Robert Nagele, PhD
Founder & CSO
Robert G. Nagele, PhD, is a Professor of Geriatrics and Gerontology in the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging at Rowan University. He is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Durin Technologies, Inc. He obtained his PhD from Rutgers University and post-doctoral training at Rutgers Medical School. His research has spanned a wide variety of topics. For the past 20 years, much of his work has focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, especially the role of blood-brain barrier compromise and brain-reactive autoantibodies in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Nagele has published over 130 research articles in peer reviewed journals, has served as the research thesis mentor for over 50 PhD, DO/PhD, and MS students and has mentored numerous medical, graduate, and undergraduate students. Dr. Nagele is the recipient of numerous awards including a State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly Joint Legislature Resolution in recognition of his development of a new diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease, the Ginsburg “Alzheimer’s Visionary Award”, the Beehler Research Mentor of the Year Award, the 2016 and 2017 Global Innovator Award from Rowan University, the 2017 Health Institute of New Jersey Research Award, and the 2020 Research Council of New Jersey Edison Patent Award.
Benjamin Belinka, PhD
CEO & President
Benjamin Belinka, PhD is the President and CEO of Durin Technologies. Dr. Belinka obtained his Ph.D. in chemistry from State University of NY at Binghamton and has over 28 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry as both a scientist and executive. Beginning his career at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (now Novartis) in 1981, where he supervised process research and development laboratories in both the United States and Switzerland, Dr. Belinka extensively participated in all aspects of the preclinical development of a number of drug candidates designed to combat a variety of disease indications. After moving to Cytogen Corporation six years later, Dr. Belinka, as Assistant Director of Preclinical Research & Chemistry, managed research laboratories and supported the advancement of the company’s diagnostic and bone pain agents through preclinical and clinical development. Joining VectraMed, Inc. in 1998 as its Director of Chemistry and later as Vice President, Dr. Belinka was responsible for designing the company’s proprietary drug delivery technology, organizing and setting up its research facilities, and negotiating cooperative research programs with major pharmaceutical organizations such as (Elan, Pfizer, Ethicon, & Aventis) providing over $7 million in revenue. Dr. Belinka has more than a dozen scientific publications and abstracts and 15 patents.
Cassandra DeMarshall, PhD
Director of Research
Dr. DeMarshall is the Director of Research at Durin Technologies Inc., with over a decade of experience in bioinformatics and neurodegenerative disease diagnostics. Dr. DeMarshall received a BA in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University, New Jersey, and an MS in Biomedical Science from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She obtained her doctoral degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Rowan University, New Jersey. Dr. DeMarshall completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. DeMarshall has published over a dozen scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, as well as numerous conference abstracts.
Jeffrey Viviano, PhD
Lead Scientist and Laboratory Manager
Jeffrey Viviano is truly a valued member of the Durin Technologies Inc. family. Dr. Viviano, is the Lead Scientist and Laboratory Manager at Durin Technologies. He received a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Stockton University. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Afterwards, he completed a successful postdoc at the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Viviano's efforts have produced a patent application, several peer reviewed first author publications, and dozens of abstracts at international conferences.
Abhirup Sarkar, PhD
Research Scientist
Personable and detail-oriented, Dr. Sarkar is a Research Scientist at Durin Technologies. He received a MS in Clinical Biochemistry from Manipal University, India and was a faculty member of Biochemistry at Kasturba Medical College, India. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
George Godsey, PhD
Research Scientist
Our most recent addition to the team, Dr. Godsey is a Research Scientist — and plays a crucial role in managing the day to day operations of Durin Technologies Inc.. He obtained his doctoral degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from Rowan University’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Stratford, New Jersey.