Management
Our management team excels in both analytical and bioanalytical expertise, offering unparalleled support for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. With a strong focus on quality management, we deliver innovative and reliable solutions, ensuring precise and accurate results for our clients.
XUENING (JAMES) HUANG, PhD
CEO/CTO, Co-founder
Xuening (James) Huang, PhD
Dr. Huang has extensive management experiences in the biotechnology service industry. Before he joined Avance Biosciences™, he held senior management positions in several biotechnology service companies. He was the Site Manager and Director of Operations at Lark/Cogenics, where he helped to engineered a company restructure and led the site to a successful turn-around in business performance. Dr. Huang is a trained chemist and has an extensive track record of process development and improvement.
DAVID WALL, PhD
Senior VP of Quality, Co-founder
David Wall, PhD
Dr. Wall brings more than 20 years of experience in the molecular biology and microbiology industry and has a profound knowledge of both GxP quality compliance and the biological sciences. Graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science and a Doctorate in Genetics, Dr. Wall began his career in the genotyping industry. From there, he worked for 15 years at Lark/Cogenics, where he served in multiple key positions such as Study Director, Laboratory Director, and Director of Quality and managed numerous large-scale genomic testing projects for major pharmaceutical companies around the world. During his career, he has hosted over 300 customer audits and led in three successful FDA inspections. In addition to his role as the company’s VP of Quality, Dr. Wall provides leadership in the areas of finance, HR and facilities management.
LI (KIMBERLY) LI, PhD
Senior VP of Strategic Development, Co-founder
Li (Kimberly) Li, PhD
Dr. Li is a Co-founder of Avance Biosciences™ Inc. and the senior Vice President of Strategic Development. Previously, she held positions of Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Project Management at Avance Biosciences™ from 2011 to 2021. Prior to joining Avance Biosciences™, she served as laboratory director and study director at Lark/Cogenics. In the past 20 years, she has managed many GLP preclinical and clinical projects in support of clients’ drug discovery and development studies, safety and toxicology studies, as well as GMP manufactured biologics quality control testing.
CAL FROBERG
Senior VP of Sales & Marketing
Cal Froberg
Mr. Froberg has worked in the life science tools and services industry for over 20 years serving in a variety of roles from product management to sales channel/distribution management to senior level positions in sales & marketing and operations. He has worked for some of the leaders in the industry including Sigma Aldrich and VWR Scientific, as well as with leading genomic services companies. Additionally, Mr. Froberg founded Scientific Sales Solutions which helped sales organizations connect to and develop business with life science research organizations in academia, government and industry. Prior to his role as VP of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Froberg worked with Avance Biosciences™ for several years as a consultant assisting with in the area of sales, marketing and strategic operations. Mr. Froberg has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
JAMES FROST III
VP of IT & Engineering
James Frost III
Mr. Frost has over 35 years of executive management experience in the clinical and biotechnology service industries and is the founder of two biotechnology companies: Genosys Biotechnologies, Inc. (sold to Sigma Aldrich) and BioTx Automation, Inc. Prior to joining Avance, as Director of Lab and Automation at Quest Diagnostics, he led his team’s successful development, validation, and implementation of an automated mag bead-based cell isolation process for use with Oxford’s T-SPOT.TB test in the world’s largest TB testing facility in Memphis, TN. He is an expert VBA programmer with many years of experience integrating lab equipment with LIS, SAP, Excel, Access, VB.Net, MySQL, and SQL server. Mr. Frost leads Avance’s IT and Engineering teams. His teams are responsible for automating lab assays, integrating lab equipment, and ensuring Avance’s network security/data protection in a GXP environment. Mr. Frost graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.
CHRIS HEBEL
VP of Marketing
Chris Hebel
Mr. Hebel is the Vice President of Marketing at Avance Biosciences, bringing over three decades of experience in biotechnology, genomics, and molecular diagnostics. With a strong background in product development, commercialization, and strategic marketing, Mr. Hebel has played a key role in the growth of multiple biotech start-ups and mid-sized companies. Before joining Avance Biosciences, he held leadership positions at LC Sciences, VisiGen Biotechnologies, and other pioneering life science companies. Mr. Hebel specializes in aligning innovation with market needs, driving brand strategy, and expanding business opportunities. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
QI ZHU, PhD
Senior Director of
Biological Studies
Qi Zhu, PhD
Dr. Qi Zhu is a seasoned scientist with over 20 years of experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics across both academia and industry. His expertise spans genomic data analysis, protein biochemistry, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and biochemical assay development. Dr. Zhu has made significant contributions to elucidating molecular mechanisms through large-scale data integration, structural biology, and advanced bioinformatics strategies. With a strong record of scientific publications, he has collaborated with leading institutions to advance molecular diagnostics and therapeutic target identification. His multidisciplinary expertise and leadership in complex research projects continue to drive innovation in genomics, biochemistry, and computational biology.
FADE GONG, PhD
Senior Director of
Biologics Quality Control
Fade Gong, PhD
Dr. Gong is an experienced leader in biotechnology, currently serving as Senior Director of Biologics QC Division at Avance Biosciences. With a robust background in advanced biomedical technologies, Dr. Gong provides strategic guidance and technical leadership to scientific teams, ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering superior outcomes for client projects. Previously, Dr. Gong held pivotal roles including Director and Associate Director within Avance Biosciences’ Biologics Studies Division, specializing in the development of advanced assays and management of GxP projects. Dr Gong earned a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. Driven by a profound passion for innovation and scientific excellence, Dr. Gong remains at the forefront of pioneering research endeavors, pushing the boundaries of biotechnological advancements. Their contributions continue to fuel Avance Biosciences’ growth and success in the industry.
ELENA RONDÓN
Director of Compliance & GLP
Elena Rondón
Ms. Rondón began her career as a microbiologist in Puerto Rico, quickly advancing into Quality Management Systems. Her expertise extends across diverse sectors such as Medical Devices, Food, and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), where she consistently ensures compliance with stringent ISO standards and FDA regulations. Since 2016, Ms. Rondón has served as liaison between Avance Biosciences and its clientele. Her responsibilities have encompassed managing over 200 third-party audits, ensuring stringent adherence to industry standards.
JUAN HOYOS
Director of GMP Quality
Juan Hoyos
Mr. Hoyos holds Bachelor in Chemistry and Master’s degree in Quality Assurance and has served the Pharmaceutical Industry for more than 20 years in diverse Quality Assurance positions. In Merck Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Hoyos held the QA product release officer position in the Argentinean market for nine years. He completed the certification as a quality auditor for non-sterile pharmaceutical production while auditing suppliers and contract manufacturing operations in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. At Avance Biosciences, Juan Hoyos leads the Quality Assurance Unit of the Biologics Quality Control (BQC) Division, and is in charge of the company’s Quality Management System and the review/ approval of GMP projects and assays.
HANG VU, PhD
Director of Biologics Quality Control Lab Operations
Hang Vu, PhD
Dr. Vu is a seasoned leader in biotechnology with extensive experience in laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and project management. As the Director of Operation for Biologic QC at Avance Biosciences, she oversees laboratory operations and project management teams, ensuring efficiency, quality, and regulatory adherence while delivering superior client outcomes. Before transitioning to the biotechnology industry, Dr. Vu received an Assistant Professor position at Hiroshima University and conducted groundbreaking research in cardiovascular medicine and post-translational modifications at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas A&M University. She holds a Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Anatomy from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan, and has contributed to multiple high-impact scientific publications. Dr. Vu’s expertise spans advanced biomedical technologies, quality control, and operational leadership, making her a key driver of innovation and excellence in the field.
YE TAO, PhD
Director of Biological Studies
Lab Operations
Ye Tao, PhD
Dr. Tao is an accomplished leader in biological sciences. With over 20 years of extensive experience in biological research, Dr. Tao expertly leads the Biologic Studies Operation Team to successfully complete client projects. Her expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including molecular biology, cell biology, protein science, microbiology, and immunology, making her a versatile and innovative force in the field. Dr. Tao brings a wealth of knowledge in laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and project management, ensuring both efficiency and strict adherence to industry standards. Before joining Avance Biosciences, Dr. Tao was a highly productive researcher at the Texas Medical Center, where she honed her skills in cutting-edge biological studies. Dr. Tao earned a Ph.D. from the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, laying a strong foundation for her distinguished career. Known for her innovative approach and commitment to scientific excellence, Dr. Tao consistently delivers superior outcomes for clients while advancing the company’s mission. Her leadership and expertise continue contributing to Avance Biosciences’ success and reputation as a leader in the biotechnology industry.