Gina Tanner, MBA | CEO

Gina Tanner holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA. She brings years of Fortune 50 sourcing, marketing, finance and accounting experience to Antimicrobial Test Laboratories. Most importantly, Gina brings her passion for customer service and efficient business processes.

"I want innovators to feel comfortable exploring the possibilities of their technologies at Antimicrobial Test Laboratories. To that end, I spend my days streamlining lab-client interactions, maintaining our fast test-turnaround times, and making sure our customers are satisfied with their testing experience. "

Benjamin D. Tanner, Ph.D. | President

Benjamin Tanner holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Arizona, where he studied infectious disease transmission with Dr. Charles Gerba. Dr. Tanner is the author of the book "Legal Aspects of Infectious Diseases." He has worked extensively with industry, academia, and government. Before launching Antimicrobial Test Labs in 2006, Dr. Tanner enjoyed years as a microbiologist with the Clorox Company.

"I love working with the companies and individuals that develop disinfectants and other antimicrobial technologies. As antibiotic resistance increases and our world becomes more connected, prevention of infections will be more important than ever."

Dr. Tanner talks about nursery hygiene on the Today Show:

Kristen Runde, B.A. | Administrative Assistant

Kristen holds a B.A. in Public Administration from San Diego State University. She manages special projects, creates processes, and generally assists Gina Tanner with the business. Her background is in communications and advertising with 10 years of teaching experience.

"I am excited to work with the ATL team and learn about the science along the way."

Luia Ikner, Ph.D. | Lead Virologist

Luisa Ikner holds a Ph.D. in Soil, Water and Environmental Science (Environmental Microbiology focus) from the University of Arizona. She has worked as a microbiologist for nine years on a variety of projects under the guidance of Dr. Raina Maier and Dr. Charles Gerba. Her projects have included the assessment of human impact on bacterial populations in pristine cave systems and method development for concentration and detection of enteric viruses in water. Luisa brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise in applied virology to Antimicrobial Test Laboratories.

“Whether one considers viruses as abiotic or living, they have and will continue to shape things to come for humankind. The development of virucides has been a key factor in exercising some control over these infectious agents."

Jason Williams, B.S., Lab Manager

Jason Williams holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Texas Tech University. His previous work experience includes USDA, where he studied virulence and pathogenesis of hemorrhagic E. coli. Jason plays a key role in laboratory operations and project management. Prior to joining Antimicrobial Test Labs, he served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a two-time recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

“We may never win the war against pathogens, but we can pick our battles through the prudent use of effective antimicrobial products. I am excited to take part in optimizing the effectiveness of antimicrobials and disinfectants produced by today’s leading and largest consumer product manufacturers."

Jessica Akins, B.S., Lab Manager

Jessica Akins holds a B.S. in Biology from Texas A&M University. Her previous work experience comes from an environmental microbiology laboratory in Corpus Christi, where she tracked and monitored fecal contamination in recreational waters along the Gulf Coast for several government agencies including TCEQ, TGLO, and the EPA. Jessica is especially skilled with respect to designing and managing complex studies.

Jessica has done work for the following agencies:

• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
• TGLO (Texas General Land Office)
• TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
• CBBEP (Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program)
• TSSWCB (Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board)
• NRA (Nueces River Authority)

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

Rachelle Baker, B.S., Microbiologist and Quality Assurance Specialist

Rachelle holds a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Texas. Rachelle brings her background in pharmaceuticals, keen interest in microbiology, and attention to detail to Antimicrobial Test Laboratories. Rachelle runs a variety of non-GLP antimicrobial efficacy studies, performs study and report audits for GLP studies, and routinely inspects the facility to ensure full compliance for all GLP studies.

“I am excited to be a part of a team that is passionate about science and am thrilled to have the opportunity, everyday, to do what I love: work in the world of microbes.”

Aaron Gregg, B.S. | Microbiologist

Aaron Gregg holds a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Aaron quickly put his excellent education to great use at the lab, heading up preservative efficacy studies, AOAC methods such as the use-dilution, and a variety of other test methods.

In addition, Aaron runs GLP studies for the laboratory as needed.

"I have always been fascinated by the unseen world of microorganisms and the impact they have on our daily lives. Not all microorganisms are harmful, but I take pride in the fact that the work I do will help protect the public from commonly encountered pathogens."

Laura Higgins, B.S. | Microbiologist

Laura Higgins holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Texas A&M University.

Prior to joining Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, she worked at a laboratory in College Station, Texas, researching virulence factors in pathogenic fungi.

Laura leads a host of GLP and non-GLP studies, and is particularly versed in device studies, environmental sampling studies, and product quality studies.

Michael Way, B.S. | Microbiologist

Michael Way holds a B.S. in Biology from James Madison University in Virginia. Prior to joining Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, he worked as a cell culturist at a well-known therapeutic antibody research firm in the Austin, Texas area. Michael brings extensive experience in genetic engineering and molecular biology to the laboratory, along with a superb knowledge of microbiology.

At Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, Michael works as a microbiologist, performing GLP and non-GLP studies on a regular basis.

"Awareness of the profound impact microorganisms have on our lives has generated a surge of antimicrobial technologies, all of which should demonstrate trustworthy efficacy against something we cannot readily see."