Management Team

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 leads MERIT’s teams dedicated to sales, marketing, and business development 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.

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.

Colleen has 20+ years of experience in QA and IT security leadership and compliance. She leads MERIT’s software validation and IT security teams. In addition, Colleen acts as MERIT’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) and is responsible for the development and delivery of a comprehensive information security and privacy program. 

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.

Yoki is responsible for the daily oversight of MERIT’s operations in China, coordinating the relationship between local sponsors, partners, trade associations, and the employees within each. Her familiarity with the business development and operational tasks in China provides MERIT’s partners a seamless global study experience.

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.

Riku leads the MERIT China Project Management team. She has over 10 years of clinical trial experience in central imaging and has managed studies with various indications and response criteria. Riku also supports China local business development and delivers professional and exceptional service to clients.