Meet the Aspire Team
Scientific Leadership:

Dr. Ian N. Askill, Ph.D. Founder, President, Chairman Board of Directors

Dr. Askill has been developing biomaterials and medical devices for over 40 years. His innovations and leadership have been responsible for the development and commercialization of medical devices generating millions of dollars for client companies. Dr. Askill has a proven track record of innovation across the medical spectrum. He is the author of 25 issued US patents, covering a range of technologies including wound care, infection control, esophageal testing, and device sterilization.

During his career, Dr. Askill has developed a reputation for providing leadership in medical device development.  He has been responsible for evaluating emerging technologies and guiding new device development for many employers and clients, including Fortune 500 companies. Dr. Askill has held officer-level positions for several start-up companies, culminating in his founding of Aspire Biotech, Inc.

Dr. Askill has been active in the local science/business community, including the Science Advisory Board of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; the Advisory Board of the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC); the Citizens Advisory Group of the Electric Integrated Resource Plan for the local utility; Board of the South Eastern Colorado Renewable Energy Society. Dr. Askill is a strong advocate for educational advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and enjoys mentoring young entrepreneurs.

Candi, Chief Financial Officer

Candi has been with Aspire Biotech since August of 2003.  She is currently the company’s Chief Financial Officer responsible for accounting, administrative, financial, purchasing, and shipping activities.  She also serves as the corporation’s Secretary/Treasurer.

She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Candi has work experience with large and small companies in various capacities. She has done volunteer work throughout the community with her local school district, church, and other organizations.

Lori, Vice President of Operations

Lori holds a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry. She began research with polymers during graduate school as a NASA Graduate Research Fellow at NASA Langley, Virginia, earning her Master’s degree from Old Dominion University in 1996. She received a Mini-MBA in Engineering & Technology Management from Rutgers Business School in 2021. Her work experience has given her exposure across many industries from working in the mechanical heart valve industry to R&D at one of the worldwide leaders in genotyping. Lori has been with Aspire Biotech since 2009, working in areas from analytical testing to management roles. Lori works closely with our customers on project planning and stability studies. She is involved with all aspects of monomer supply, scheduling, R&D formulating, testing, manufacturing, pricing, data reporting and product release. In addition, Lori is the Mangement Representative for Aspire Biotech.

Phuong (Fern), Quality Assurance Manager

Phuong joined the Aspire Biotech team in 2018.  She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology.  She has worked as a Quality & Research Lab Specialist for more than ten years performing various analytical testing methods for product’s conformance and ensuring product’s quality for release.  Phuong’s understanding of the both laboratory and QA environments make her a key team member. At Aspire Biotech, Inc., Phuong is responsible for managing the Quality System and ensuring activities are performed in accordance with our Quality Policy which states, “We Commit to Exceed Customer Expectations and Meet Regulatory Requirements by Maintaining Quality System Effectiveness, Innovation and Service.”

HL, Lead Manufacturing Engineer

HL joined our team from the biomedical manufacturing field as our Lead Manufacturing Engineer in May of 2023. He studied Industrial and Systems Engineering at Ohio University and has focused on new product introduction and process/product validation with his work experience. HL’s current focus lies in the development of new processes and capabilities at Aspire Biotech Inc. 

Barb, Head of Laboratory Sciences

Barb started with Aspire Biotech in 2011. Barb has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico. She is involved with manufacturing, formulation, release testing and contract testing at Aspire. She conducts GC testing, HPLC testing, moisture, set time and titrations. She works closely with customers on method development, method verification and formal reporting. Barb also trains technical personnel in proper laboratory technique and instrument methodology.

Karen, Analytical Chemist

Karen joined Aspire Biotech in August 2022.  Karen has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.  She conducts routine laboratory procedures to provide onsite support to manufacturing through the analysis of raw materials and release testing of formulated products. Karen performs a variety of test methods to include GC testing and HPLC testing.

Nick, Operations Lead

Nick joined our team in 2014. Nick's extensive experience in mechanical refurbishment has made him an invaluable asset in equipment maintenance at Aspire. Nick is intricately involved with manufacturing/distillation and formulation. He also helps with analytical testing and provides many support functions of the lab. Nick is responsible for vapor polishing and any other project that we can throw at him. In his spare time, Nick enjoys rebuilding cars and frequently wins car shows.

Milo, Operations Scientist I

Milo Joined Aspire Biotech in May of 2023. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a focus on microbiology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Milo is involved with manufacturing/distillation and formulation, as well as analytical testing and biological support.

Josh, Operations Consultant

Josh was employed by Aspire from 2019-2022 and now consults for us on various projects. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Life Science Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. During his time at VCU, he was involved in surface science research and held several intern positions in the HVAC industry.

Susan, Quality Assurance Advisor

Susan has over 28 years of experience in contract analytical chemistry and research and development laboratories. Her experience ranges from analytical method development to Quality Systems development. She has developed Quality Systems for compliance to US EPA and US FDA regulations. Prior to joining Aspire Biotech, Inc., she served seven years as Laboratory Director at Colorado Analytical Research and Development Corporation. Through her experience in the laboratory and her experience in industries under GLP and GMP regulations, Susan has an advisory role in ensuring that Aspire Biotech, Inc. performs their activities in accordance with Quality Policy.