Meet the team

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Deep Space Therapeutics was founded in December 2023 with the mission of developing innovative therapies for all life on Earth and into the beyond... Dreaming of growing plants and human cells in space captivated Chris from a very early age and the sole basis of DST. As an 'Aspiring NASA Astronaut', Chris has a fully submitted astronaut application being evaluated by NASA for the class of 2025. His aspirations hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, space explorers, and dreamers. 

Dr. Miller's expertise comes from a 12+ year background in molecular biology working with iPSCs and adipose-derived MSCs for understanding the complexities of inherited retinal diseases and regenerative medicine, respectively. In cell culture experiments, Chris has a vast experience in the production of retinal organoids, retinal pigmented epithelium, and incorporated prime editing/CrisprCas9 genomic editing strategies for understanding causality of inherited retinal diseases. Additionally, he has performed differentiation studies with adipose-derived MSCs using bioactive nanoparticles. Lab expertise with western blots, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescent imaging, histological staining, bacterial studies, plasmid construction, golden gate assembly, Sanger and NGS sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA and RNA isolation, and statistical analysis. 

Furthermore, Chris trains for marathons & ironman triathlons and looks to break into the professional scene for Ironman & PTO events in 2024! Currently seeking sponsorship and branding opportunities. 

Dr. Ramona Travis has mentored and been an advisor to Chris over the past 5 years since their time together with NASAiTech's 'Ignite the Night' Series.  Through this program, entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses receive support to build, mature, and commercialize their technologies, advancing NASA missions and helping solve important problems facing our country. Ramona was Chief Technologist for Stennis Space Center for over 20 years (retired 2023), and today she continues to provide support and mentorship to Chris's endeavors as a space explorer. 

Ramona's passion has everything to do with commitment, drive, and a natural curiosity about our own Earth and what’s beyond. “I’ve always been fascinated with our place as humans in the grand scheme of the world and the larger universe,” she said. As a young woman, she looked up at the stars and memorized the constellations. Today, she is the one who is looked up to… and the types of configurations she now memorizes are different yet just as complex. Thank you will truly never be enough.

Louise has a Doctorate in Management & Information Systems and a Former CIA operative with 'Top secret Clearance' in satellite operations through Raytheon. She was involved in missile guided coding for +20 years. She has an extensive background in managing large scale operations and guiding financial decisions throughout her career. 

Stefanie has a doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from The University of Illinois Chicago. Her work in the lab led to a career in biotech as a leader in a variety of capacities. Stefanie has vast product marketing experience with a passion for storytelling and a mind for data. She loves finding ways to turn scientific and technical facts into action-driving narratives. "I believe great products are the result of constant iteration - a great solution needs great customer insights to have the biggest impact." 

Khooshboo Dani Parekh brings four years of rich experience in entrepreneurship, aerospace engineering, and advanced research at the International Space Safety Foundation and the Center for Space Nuclear Research at Idaho National Laboratory. With a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, she founded Spacedani to share space industry breakthroughs and connect industry leaders, researchers, and enthusiasts. As the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer at SpaceLab and the Director of Space Technologies at Deep Space Therapeutics, Khooshboo is dedicated to promoting diversity and translating space research into practical healthcare solutions. She also actively advocates for space exploration through her work with the National Space Society (NSS), inspiring youth to engage in STEM initiatives.