Meet the Scientists of Gateway Analytical

Exceptional minds. Diverse expertise. Click on the links below to learn more about the expert scientists of Gateway Analytical.

• David Exline, Senior Vice President
• Oksana Olkhovyk, Ph.D., Senior Scientist
• Cara Plese, Forensic Scientist
• Antonio Scatena, Scientist

David Exline, Senior Vice President

Education:
M.S., Forensics Science; University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1995
B.A., Biology; Slippery Rock University, 1993

Overview:
David Exline has more than 15 years of experience in managing and administering analytical laboratory and consulting services. As Senior Vice President of Gateway Analytical, he oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, business growth and service areas.

Specialized Areas:
Although familiar with analytical practices in several industries, David’s expertise lies in the forensics, materials science and pharmaceutical realms. As a court-qualified expert in the area of trace evidence examination, he has instructed law enforcement agencies, attorneys and students in the collection, preservation and examination of various types of trace evidence, including hairs, fibers and paints. In addition to his forensics background, David is adept in numerous pharmaceutical-related services and testing methods including: materials characterization, particulate contamination analysis, particle sizing and high-resolution microscopy.

Analytical Techniques:
Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Expertise also includes experience in implementation of ASTM and USP testing methods.

Professional Affiliations and Accolades:
American Board of Criminalistics, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists, International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts and the Forensic Science Society

1999 American Academy of Forensic Sciences Regional Award, 1999 International Association of Forensic Sciences Emerging Forensic Scientist Continental Award

Download executive interview from Drug Delivery Technology Magazine:
Gateway Analytical: Conventional & Novel Analytical Testing Services for Drug Development

Oksana Olkhovyk, Ph.D., Senior Scientist

Education:
Ph.D., Physical Chemistry; Kent State University, 2007
M.S., Chemical Engineering; Lviv Polytechnic University, 2000
B.S., Chemical Engineering and Industrial Ecology; Lviv Polytechnic University, 1999

Overview:
Dr. Oksana Olkhovyk has broad materials characterization experience, applying her expertise in physical chemistry and materials science to advance the application and development of chemical imaging technology and instrumentation. In addition, Oksana has conducted research related to carbon materials and energy projects.

As a Senior Scientist at Gateway Analytical, Oksana develops analytical methods for materials analysis and other studies that support key commercial projects.

Specialized Areas:
Oksana’s areas of expertise include: optical spectroscopy and microscopy; innovative applications of hyperspectral imaging, materials synthesis and characterization; surface chemistry; chemical modification of ordered mesoporous silica: post-synthesis and one-pot synthesis; surface functionalization/silanization; and synthesis of carbon nanostructures using various catalyst systems and reactor conditions.

Analytical Techniques:
Raman, NIR and fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging technology, and instrumentation; NMR, FTIR, XRD, SAXS, high-resolution thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis experimental experience; UV/VIS Spectrophotometric skills for analytical purposes; and gas sorption analysis and related computational expertise in characterization of porous materials

Professional Affiliations:
Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh

Cara Plese, Forensic Scientist

Education:
Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
Master of Science degree in Forensic Science.

Overview:
Cara is from the Pittsburgh area, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from La Roche College in Pittsburgh in 2009. Cara earned her Master of Science degree in Forensic Science in 2011 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Cara’s specific concentrations for her Master’s Degree was trace evidence and physical evidence. Cara is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS), and the America Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE).

 

Antonio Scatena, Scientist

Education:
B.S., Biochemistry; Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2008

Overview:
Antonio Scatena possesses more than two years of forensic and pharmaceutical laboratory experience working within a cGMP and ISO-based quality assurance environment. As a Scientist at Gateway Analytical, Antonio executes the day-to-day technical operations in the lab, liaises with clients and serves as their scientific resource.

Specialized Areas:
Antonio is well versed in the identification and characterization of foreign particulate using a variety of analytical instruments and routinely performs comparative analyses to determine the potential sources of contamination. Antonio’s experience also includes materials characterization by means of high -resolution microscopy.

Analytical Techniques:
Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Professional Affiliations:
The American Association for the Advancement of Science
The American Chemical Society