Jim Tusa became VP of Product Development in early 2007 and brings over 26 years of experience in Research and Development of analytical and medical diagnostic systems. In the course of his career he has held various levels of R&D management at multiple start-up companies leading to successful acquisition by large companies such as 3M, Roche Diagnostics, Idexx, and Chugai. Most recently, Tusa was VP R&D at Osmetech Corp., recently acquired in late 2006 by Idexx Corp., where he led the development of two new in vitro diagnostic point-of-care systems for measurement of critical care blood analytes using disposable optical biosensors. Before that Tusa held the position of Director, R&D and New Technology at Roche Diagnostics, where he managed early development of a handheld fluorometer system for measurement of whole blood analytes such as blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, and hemoglobins. Before that he was VP R&D and Engineering at AVL Medical Corp., where for eight years he managed the development and successful growth of a line of diagnostic products leading to AVL�s acquisition in 2000 by Roche Diagnostics. In addition he was Manager of Systems Integration at CDI Inc., leading to acquisition in 1988 by 3M Corp. In between positions, Tusa has taught college chemistry and consulted for a year on development of a glucose-sensing contact lens with CIBA-Vision. Jim has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from University of Chicago, has completed all coursework toward an MBA at UCLA, and holds B.A. degrees in chemistry and physics from Carleton College. |