with compensation and benefits packages, maintaining employee records, payroll processing, and compliance. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and volunteering with her church.
Kevin Arias, MBA
Kevin Arias is a procurement specialist for The Metis Foundation. Kevin assists programs with their purchasing and travel needs for their projects along with bookkeeping of expenses. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from Lamar University. During his downtime, Kevin loves to explore new places to visit with his family and enjoys learning about ancient cultures throughout history.
Crystal Jaco, MSc
Crystal Jaco is the Grants & Contracts Assistant Manager at Metis Foundation with over 13 years of experience in non-profit and grants & program management. A San Antonio native, Crystal obtained her master’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2013 and specializes in process improvement and grant support services. Crystal uses her experience and skills to support impactful missions and contribute towards empowering positive change. In her free time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband, four children and two grandchildren.
Marisa Martinez, MPA
Marisa Martinez joined the Metis Foundation team in 2024. She has 5+ years in nonprofit management experience with a concentration in grant administration and award management over the last 3 years and has earned an MPA from the University of Texas – San Antonio. In her personal time, Marisa loves to travel with friends and family, read, and spend as much time as possible outdoors. She has two small dogs that she likes to take camping regularly.
Victoria Diaz, RN, BSN
Ms. Victoria Diaz began her healthcare career as an Army medic, gaining a strong foundation in patient care, adaptability, and clinical decision-making. Through military training, she earned a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) diploma and licensure, further expanding her expertise. She later obtained an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), and pursued further education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Antonio College. Over time, her career transitioned into clinical research program management, focusing on wound care, reconstructive surgery, and burn injury research. She specializes in managing clinical research studies, ensuring regulatory compliance, patient safety, and study optimization.
As the Director of Clinical Research Compliance at The Metis Foundation, Ms. Diaz oversees research integrity, regulatory and clinical compliance, and ethical adherence. She ensures studies meet legal and institutional standards while supporting regulatory and policy implementation.
As the Program Manager for the QSCARR Program, a translational research initiative focused on novel skin replacement and regeneration, Ms. Diaz leads clinical studies, collaborating with investigators and research teams to drive biomedical innovation and improve patient outcomes.
Outside of work, Ms. Diaz values continuous learning, professional growth, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends, staying active, and exploring new experiences while connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation.
Adan Tello, MS
Mr. Adan Tello joined the Metis Foundation as a Pre-Award Research Specialist, where he plays an integral role in supporting researchers dedicated to advancing military medical research. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Business from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and brings extensive experience implementing nonprofit initiatives at the local level.
Adan’s combination of scientific knowledge, business expertise, and community-focused leadership uniquely positions him to serve as a valuable resource for military, academic, and industry researchers. His efforts help bridge the gap between innovative research concepts and the operational support necessary to transform them into impactful outcomes. Outside of his professional endeavors, Adan enjoys spending time with his wife and family, fishing trips, attending live concerts, and dominating in fantasy football.
Nathan Dunn, MSHA
Mr. Nathan Dunn joined the Metis Foundation in 2025 as a Pre-Award Research Specialist, where he works closely with investigators to enhance the proposal development and submission process. With a Bachelor’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Health Administration, Nathan brings a strong clinical and administrative background to the field of military research.
Prior to joining Metis, he collaborated with several research organizations, coordinating and implementing projects aimed at improving care for service members. His unique blend of clinical knowledge and operational expertise allows him to understand and support the diverse needs of researchers, ensuring each proposal is positioned for success. At Metis, Nathan is committed to growing within a mission-driven team and helping advance research that directly impacts the health and well-being of our military community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs, powerlifting, and playing video games.
Autumn Mains, MSN, RN
Autumn Mains serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for the Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR) Program located at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. In this role, Autumn oversees the operational coordination, preparation and conduct of all MiCOR clinical research protocols and projects in conjunction with the program management team and team of directors. Autumn has been in cardiology-focused clinical research since 2012 with experience in a variety of phases of research in an FDA regulated environment as well as PI initiated research environment. Autumn completed a Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Operational Leadership from Quinnipiac University in 2020, an Associate of Science degree in Nursing in 2015 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications with minors in Biology and Psychology in 2010 from Elizabethtown College. In her free time, she enjoys long walks in the woods, reading, pretty much any arts and craft project and overachieving halloween costumes.
Jessica Ecke, BSW
In her current role as a Post Award Financial Analyst for The Metis Foundation, Jessica is passionate about helping organizations achieve their financial goals and finds fulfillment in not just writing strategic plans but actively guiding them toward success. Before joining The Metis Foundation, Jessica gained diverse experience working with a variety of nonprofit organizations, from coffee shops with a mission to support local communities to homeless shelters serving those in need. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which has provided her with a strong foundation for understanding community needs and advocating for meaningful impact.
Outside of work, she stays active through hiking, weight lifting, and indoor cycling, and often spends time reading to unwind. Volunteering at different nonprofits continues to be an important part of her life, keeping her connected to the causes she cares deeply about.
Larissa Lopez
Larissa Lopez joined the Metis Foundation in 2025 as a Procurement Specialist, where she supports research awards...
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