Who We Are

We’re revolutionizing chemical production while creating a positive impact.

With our patented bioreactor technology, we’re creating the first bio-based chemicals that are not only affordable but transform byproducts and waste into valuable materials for humanity.
Capra Biosciences

The Inspiration Behind the Idea

Meet Our Team

We are building a team who shares our excitement about what’s possible when you bring together smart, creative talent and apply it to some of the biggest challenges we face today.
Elizabeth Onderko, Capra Biosciences

Elizabeth Onderko

Co-Founder & CEO
Elizabeth Onderko, Capra Biosciences

Elizabeth Onderko

Co-Founder & CEO

Liz has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University where she focused on the factors governing Cytochrome P450 catalysis – a critical enzyme in many natural product synthesis pathways. As a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory, Elizabeth invented the biofilm bioreactor being commercialized by Capra Biosciences, Inc.

Andrew Magyar

Andrew Magyar

Co-Founder
Andrew Magyar

Andrew Magyar

Co-Founder & CTO

Andrew has a Ph.D. in materials science from MIT, where he developed new bio-templated materials for photocatalytic water splitting. As a Harvard University postdoctoral fellow, he studied the chemical composition and optical properties of ommochrome-containing pigment granules from cuttlefish. Andrew previously served as principal scientist at Draper Laboratory where he led large teams and complex R&D projects.
Ahmad Mo Khalil, Capra Biosciences

Ahmad (Mo) Khalil

Advisor
Ahmad Mo Khalil, Capra Biosciences

Ahmad (Mo) Khalil

Advisor
Among his many achievements, BU Professor Mo Khalil invented “eVOLVER,” an open-source, flexible, and scalable continuous culture platform. An expert in synthetic biology, Mo is a great fit to advise on Capra’s innovative bioreactor technology.
Max Mankin, Capra Biosciences

Max Mankin

Advisor
Max Mankin, Capra Biosciences

Max Mankin

Advisor
Max Mankin, PhD, is the co-founder and CTO of Modern Electron, a Seattle-based start-up who aspires to generate cheap, modular, and reliable electricity for all. Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 selected Max in their Science Class of 2016 for his leadership role in Modern Electron.
Bonnie Harper

Bonnie Harper

Biochemist

Bonnie has a Master’s Degree in biochemistry from George Mason University. Like Capra, Bonnie’s experience spans biology and chemistry. She started her career studying synthetic organic chemistry before transitioning to biochemistry at George Mason where she researched mass spec peptidomics. At Capra, Bonnie applies biology to perform complex synthetic organic chemistry – all inside our microorganism.

Stephanie Molina

Stephanie Molina

Synthetic Biologist

Stephanie Molina

Stephanie Molina

Synthetic Biologist

Stephanie has a Master’s Degree in microbiology and immunology from Georgetown University. Stephanie served on the front lines of the COVID pandemic, working as a diagnostics lab VALOR intern at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Stephanie’s Georgetown research included the study of woodchucks to better understand human infection. Stephanie is excited to apply her breadth of microbiology knowledge to help engineer Capra’s non-model organism to efficiently produce a wide array of useful chemicals!
Mark Poole

Mark Poole

Dir of Research and Development

Mark Poole

Mark Poole

Director of Research and Development

Mark Poole has a Ph.D. in biological engineering and environmental engineering from at North Carolina State University where he applied advanced synthetic biology techniques to engineer challenging non-model organisms. With an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering and previous experience building custom bioreactor systems, Mark embodies the multidisciplinary ethos for which Capra Biosciences strives. Mark also has unique experience with both biofilms and entrepreneurship – he and his mother founded a Kombucha business in Cary, NC called IngeuiTea Brews.

Jenna Bodily

Jenna Bodily

Laboratory Technician
Jenna Bodily

Jenna Bodily

Laboratory Technician

Jenna leverages her passion for electrical engineering and physics to help build, test, and operate Capra’s novel bioreactors. Jenna entered the customer relations and sales arena when COVID paused her engineering undergrad. She applies her sales and engineering experience to also assist Capra’s equipment sourcing. Jenna’s zeal for building new tools and passion for continuous learning help support the team.

Melissa Call

Melissa Call

Biomanufacturing Technician

Melissa Call

Melissa Call

Biomanufacturing Technician

Melissa is a recent graduate from George Mason University with a Bachelors in Biology. She brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the team. Whether delving into complex concepts or conducting hands-on research, her attention to detail ensures the accuracy and excellence of her work. Eager to apply her academic training, Melissa has joined Capra Biosciences with a focus on leveraging her passion for biology to contribute to the team’s success.
Eli Tsao, Capra Biosciences

Eli Tsao

Biomanufacturing Technician

Eli Tsao, Capra Biosciences

Eli Tsao

Biomanufacturing Technician

Eli has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, where his research projects included studying biomechanics to assist with spinal cord injury rehabilitation and electromechanical microsystems to be used in artificial muscle. Eli applies his engineering experience and knowledge to help build, test, and operate Capra’s bioreactors.
Jenny Manuel-White

Jenny Manuel-White

Chemist

Jenny Manuel-White

Jenny Manuel-White

Chemist

Jenny graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a concentration in Biochemistry. Jenny began her career by analyzing hydrogen and oxygen isotopic concentrations in water at the US Geological Survey, then transitioned into the field of formulation chemistry, where she formulated paint resin for roadways.

At Capra, Jenny is excited to apply her breadth of chemistry and biochemistry knowledge to help engineer and maintain Capra’s novel bioreactor.

We Are Growing

Join Our Team

We believe innovation occurs at the intersection of engineering, biology, chemistry, and materials science. After all, we created Capra through the intersection of disciplines.

Capra’s core values of respect, innovation, and accountability drive our belief that the more diverse our life experiences and world perspective, the stronger our team. We are committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, people of color, gender-expansive individuals, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Capra Biosciences Careers

Current Openings

Capra always seeks innovative people excited to work at the interface of biology and hardware engineering.

To learn more, email hr@caprabiosciences.com

Full-time opportunities at Capra Biosciences come with:

  • Competitive salary
  • Benefits package that includes company stock options and employee + dependent medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage
  • 15 paid vacation days and 10 paid holidays per year

We’d love to explore how Capra Biosciences can support your needs or current product line.