Meet some of the Incredible Solvers working with IdeaConnection


Stunned by the Breadth of Expertise at an Idea Rally

Stunned by the Breadth of Expertise at an Idea Rally

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Ian Watkins.

By Paul Arnold
IdeaConnection problem solver Ian Watkins is a serial inventor with a raft of innovations to his name such as pumps powered from a variety of energy sources, humane pest control equipment and an improved performance turbocharger for the internal combustion engine.

Enjoying the Thrill of the Innovation Process

Enjoying the Thrill of the Innovation Process

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Charles John Bhaskar

Charles John Bhaskar is one of IdeaConnection's most successful solvers with a string of awards under his belt for delivering solutions to seekers in numerous fields. One of his latest successes was with the Matrix Release Idea Rally.

Problem Solving is Instinctive for this Solver

Problem Solving is Instinctive for this Solver

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Abdulquadri Oyinlola.

By Paul Arnold
Nigeria-based Abdulquadri Oyinlola loves nothing more than to put his brain to work solving problems. To that end, he joined IdeaConnection and received an invite to take part in the Matrix Release Idea Rally.

Independent Researcher with a Love of Problem Solving

Independent Researcher with a Love of Problem Solving

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Hugo Hernandez.

By Paul Arnold
Colombia-based IdeaConnection problem solver Hugo Hernandez is an independent researcher and consultant focused on understanding the basic principles underlying chemical processes.

Working on Challenges is a ‘Mind-Opening Experience’

Working on Challenges is a ‘Mind-Opening Experience’

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver David Orlebeke.

By Paul Arnold
David Orlebeke is a US Patent Holder of advanced electrolysis processes and has multiple patents and patents pending in wastewater treatment, agriculture and aquaculture.

Solver Brings His A-Game to Challenges and Reaches More of His Potential

Solver Brings His A-Game to Challenges and Reaches More of His Potential

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Edward Richards

By Paul Arnold
IdeaConnection problem solver Edward Richards used to work for a global biotechnology company that engages with open innovation as part of its R&D strategy.

Excited by a Complex Challenge with a Real-Life Application

Excited by a Complex Challenge with a Real-Life Application

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Marco Correia

By Paul Arnold
Computer scientist Marco Correia was an academic for 15 years. He completed his master’s and PhD and worked on several projects and papers while based in the Department of Informatics at the New University of Lisbon, Portugal.

Learning From Teammates and By Applying Knowledge

Learning From Teammates and By Applying Knowledge

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Ricardo Mateus

By Paul Arnold
Ricardo Mateus is an analytics consultant and researcher who specializes in decision theory, data science and operations research among other fields. To date he has taken part in four IdeaConnection R&D problem-solving challenges.

Working on a Challenge Team was “Like the Prototype for Collaboration”

Working on a Challenge Team was “Like the Prototype for Collaboration”

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Katharine Kolcaba.

By Paul Arnold
Katharine Kolcaba is a nursing theorist and Associate Professor (Emeritus) at the University of Akron who came up with the Comfort Theory.

From Solving Crimes to Solving Open Innovation Challenges

From Solving Crimes to Solving Open Innovation Challenges

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Felipe A. Papa

By Paul Arnold
Felipe A. Papa is a retired former police colonel from the Philippines who served in the force for 27 years. In retirement he has turned his attention to farming, but he is no novice at this.

The Excitement of Converting Ideas into Applications

The Excitement of Converting Ideas into Applications

Interview with IdeaConnection solver Mohamad Hadla

By Paul Arnold
IdeaConnection problem solver Mohamad Hadla is a multilingual research scientist working on molecular biology techniques for clinical application and improving drug delivery systems.

When You Work in a Team You Truly Think Out of the Box

When You Work in a Team You Truly Think Out of the Box

Interview with IdeaConnection solver and facilitator Philippe Herve

By Paul Arnold
IdeaConnection problem solver and facilitator Philippe HERVE first came across open innovation while managing innovation for a former employer. He was considering broadening the company’s knowledgebase and looking at how to bring in new ideas.

IdeaConnection Challenges Keep Me Sharp in Different Areas

IdeaConnection Challenges Keep Me Sharp in Different Areas

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Regina Monaco.

By Paul Arnold
When she's not working as a theoretical neuroscientist at Mount Sinai Health System, Regina Monaco likes to use her chemistry know-how to make artisanal chocolates with her company, Bronx Grrl Chocolates.

Solving Problems with Multidisciplinary Contributions

Solving Problems with Multidisciplinary Contributions

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Dr. Livy Alex Shivra

By Paul Arnold
Dr. Livy Alex Shivraj says she’s always open to opportunities, especially when related to innovation and science. So when she came across IdeaConnection’s website and read about the open innovation paradigm she felt compelled to sign up as a solver.

If you think these Challenges are Trivial Problems, You are not in the Right Place

If you think these Challenges are Trivial Problems, You are not in the Right Place

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Tzvi Aviv

By Paul Arnold
During the early stages of his career, IdeaConnection problem solver Tzvi Aviv made key discoveries that uncovered the molecular mechanism of RNA recognition by Smaug and Vts1 proteins, while a PhD student at Mt. Sinai Hospital Toronto.

Solver Uses a Lifetime of Learning to Tackle Challenges in Different Areas

Solver Uses a Lifetime of Learning to Tackle Challenges in Different Areas

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Girish Malhotra

By Paul Arnold
Girish Malhotra calls himself a disruptor. In his own words he is not afraid to challenge and has challenged a lot of thinking. “If we do not think differently we are not going to innovate,” he says.

Uncovering Difficult-to-Find Information Leads to Challenge Team Success

Uncovering Difficult-to-Find Information Leads to Challenge Team Success

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Chris Harrison

By Paul Arnold
Problem solver Chris Harrison achieved success with his very first challenge for IdeaConnection. He was awarded two prizes totaling $5,000 for being part of a team that developed a winning solution for a seeker.

Unexpected Insights from Teams of Diverse Expertise

Unexpected Insights from Teams of Diverse Expertise

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver N.Parikshak

By Paul Arnold
A friend and former colleague suggested that N. Parikshak take part in an IdeaConnection challenge and he achieved success with his first one. As an MBPhD student who has gone through medical school and is also in a neuroscience PhD program, he brought considerable expertise to a computational biology challenge.

Successful Solution with First Open Innovation Challenge

Successful Solution with First Open Innovation Challenge

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Celia Escalante

By Paul Arnold
Celia Escalante is a chemist consultant and academic coach whose first open innovation challenge was the Arsenic Penny-per-Test Challenge.

Glad to be able to Give Something Back

Glad to be able to Give Something Back

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver James Threadgill

By Paul Arnold
With up to 77 million people in Bangladesh exposed to toxic levels of arsenic in their drinking water, innovative and affordable solutions to prevent and alleviate suffering are needed, and they are needed now.

Motivated to Help Save Lives

Motivated to Help Save Lives

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Alison Daube

By Paul Arnold
IdeaConnection problem solvers have been working on a series of challenges to help the people of Bangladesh who are facing “the largest mass poisoning of a population in history”.

Having Fun Saving the World

Having Fun Saving the World

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Tom Kruer.

By Paul Arnold
The groundwater contamination by arsenic in Bangladesh is a humanitarian crisis on an unprecedented scale, often referred to as the largest mass poisoning in history. Mitigation efforts are underway across the country, but the scale of the task is enormous and many challenges remain.

Creativity Just Gets Better with Age

Creativity Just Gets Better with Age

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Diana Matonis

By Paul Arnold
Diana Matonis is a chemist, mathematician, chemical engineer and software programmer with vast experience of the energy sector. Through her consulting practice she has worked with such industry leaders as ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron Texaco.

The Sweet Smell of Success with Manure Challenge

The Sweet Smell of Success with Manure Challenge

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Richard Schauer.

By Paul Arnold
Since signing up as a problem solver in 2010 Richard Schauer has worked on a handful of challenges and recently enjoyed some success when his team provided the winning solution for a life cycle of manure project.

Working on Challenges is Like Being a Formula 1 Racer

Working on Challenges is Like Being a Formula 1 Racer

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Ilie Saracovan

By Paul Arnold
Former Pfizer chemist Ilie Saracovan runs a mobile drug testing business, Eastern Testing Services that among other duties conducts random testing of workers operating heavy machinery.

Excited by Solving Problems Quicker or Better than Others

Excited by Solving Problems Quicker or Better than Others

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Reuben Oder

By Paul Arnold
Reuben Oder is an open innovation thought leader, who enjoyed a long and successful career at Procter and Gamble. He now runs Reuben Oder Innovations, LLC, a consulting firm that guides companies as they discover how to customize and successfully deploy proven OI approaches.

Challenges Round out Your Knowledge and Diversify Your Experience

Challenges Round out Your Knowledge and Diversify Your Experience

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Judi Krzyzanowski

By Paul Arnold
Environmental scientist Judi Krzyzanowski is the owner and principle investigator of Krzyzanowski Consulting. The Canada-based firm specializes in air quality and cumulative effects, including climate change.

Problem Solver Wins with a Bacteria-Beating Technology

Problem Solver Wins with a Bacteria-Beating Technology

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Graham Lea.

By Paul Arnold
Problem solver and engineer Graham Lea works for Effrey Group, a company that conceives, produces, and markets technical and functional products. He is currently involved with biofunctional textiles and fabrics and came across IdeaConnection’s website during some Internet research.

Open Innovation Brings Fresh Air into Your Company

Open Innovation Brings Fresh Air into Your Company

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Alfonso Hidalgo

By Paul Arnold
Alfonso Hidalgo is the co-founder and managing director of Infinitec-Activos, a Barcelona-based cosmetics company. His firm lives and breathes open innovation which is contributing to the success of its products.

Problem Solver Loves to Tackle the Toughest Problems

Problem Solver Loves to Tackle the Toughest Problems

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Kurt Garrett

By Paul Arnold
Kurt Garrett is a prolific inventor with more than 40 patents to his name. His first undergraduate degree was in studio art, but in his own words he saw himself as a Jonny Quest character (the resourceful problem-solving cartoon hero) so he went back to school to get a chemistry degree.

Creating Groundbreaking Solutions

Creating Groundbreaking Solutions

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Ahilan Raman

By Paul Arnold
Ahilan Raman is the Director of Clean Energy and Water Technologies in Australia. He has more than 35 years industrial and business experience, and holds national and international patents on seawater desalination. He also has his own blog where he writes about clean energy.

Dedicated to Improving Health

Dedicated to Improving Health

Interview with IdeaConnection problem solver Thomas Hodge

By Paul Arnold
Thomas Hodge worked in infectious diseases for more than 20 years, primarily at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). His lab was one of the first in the world to do PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and he was one of the first scientists to make use of high throughput sequencing technology that determines genomic sequences quickly.

Detective Work Wins the Day

Detective Work Wins the Day

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver T Grant Belgard

By Paul Arnold
T Grant Belgard is a postdoctoral fellow in the Geschwind Lab at UCLA. His research focuses on functional patterning and evolution of gene expression in the brain, and its disruption in neurodevelopmental disorders.

A Scientist who Believes in the Power of Teamwork

A Scientist who Believes in the Power of Teamwork

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Stephen Boyle

By Paul Arnold
Stephen Boyle is an emeritus professor at Virginia Tech whose research interests focus on the application of recombinant DNA technology to vaccine development, particularly for vaccines against the bacterium Brucella that causes diseases in animals and humans.

A Winning Combination of Expertise

A Winning Combination of Expertise

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Irina Catrina

By Paul Arnold
Irina Catrina is a bioorganic chemist at Hunter College, New York where her research activities are currently focused on the study of live Drosophila melanogaster oocytes. Here she talks about her work, and the success she achieved with her first IdeaConnection challenge.

IdeaConnection’s Idea Rally Pays Off for Biotech Freelancer

IdeaConnection’s Idea Rally Pays Off for Biotech Freelancer

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Harrys Jacob

By Jane Mundy
Harrys Jacob was skeptical about the Idea Rally® at first, but it sounded so fascinating that on a hunch, he decided to “give it a shot.” And that hunch paid off – to the tune of $11,000!

A Learning and Rewarding Experience

A Learning and Rewarding Experience

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Liebmer Trauschein

Liebmer Trauschein is a mechanical engineer who works as a product developer and project manager for a Switzerland-based company as well as running his own firm which is focused on product development for small businesses.

Looking at Problems from Different Perspectives

Looking at Problems from Different Perspectives

Interview with IdeaConnection solver Prashanth Bagali

Prashanth Bagali is a scientist and entrepreneur who specializes in human genetics, human diseases and medical microbiology.

Working on a Challenge Elevates Aerospace Engineering Designer

Working on a Challenge Elevates Aerospace Engineering Designer

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Angus Campbell

Engineering designer Angus Campbell works in the aerospace industry for a leading global company.

The Challenge of a Problem Keeps My Mind Busy

The Challenge of a Problem Keeps My Mind Busy

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver John Newport

John Newport came to the US when he was 25 and fresh out of Manchester University with a PhD. He was recruited from his native England and his original intention was to stay for a couple of years – 45 years later and he’s still there today.

Indulging His Passion for Science

Indulging His Passion for Science

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Budhi Sagar Tiwari

Budhi Sagar Tiwari earned his PhD at one of India’s premier higher education institutions, Banaras Hindu University. His work investigated the ability of cyanobacterium to survive extreme desiccation.

Impressed by the Novel Approach to Problem Solving

Impressed by the Novel Approach to Problem Solving

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Karthik Krishnan

Molecular biologist Karthik Krishnan is a post doctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati whose work investigates the functioning or organelles and pathways in bacterial and fungal cells and how they might contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases in humans.

Using Broader Knowledge in Different Ways

Using Broader Knowledge in Different Ways

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Chris Cullis

Chris Cullis is the Frances Hobart Herrick Professor of Biology and Chairman, Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University. An eminent and widely published scientist, his main work focuses on the regulation of the variation of the plant genome in relation to the interaction between the genome and stress environments.

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Angela Hartsock

Angela Hartsock is a post-doc research associate at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An environmental microbiologist, her work involves looking for ways to treat and reuse water associated with oil and gas drilling.

Work on New Projects without Switching Your Job

Work on New Projects without Switching Your Job

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Jianli Xue

Jianli Xue is a research scientist at the State Food and Drugs Administration, Nanjing branch. Her PhD is in microbiology and her principal field is translational research of microbial pathogenesis.

What Do Scientists Produce: Knowledge

What Do Scientists Produce: Knowledge

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Elizabeth Bent

Dr. Elizabeth Bent’s work focuses on terrestrial microbial ecology, which she hopes to use to help boost the productivity and health of agricultural, forest, or polluted soils.

Focusing on Pure Science

Focusing on Pure Science

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Tina Morgan Ross

Tina Morgan Ross is a chemist and inventor with a large number of patents and publications to her name. Her work involves the design of drug candidates to improve the quality of life for people.

A Tremendous Learning Experience

A Tremendous Learning Experience

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Martin Gollery

Martin Gollery is a bioinformaticist who runs Tahoe Informatics, a consulting company that works with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies all around the world.

The Glue that keeps the Team Running

The Glue that keeps the Team Running

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Gustavo Figueira de Paula

Gustavo Figueira de Paula has a bachelor’s and master’s in Materials Engineering with emphasis on polymeric materials, and a PhD on Materials Science and Engineering with emphasis in technology development.

Bringing Untapped Expertise to the Table

Bringing Untapped Expertise to the Table

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Channapatna Prakash

Channapatna Prakash is a professor of plant genetics, biotechnology and genomics at Tuskegee University in Alabama. He’s currently working on the genome of peanuts and important crops in the south and in many developing countries.

Learning from Diversity

Learning from Diversity

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Perrin Beatty

Perrin Beatty’s background is in microbiology and molecular biology in bacteria, but in the last five or so years, she has transferred over to working with plants, in particular monocot crop plants. As a problem solver with IdeaConnection she received an award while participating in the crop yield Idea Rally.

Success with Every Challenge

Success with Every Challenge

Interview with IdeaConnection solver Daniel Sprockett

Problem solver Daniel Sprockett is an evolutionary developmental genetics researcher in the Kent State’s Anthropology Department. His areas of expertise include gene and genome evolution, the microbrium of the human body, and evolutionary development in fungi and metazoans.

Innovator Likes to Learn About New Areas

Innovator Likes to Learn About New Areas

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Ashish Patil

Ashish Patil came across IdeaConnection when he was searching the Internet for opportunities to use his creativity in different ways, and has so far worked on a few Technology Scouting challenges.

Valuing the Team Dynamic

Valuing the Team Dynamic

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Clark Dale

Clark Dale is the President and CEO of Bio-Process Innovation, a bio-tech R&D company that develops and licenses technologies for the industrial processing of biological materials in the production of high value bio-based fuels, products, chemicals, & commodities.

The Best Solutions come from Digging the Best Out of Yourself

The Best Solutions come from Digging the Best Out of Yourself

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Walid Fakhouri

Walid Fakhouri is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University who has so far worked on two IdeaConnection R&D challenges.

Working on Challenges is an Adventure

Working on Challenges is an Adventure

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Raj Shankarappa

Raj Shankarappa is originally from India and came to the United States for his PhD. For more than 15 years he worked on HIV, and more recently has embarked on a number of challenges for IdeaConnection.

Challenges Keep Me in the Game

Challenges Keep Me in the Game

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver Mark Schell

Emeritus professor Mark Schell has two patents to his name and a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. Here he talks about being involved in an R&D problem solving challenge, working on contingency, and why he is recommending the experience to others.

Working on Contingency Encourages Us to Do the Job

Working on Contingency Encourages Us to Do the Job

IdeaConnection interview with Problem Solver Tomy Rudyanto

Indonesia-based Tomy Rudyanto works as a government expert on agribusiness. He’s a fisheries graduate who likes creating and innovating and answering research challenges that have not been solved. Recently, he successfully completed a technology scouting challenge and received $10,000 for his efforts...

Challenges Help me to Grow as a Professional Scientist

Challenges Help me to Grow as a Professional Scientist

Interview with IdeaConnection Solver and Facilitator Helena Soares

Biologist Helena Soares is a Senior Graduate Student who will graduate this year in Microbial Evolution. She has been working on IdeaConnection challenges since October 2011 and has received an award for one, while others are still being evaluated.

Challenges Keep the Muscles in Your Head Working

Challenges Keep the Muscles in Your Head Working

Interview with IdeaConnection Solver and Facilitator Tony Contento

Tony Contento has a PhD in Molecular Biology and during the past 12 months has worked on a number of challenges for IdeaConnection as both a problem Solver and a Facilitator. He has met with success in both roles.

Happy and Excited to have Her Work Recognized

Happy and Excited to have Her Work Recognized

Interview with IdeaConnection Solver Lucy Qin

Now working in industry, Lucy Qin was based at the University of Illinois when she took up a challenge from IdeaConnection. The microbiologist has a PhD in plant pathology and worked at the university for 14 years. Her research focused on plant promoter regulation which matched well with the challenge that she took on; identifying regulatory components of promoter regions of plants.

Rally Winner Uses Funds to Educate Students

Rally Winner Uses Funds to Educate Students

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Harrys K.C. Jacob is a graduate student in a joint PhD program with the Institute of Bioinformatics in Bangalore and Manipal University, Manipal investigating cell signaling pathways in lung adenocarcinoma especially in resistant cell lines using high throughput quantitative proteomic strategies.

Idea Rally®: Exciting and Thought-Provoking

Idea Rally®: Exciting and Thought-Provoking

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Dr. Vijay Dalal has research experience in three institutes that spans over ten years after he received his MTech (Applied Botany) degree, which includes research work performed during his PhD.

An Opportunity to Learn and Share

An Opportunity to Learn and Share

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Dr. Saminathan Thangasamy has a BS in Agriculture, MS in Plant Breeding and Genetics and PhD in Biotechnology (Rice Functional Genomics).

Professionalism, Knowledge and Quality

Professionalism, Knowledge and Quality

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Dr. Ryan Fink: My background is relatively broad, I started my scientific career working towards my bachelor degree in natural population genetics of Norway spruce. I received my Ph.D. in 2000 from the University of Milan, Italy, on a research focused on the genetics and molecular biology of eukaryotic systems (plants), including the development of molecular markers, and gene mapping.

Idea Rally® adds to Solvers Successful Portfolio

Idea Rally® adds to Solvers Successful Portfolio

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Dr. T. Charles John Bhaskar has a varied background which he feels is helpful in solving varied problems. His undergraduate degree was in biochemistry, postgraduate degree in Mariculture and doctorate work was in molecular biology and biophysics.

Team Synergy Produces Successful Solutions

Team Synergy Produces Successful Solutions

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

James Threadgill is a Polymer Chemist and has worked on various scientific problems in the Tampa Bay Area for about twenty-five years, including the Space Shuttle at Honeywell.

Harnessed Expertise Produces Winning Solution

Harnessed Expertise Produces Winning Solution

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

TJ Cradick majored in Biology as an undergraduate at MIT, and completed all the coursework in Mechanical Engineering plus graduate and a med school class. He received a Masters in Immunology from UC San Francisco and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Iowa. In addition, TJ has worked in a number of biotech and consulting settings.

IdeaConnection is Like my Dream Job

IdeaConnection is Like my Dream Job

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Sanjay Parmar has completed his M.S. (Pharm) in Pharmacology & Toxicology from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, India. He is currently working as a JRF on 'biomarkers/genetic markers in angioplasty patients' project at L. M. College of Pharmacy, India. This project is also a part of his PhD work.

We are All Problem Solvers By Necessity!

We are All Problem Solvers By Necessity!

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Shane Mayack has a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Program in Immunology, from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center where she studied the role for the kinase Jak3 in effector CD4+ T lymphocyte function. After receiving her Ph.D., she was a postdoctoral fellow for 5 years at Harvard Medical School. During her postdoc, she studied blood forming (hematopoietic) stem cells and how environmental queues regulated stem cell function.

Top Solver Wins another Challenge

Top Solver Wins another Challenge

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Dr. Sandip Bharate has a PhD in Natural Products Chemistry from India with a postdoctoral experience in Medicinal Chemistry from USA. He is a pharmacist by profession and is interested in natural products and medicinal chemistry.

A Good Way to Use My Knowledge

A Good Way to Use My Knowledge

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Ivan Delgado has a Bachelor's degree and a PhD in genetics, and an MBA. He has been solving problems in both academic and industrial settings, including as a contractor, before working on problems for IdeaConnection.

Solvers provide valuable Intellectual Property for Seeker

Solvers provide valuable Intellectual Property for Seeker

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Julia Skripka-Serry has a Master's degree in Drug Discovery and a Bachelor's in Biotechnology. This is the second challenge she has worked on.

Crowdsourcing Provides People with Opportunities to Solve Problems

Crowdsourcing Provides People with Opportunities to Solve Problems

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Sekhar Konjeti was trained in organic chemistry initially and obtained his Ph.D. in organic/medicinal chemistry. He is now a Research Professor in Vanderbilt University working on drug development for cancer. He has gained experience in biology, molecular biology and cell signaling over the years through his research. He has successfully solved 6 Innocentive challenges and two team challenges through IdeaConnection.

A Good Way to Use My Talents

A Good Way to Use My Talents

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Prasun Pradhan did his postdoctoral research in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis, and is presently working as a scientist at TCGLS.

Solving Challenges: A Rewarding Experience

Solving Challenges: A Rewarding Experience

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Paul Comet's academic background is in Geology (MS) from London University (UK). He also has a doctorate from Bristol University (UK) in organic geochemistry (biomarkers or "chemical fossils").

Committed Team Members Give All They Can

Committed Team Members Give All They Can

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Keith Everett is a system and hardware designer working currently in the Biotech/Pharma business. He is a biologist by education with extensive experience in Biotech and analysis related automation, process design and hardware design for plant-based production systems.

More Satisfying to Share a Success

More Satisfying to Share a Success

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Stefano Biondi graduated from the University of Bologna with a degree in chemistry, and worked as a medicinal and pharmaceutical chemist for more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, where he held senior positions in research and development.

Achieving Solutions You Couldn't Achieve Alone

Achieving Solutions You Couldn't Achieve Alone

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Stuart Levy, PhD, is a Principal Consultant at SGL Chemistry Consulting, focused on the advancement of small molecules from discovery into clinical trials, since May 2010. Dr. Levy has broad and significant experience in troubleshooting and solving problems in the pharmaceutical industry related to chemical and pharmaceutical development.

Solving Problems and Social Networking

Solving Problems and Social Networking

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Raico Ernesto Laria Lamela completed his Bachelor degree in Biochemistry at the University of Havana, graduated with Honors in 1998. Four years later while working for the Centre of Fisheries Research in Havana city he got his Master Degree in Marine Biology and Aquaculture.

Different Views Cause Creativity

Different Views Cause Creativity

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver

David Neslony teaches vocals, including proper diction for speaking and singing. He has also taught and played most stringed musical instruments. He is a "natural born" solution catalyst, seeing multiple paths to a solution where none seem to exist.

Solvers from Diverse Countries achieve Successful Results

Solvers from Diverse Countries achieve Successful Results

IdeaConnection Interview with a Problem Solver

By Jane Mundy
Francis Cho received a PhD in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas, and is the CEO and co-founder of VoRo Technology LLC.

Companies Only Pay for Viable Solutions

Companies Only Pay for Viable Solutions

IdeaConnection Interview with a Problem Solver

Charles John Bhaskar is Managing Director of GeoMarine Biotechnologies (P) Ltd, a biotechnology research company with a focus on research, education and training, especially in marine biotechnology. He is one of the three innovation specialists in India and the first person in his country to commercialize indigenous probiotics in Aquaculture.

A Marvelous Release of Mental Energy

A Marvelous Release of Mental Energy

IdeaConnection Interview with a Problem Solver

Doug Kenfield’s background is primarily a combination of three things; biology, medicine and chemistry and to combine all those three interests he spent much of his career focusing on plants. His PhD is in plant pathology and 30 years ago he was working in biomimicry long before the field was considered cool.

Success with First Ever Challenge

Success with First Ever Challenge

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Graham Hallson’s background is in molecular biology and he’s currently working on his PhD at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. A huge fan of problem solving he completed a successful challenge on his very first attempt and spoke to IdeaConnection about his experience.

Diverse Teams Provide Insight

Diverse Teams Provide Insight

IdeaConnection Interview with a Problem Solver

John Pisciotta obtained his PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 2007 in the department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. At the time he was studying Plasmodium falciparum, the disease-causing agent responsible for malaria. His objective was to figure out how the malaria parasite ingests hemoglobin after invading the red blood cell, and then degrades it for its own nutrients.

You are Stronger When you are More than One

You are Stronger When you are More than One

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Joseph Hawumba carried out the first study in Uganda on the characterization of thermophile bacteria from Ugandan hot springs. The research was for his Master’s degree in Biochemistry which he completed in 1997. Two years later he was off to the University of Pretoria in South Africa where he worked on his PhD.

When You Have a Tough Problem it’s Good to Collaborate

When You Have a Tough Problem it’s Good to Collaborate

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Gary Vardon has a BS from Metro State College in Denver and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University and over 26 years of professional experience with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). He is also the author of Do It Right and Consulting for Profit published by PublishAmerica.

Using Other People's Knowledge to Increase Your Own

Using Other People's Knowledge to Increase Your Own

Interview with an IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Andrew Kyle trained as a mechanical engineer, and since leaving university has been involved in a lot of technology start-ups and alternative energy companies. For the last few years he has used his experience to branch out into consulting, and he has one patent to his name.

100 Percent Solve Rate

100 Percent Solve Rate

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver

Prashant Agrawal was born in India and studied for his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry in his native country. In 2002 he moved to the Netherlands to do his PhD in biophysical chemistry. He is now working on the European project, MediTrans: targeted delivery of nanomedicine using molecular imaging.

Green Power Solution

Green Power Solution

Interview with IdeaConnection Problem Solver

David Leithauser, a solver from the United States majored in physics for two years before switching to marine engineering and then finally to electrical engineering. He has a broad background in science and engineering and devours scientific literature.


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