Leadership
The Boulder Peptide Foundation is led by a volunteer team of experts dedicated to advancing peptide science and fostering community collaboration.
The Boulder Peptide Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors with overall responsibility for advancing the Foundation’s mission.
The Scientific Advisory Board consists of key opinion leaders and preeminent experts drawn from both academic and industry backgrounds with expertise in peptide and protein therapeutics. The Scientific Advisory Board has the primary responsibility for organizing the scientific program for the Boulder Peptide Symposium.
All members of the leadership team serve in a purely voluntary capacity and follow our Conflict-of Interest policy.
Directors
The Boulder Peptide Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of leaders from academia and industry committed to advancing peptide research and innovation.
YVONNE ANGELL, PH.D.
REBECCA NOFSINGER, PH.D.
SYED REZA, PH.D., M.D.
KEVIN MCCOWEN
KEVIN MCCOWEN
Treasurer, Member Board of Directors
Kevin McCowen is the Founder of McCowen Analytical Contract Labs (MAC-Labs) in San Diego. Kevin began his career in bioanalytical chemistry at Amylin Pharmaceuticals in the early 2000s, working as a mass spectrometrist focused on discovering novel therapeutic peptides. During his tenure, he contributed to the development and commercialization of Symlin and Byetta. After nearly a decade at Amylin, he held R&D positions at ARUP Laboratories in Utah and Prometheus Laboratories in San Diego, where he developed diagnostic tests for newborn screening and the commercially available ANSER Dx. Subsequently, Kevin served as Supervisor of Analytical Development at Aji Bio-Pharma Services for five years. He then transitioned to roles in marketing and sales, including Manager of Vertical Marketing at Thermo Scientific and Regional Sales Manager for the Western U.S. and Canada at Wyatt Technology. In 2022, he founded MAC-Labs, a contract analytical chemistry provider in San Diego. Throughout his career, Kevin has contributed to multiple publications in peer reviewed scientific journals. Kevin holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Utah, where he investigated peptide exchange reactions with major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.
Kevin McCowen is the Founder of McCowen Analytical Contract Labs (MAC-Labs) in San Diego. Kevin began his career in bioanalytical chemistry at Amylin Pharmaceuticals in the early 2000s, working as a mass spectrometrist focused on discovering novel therapeutic peptides. During his tenure, he contributed to the development and commercialization of Symlin and Byetta. After nearly a decade at Amylin, he held R&D positions at ARUP Laboratories in Utah and Prometheus Laboratories in San Diego, where he developed diagnostic tests for newborn screening and the commercially available ANSER Dx. Subsequently, Kevin served as Supervisor of Analytical Development at Aji Bio-Pharma Services for five years. He then transitioned to roles in marketing and sales, including Manager of Vertical Marketing at Thermo Scientific and Regional Sales Manager for the Western U.S. and Canada at Wyatt Technology. In 2022, he founded MAC-Labs, a contract analytical chemistry provider in San Diego. Throughout his career, Kevin has contributed to multiple publications in peer reviewed scientific journals. Kevin holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Utah, where he investigated peptide exchange reactions with major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.
Betsy Powell
Co-Manager of the Boulder Peptide Foundation
Betsy Powell is a conference management professional based in San Diego, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and her MBA from Ball State University with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration, building a strong foundation in strategic planning, business development, and marketing.
Lauren Cline, Ph.D
Lauren Cline, Ph.D
Co-Manager of the Boulder Peptide Foundation
Lauren Cline has extensive experience managing non-profit professional organizations in the field of peptide science. Her passion for peptides began as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Joel Schneider’s lab at the University of Delaware, where she earned her B.S. in Biochemistry in 2004. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009 under the mentorship of Dr. Marcey Waters, focusing on the design of peptides that bind RNA. Following her doctoral work, Lauren conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. Steve Regen’s lab at Lehigh University, studying membrane-active compounds. In 2017, she became the Association Manager for the American Peptide Society, where she supports the global peptide community through strategic leadership and organizational management. In 2022, she also joined the Boulder Peptide Foundation team, furthering her commitment to advancing peptide research and collaboration. Be sure to say hello to Lauren at the next peptide conference—you’ll likely find her helping to make it all run smoothly!
Lauren Cline has extensive experience managing non-profit professional organizations in the field of peptide science. Her passion for peptides began as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Joel Schneider’s lab at the University of Delaware, where she earned her B.S. in Biochemistry in 2004. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009 under the mentorship of Dr. Marcey Waters, focusing on the design of peptides that bind RNA. Following her doctoral work, Lauren conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. Steve Regen’s lab at Lehigh University, studying membrane-active compounds. In 2017, she became the Association Manager for the American Peptide Society, where she supports the global peptide community through strategic leadership and organizational management. In 2022, she also joined the Boulder Peptide Foundation team, furthering her commitment to advancing peptide research and collaboration. Be sure to say hello to Lauren at the next peptide conference—you’ll likely find her helping to make it all run smoothly!