Executive Director

Kennan Salinero generated the idea of ReImagine Science in 2007. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in chemistry. Her PhD, from the University of California San Diego, focused on protein chemistry and structure/function analyses of membrane proteins. She has been a researcher or scientific specialist at Los Alamos and Livermore National Labs, UCBerkeley, the Joint Genome Institute, Åbo Akademi (in Finland), on the faculty of the Chemistry Department at Georgetown University, and at Celera Genomics. Seeing that what was possible in the area of genomics research was limited by our human interactions, rather than the technology we currently have, lead her to seeing a brighter future for how we can do science in the United States.

President

Richard Stafford is a founding member of ReImagine Science. His undergraduate degree is in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and his PhD is in chemistry from the University of California San Diego. Richard has held several positions in academia and private industry, with much of his time in start-ups in the biotech field. His is currently at NextCure, a biotech at the forefront of cancer research and discovery. His long-standing commitment with ReImagine Science comes from his vision of better communication between scientists, and more clarity in bringing science to the general public so there is more trust and understanding. He also believes in the value and voices of citizen scientists.

Secretary

Helene Cahen, M.S., is an Innovation Consultant, Trainer, Facilitator and Speaker with 20 years of experience helping companies navigate innovation challenges. She guides Fortune 500, small businesses and non-profits to understand innovation, create innovative new products/services, build effective teams and support a user-centered culture. Helene received an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership from SUNY and has a business degree from I.E.P, a top French Business School.

Helene believes that science is critical to creating the changes needed in the world, yet it is often siloed and scientists may lack the skills, training or means to best share and communicate with the community at large therefore limiting their impact. She joined the board in 2022 with the intention to support the opening of the scientific community to the business and training world.

Treasurer

Jeanne Olund facilitates the development of high-performing teams through the power of relationships and is a champion for diversity, inclusion, and equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Jeanne earned her Ph.D. in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies; her dissertation focused on women in STEM and explored the characteristics of successful STEM women in industry and academia.

Jeanne is passionate about changing the paradigm of science, from a hierarchical, power-based, reductionist approach to one that recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the essential need for a holistic view.

Jeanne currently manages a group within an international aviation company and in this capacity, she consistently drives for positive change. Aside from her doctorate, Jeanne has Master of Arts degrees in psychology and philosophy, and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

Board Member at Large