Management Team

Our executive team is comprised of a diverse group of clinical trial and technology experts who average over 20 years of industry experience.

US TEAM

Yijun Huang, PhDCO-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Huang has 25+ years of experience in leading software and hardware development for medical imaging applications, both in academic and in FDA-regulated environments. Dr. Huang is dedicated to the development of methodologies that increase efficiency, gain additional insights, shorten development time, and reduce costs for specialty clinical trials.

Ronald Danis, MDCO-FOUNDER & CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER

Dr. Danis co-founded MERIT’s predecessor EyeKor, Inc. in 2012 with Dr. Huang and Dr. Christopher Murphy, bringing extensive experience as a practicing medical retina specialist to the company. Dr Danis is involved in the design and conduct of many clinical trials, and serves on leadership committees and data safety and monitoring boards for several ongoing studies.

Heather Baumhauer, MSSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CLINICAL SERVICES

Heather is dedicated to providing exceptional clinical trial support. With a research background that includes academic, reading center, and CRO settings, Heather approaches each project with the goal to deliver the best service possible. Heather has been an ACRP Certified Clinical Research Coordinator since 2012 and uses the skills she learned as a CCRC to lead a team of clinical trial professionals. Heather adds more than 15 years’ experience to MERIT’s Clinical Services team.

Qienyuan Zhou, PhDVICE PRESIDENT, MEDICAL & SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS

Dr. Zhou oversees the MERIT team of graders and data scientists and analysts, working together with our partners to assist with study design and consultation. Dr. Zhou works extensively with study sponsors and Independent Reading Centers (IRC) to develop imaging protocols and grading forms to meet the specific needs of each trial. Her team is focused on maintaining quality initiatives and providing timely deliverables to ensure the effective execution of clinical trials for our partners.

Nathan Diers

Nathan DiersVICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Nathan leads the software development team and provides oversight for MERIT’s IT and software validation teams. He works to improve the functionality of the EXCELSIOR™ platform while maintaining the quality and regulatory standards vital for clinical trials. In addition, Nathan works with the management team to develop new capabilities and monitor resource allocation.

Shinji Yue, MS, MBAVICE PRESIDENT, ONCOLOGY

Shinji Yue leads the oncology commercial strategies at MERIT. He has 20+ years of global commercialization and market development experience in medical imaging, AI software, and medical devices for clinical trials. Shinji is responsible for growing the oncology business; developing commercial relationships with sponsors; and building and managing an exceptional team to meet aggressive revenue and profitability targets.

Julia Oxley
Julia Oxley, MBAVICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, CONTRACT & PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT

Julia leads MERIT’s teams dedicated to marketing, contract management and partnership management activities. She collaborates with CROs and sponsors to ensure MERIT services align with clients’ needs. Julia’s teams are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service via open communication throughout the entire partnership.

Kymberly LarsonVICE PRESIDENT, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Kym brings 20+ years of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance experience to her role at MERIT. Her broad GxP background includes experience in process improvement, risk assessment, CAPA, and HIPAA. Kym provides regulatory leadership to cross functional teams and ensures compliance throughout the company.

 

In addition, Kym acts as MERIT’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) and is responsible for the development and delivery of a comprehensive information security and privacy program.

Anne GouldingDIRECTOR, OPHTHALMOLOGY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

Anne collaborates with CROs, sponsors, and independent reading center personnel to optimize the study start-up process and maintain transparency and communication throughout the course of the study. Her extensive experience working on grant and industry-funded studies enables Anne to help ensure study objectives are achieved using state-of-the art processes.

CHINA TEAM

David Huang, MD, PhD, MSGENERAL MANAGER, CHINA

Dr. Huang leads MERIT’s China team, providing measurable strategies and objectives for continuous growth and scientific advancement. He has over 25 years of experience in R&D and clinical trials within both leading pharmaceutical organizations and universities. Dr. Huang was a consultant physician and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Zhejiang University.

Yoki QianVICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Yoki is responsible for the strategic alliance between MERIT’s US and China operations. She coordinates the collaboration between US and China business development and operational tasks across different regions and serves as a strong advocate for Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors conducting global multi-regional clinical trials.

Percy Wu
Percy WuDIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CHINA

Percy leads our business development team in China, building relationships with strategic partners and advancing MERIT’s sales, marketing, and business development efforts. He has experience in global clinical data collection technology and has focused on improving clinical trial efficiencies, accelerating digital transformation, and bringing therapies to market faster.

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