Pioneering Local Drug Delivery
PURGO Surgical is a medical device company focused on creating sustainable, localized drug delivery solutions to meet the growing need for better patient care and improved clinical outcomes.
Pioneering Local Drug Delivery
Purgo Scientific is a health science company created for one reason: to bring a medical device to market that targets infection by sustaining local drug delivery in both human and animal health.
Leading The Science
Dustin Williams, PhD
Inventor | Co-Founder | Co-Developer | CSO
Helped develop new prosthetic legs for soldiers and Veterans
Lead scientist in research to prevent painful bone pathology after blast-related trauma
Developing technologies to treat and prevent infection in battlefield wounds
Purgo Scientific, a sub-awardee of the grant, formed to make pouch available for everyone suffering from Surgical Site Infection
Conceived PURGO Pouch to solve problem of Surgical Site Infection for Wounded Warriors and trauma patients
Leading The Science
Dustin Williams, PhD
Inventor | Co-Founder | Co-Developer | CSO
Helped develop new prosthetic legs for soldiers and Veterans
Lead reserach to mitigate bone pathologies that affect blast-related trauma patients
Developing technologies to treat and prevent infection in battlefield wounds
Supports Purgo Scientific’s efforts to develop Purgo Pouch for those who suffer from surgical site infections
Leading The Science
Dustin Williams, PhD
Inventor | Co-Founder | Co-Developer | CSO
Helped develop new prosthetic legs for soldiers and Veterans
Lead research to mitigate bone pathologies that affect blast-related trauma patients
Developing technologies to treat and prevent infection in battlefield wounds
Supports Purgo Scientific’s efforts to develop Purgo Pouch for those who suffer from surgical site infections
Purgo Team Members
Management Team
James A. Bowman
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Categories: Management Team
Jim Bowman is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience leading early-stage life science companies and commercializing breakthrough medical and surgical technologies. With a background in biomedical engineering and executive training, Jim brings a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and operational leadership to Purgo Scientific.
Throughout his career, Jim has been dedicated to advancing innovative life science technologies. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Marquette University and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management program, where he focused on entrepreneurial strategy and operations.
Jim has held senior leadership positions—including CEO, President, and Director—at both public and private medical device companies. He has successfully driven the business development of disruptive technologies at organizations such as C.R. Bard, Ohmeda (Datex), Surgical Laser Technologies, Encision, OnLume Surgical, and PharmaJet. His work has consistently centered on advancing the standard of care and improving patient outcomes.
James A. Bowman
Chief Executive Officer
Jim Bowman is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20...
Dustin Williams, PhD
Position: Chief Science Officer
Categories: Management Team
Dr. Dustin Williams is a Professor of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering, and Microbiology at the University of Utah, Chief Scientific Officer for Purgo Scientific and Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, and Vice President of Microbiology and New Technologies at Curza Global.
A translational scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, he is dedicated to advancing medical solutions that improve outcomes in both human and veterinary medicine. Dr. Williams earned his B.S. in Microbiology from Weber State University and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in Orthopaedics, fueling his multidisciplinary approach to research. His work focuses on biofilm-related infections, innovative medical devices, antibiotic and anti-biofilm technology development, complex bone pathologies, and translational animal models. Over 13 years, he has secured $24 million in DoD and federal funding, and raised over $7 million in private capital, contributing to innovations like osseointegrated implants for amputees and the FDA Breakthrough-designated Purgo Pouch.
Outside of science, he is a published science fiction author, enjoys screenwriting, and values family, fitness, and creative pursuits.
Dustin Williams, PhD
Chief Science Officer
Dr. Dustin Williams is a Professor of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering,...
Nicolas Ashton, PhD
Position: Chief Technology Officer
Categories: Management Team
Chief Technology Officer
Nicolas Ashton, PhD
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Angy Guerrant
Position: Chief Operations Officer
Categories: Management Team
Angy Guerrant is a seasoned operations leader with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence and strategic growth in the animal health and medical device industries. She serves as Chief Operations Officer for Purgo Scientific and leads operations at Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, where she scales operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and delivers innovative therapeutic solutions for human and veterinary medicine.
Angy oversees cross-functional teams, optimizing manufacturing, project management, and product development from concept to commercialization. Previously, she spent nearly a decade at Zomedica, advancing from Director of Portfolio Management to Senior Director of PMO and Regulatory Affairs, and over 11 years at MPI Research managing procurement, scheduling, and warehouse operations for a company of 1,300 employees.
A Certified Laboratory Animal Technologist, Angy holds a B.S. in Biomedical Science from Western Michigan University.
Based in Indiana, she enjoys life with her spouse and four dogs, drawing on her Navy sharpshooter experience to approach challenges with insight, precision, and thoughtful strategy.
Angy Guerrant
Chief Operations Officer
Angy Guerrant is a seasoned operations leader with over 20...
Brian Barnum
Position: Principal Engineer
Categories: Management Team
With nearly two decades of engineering experience, Brian is a proven innovator in medical device design, product development, and advanced mechanical engineering. As Principal Engineer at Purgo Scientific, he leads the full lifecycle of medical device development—from concept and design to commercialization—ensuring products meet rigorous regulatory standards while solving critical clinical and user challenges. In this role, he guides cross-functional teams, mentors engineers, and drives innovations that bring transformative technologies to market.
Brian joined Purgo Scientific as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, where he played a pivotal role in developing early-stage prototypes and building scalable manufacturing partnerships. As Senior Biomedical Design Engineer, he led the engineering team in creating a novel localized drug delivery device, laying the foundation for Purgo’s current product pipeline.
His prior experience includes engineering roles at FireFly Automatix, MOXTEK, VMT Technologies, and Optimal Solutions Software, spanning industries from agriculture to biomedical research.
Passionate about advancing healthcare technology, Brian is dedicated to developing innovative, practical solutions that improve lives and transform medical care.
Brian Barnum
Principal Engineer
With nearly two decades of engineering experience, Brian is a...
Ian Brown
Position: Senior Director of Engineering and Quality
Categories: Management Team
Ian Brown is a seasoned engineering leader with nearly two decades of experience in medical devices and advanced electronics. He serves as Senior Director of Engineering and Quality at Purgo Scientific, leading cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions with a focus on compliance, efficiency, and patient safety.
Previously, Ian was Director of Product Engineering at IRIS Biomedical, overseeing the lifecycle of Class III implantable devices and ensuring adherence to FDA, ISO, and IEC standards. He also held engineering leadership roles at T.D. Williamson, BioFire Diagnostics, and Dynatronics, where he guided teams through design, testing, and commercialization while optimizing quality systems and operational performance.
A strategic thinker with expertise in Agile methodologies, lean product development, and regulatory compliance, Ian bridges technical excellence with business strategy. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University and is passionate about mentoring engineers and fostering high-performing, innovative teams that deliver impactful solutions.
Ian Brown
Senior Director of Engineering and Quality
Ian Brown is a seasoned engineering leader with nearly two...
Rachal Allred
Position: Controller
Categories: Management Team
Rachal Allred:
Rachal Allred is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Nevada and South Carolina, specializing in payroll management, personal and small business tax services, and comprehensive accounting solutions. With experience in both public accounting and private industry, Rachal offers clients a balanced perspective, addressing financial needs from both the individual and business standpoint.
Since 2019, she has served clients throughout the Greater Reno area, drawing on her prior experience as Controller at Pioneer Crossing Casino, where she managed financial operations, compliance, and oversight. Her diverse background allows her to craft tailored strategies that help clients remain compliant, optimize financial performance, and achieve growth.
Rachal holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nevada. Committed to staying current in a rapidly evolving field, she continually studies tax law and business regulations. Known for her passion and energy, Rachal combines professional excellence with a dedication to meaningful client relationships and personal fulfillment.
Rachal Allred
Controller
Rachal Allred is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in...
Board Of Directors
Michael Benjamin
Position: Chairman of The Board
Categories: Board
Mike Benjamin is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive leader with over three decades of experience building and scaling businesses across diverse industries, including medical devices, animal health, agriculture, hospitality, and real estate. He currently serves as Executive Board Chairman of Purgo Scientific.
Additionally, Mike’s passion for innovation extends to the agricultural sector, where he leads Palomino Farms, a sustainable alfalfa farming operation serving Nevada and Arizona. Previously, Mike spent nearly 15 years as CEO and President of Pioneer Crossing Casinos, where he guided significant growth and expansion before successfully selling the company in 2017.
Throughout his career, he has served on multiple boards, including FUGU Corporation and Impact Sports, Inc., leveraging his expertise to bring groundbreaking products to market. A graduate of California State University, Chico, Mike continues to drive innovation while fostering sustainable business practices.
Michael Benjamin
Chairman of The Board
Mike Benjamin is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive leader with...
Dustin Williams, PhD
Position: Science Advisory Board Chair
Categories: Board
Dr. Dustin Williams is a Professor of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering, and Microbiology at the University of Utah, Chief Scientific Officer for Purgo Scientific and Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, and Vice President of Microbiology and New Technologies at Curza Global.
A translational scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, he is dedicated to advancing medical solutions that improve outcomes in both human and veterinary medicine. Dr. Williams earned his B.S. in Microbiology from Weber State University and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in Orthopaedics, fueling his multidisciplinary approach to research. His work focuses on biofilm-related infections, innovative medical devices, antibiotic and anti-biofilm technology development, complex bone pathologies, and translational animal models. Over 13 years, he has secured $24 million in DoD and federal funding, and raised over $7 million in private capital, contributing to innovations like osseointegrated implants for amputees and the FDA Breakthrough-designated Purgo Pouch.
Outside of science, he is a published science fiction author, enjoys screenwriting, and values family, fitness, and creative pursuits.
Dustin Williams, PhD
Science Advisory Board Chair
Dr. Dustin Williams is a Professor of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering,...
Stephanie Morley, DVM
Position: Vice Chair, President, Vetlen
Categories: Board
Stephanie Morley, DVM: Vice Chair, President, Vetlen
Dr. Stephanie Morley is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and innovator dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through cutting-edge medical technologies. She serves as President of Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, where she leads the development of localized drug delivery solutions designed to deliver the right therapy, to the right place, for the right length of time.
With more than two decades of experience spanning veterinary practice, medical device development, and executive leadership, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of animal health and technology. In addition to leading Vetlen, Stephanie is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Purgo Scientific.
A proud Michigander, Stephanie enjoys cheering on her five kids at various sporting events and has a bucket list goal to master the art of fly fishing.
Stephanie Morley, DVM
Vice Chair, President, Vetlen
Dr. Stephanie Morley is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and innovator dedicated...
Susan Winckler, RHp, Esq
Position: Board Secretary
Categories: Board
Susan C. Winckler, RPh, Esq., is the Chief Executive Officer of the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration, a nonprofit organization created by Congress to support and advance the mission of the FDA.
A pharmacist and attorney, Susan brings extensive experience at the intersection of healthcare, law, and public policy. Prior to leading the Foundation, she served as President of Leavitt Partners Solutions, advising CEOs and senior executives across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, payer, provider, and government sectors on strategy, policy, and regulatory matters. Earlier in her career, she was CEO of the Food & Drug Law Institute, providing a neutral forum for regulators, legal experts, industry leaders, and consumers to address complex food and drug law issues.
From 2007 to 2009, Susan served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, advising both Republican and Democratic commissioners, leading key FDA offices, and negotiating the landmark U.S.-China Product Safety Memorandum of Agreement.
Susan earned her pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa and her law degree, magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center. She currently serves on the Purgo Scientific Board of Directors and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy National Advisory Council.
Susan Winckler, RHp, Esq
Board Secretary
Susan C. Winckler, RPh, Esq., is the Chief Executive Officer...
Tim Nieman
Position: Independent Board Member
Categories: Board
Tim Nieman is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and independent board member of Purgo Scientific. He is the Owner and CEO of ZIEN Medical Technologies, an ISO13485-certified company providing full-service product development and manufacturing solutions, including assembly, laser cutting, packaging, and sterilization. Under his leadership, ZIEN has successfully achieved CE marks for multiple products and currently has over 30 innovations in development.
Tim’s career spans more than two decades in medical device innovation and operations. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Veritract, overseeing strategy, IP, R&D, business development, and fundraising. Earlier roles include senior positions at Edwards Lifesciences, World Heart, and CR Bard, where he led product development teams and drove significant revenue growth. He is also the founder of Buck-Truck, a unique all-in-one backpack and game cart. Tim holds a B.S. in Bioengineering from Arizona State University and combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision to advance medical technology and innovation.
Tim Nieman
Independent Board Member
Tim Nieman is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and independent board...
Scientific Advisory Board
David Rothberg, MD
Position: Science Advisory Board Member
Categories: Science
Dr. David Rothberg is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Residency Program Director at the University of Utah, as well as the Orthopaedic Trauma Liaison for Primary Children’s Hospital. He maintains a clinical practice at both the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics and Primary Children’s Hospital, specializing in complex orthopaedic trauma, including pelvic and acetabular fractures, nonunion and malunion, peri-articular fractures, pediatric orthopaedic trauma, and post-traumatic reconstruction.
Dr. Rothberg completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah and a fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma at the University of California, Davis. He is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and AO Trauma, where he also serves as faculty. His expertise bridges clinical care, surgical education, and trauma research, contributing to the advancement of orthopaedic trauma treatment. Dr. Rothberg currently serves as a Science Advisory Board Member for Purgo Scientific.
David Rothberg, MD
Science Advisory Board Member
Dr. David Rothberg is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and...
Kirt Kimball, MD
Position: Science Advisory Board Member
Categories: Science
Dr. Kirt Kimball is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with a focus on knee and shoulder conditions. He has extensive experience in medical and legal consulting, including work and personal injury cases, as well as medical malpractice evaluations. Dr. Kimball retired from clinical practice in April 2022 after a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, including serving as Team Physician for Brigham Young University Athletics for 27 years.
He is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Forté Elements and currently serves as a Science Advisory Board member for Purgo Scientific. In addition, he chairs the Medical Advisory Committee for EVŌQ nano, providing strategic medical insight and guidance. Dr. Kimball completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital/USC and earned his M.D. from UCLA. His expertise bridges clinical care, sports medicine, and medical-legal consulting.
Kirt Kimball, MD
Science Advisory Board Member
Dr. Kirt Kimball is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in...
David Greenberg, MD
Position: Science Advisory Board Member
Categories: Science
David Greenberg:
Dr. David Greenberg is a Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he also holds the title of Distinguished Teaching Professor. A physician-scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Greenberg brings extensive expertise in antibacterial drug development, with a particular focus on antisense therapeutics, genomics of antibiotic resistance, and innovative strategies to eradicate biofilms from metallic implants.
He serves as Chief Medical Officer at Solenic Medical, contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with implant-associated infections. Dr. Greenberg’s career spans clinical care, translational research, and medical entrepreneurship, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical patient solutions.
Dr. Greenberg earned his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine followed by an Infectious Diseases fellowship. He currently serves as a Science Advisory Board Member for Purgo Scientific, applying his deep scientific and clinical expertise to advance next-generation therapeutic solutions.
David Greenberg, MD
Science Advisory Board Member
Dr. David Greenberg is a Professor of Infectious Diseases and...
Jeremy Shaw, MD ORS
Position: Science Advisory Board Member
Categories: Science
Dr. Jeremy Shaw is a spine surgeon, researcher, and innovator serving as a Science Advisory Board member at Purgo Scientific. He currently practices at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, where he specializes in complex spine surgery and serves as an Associate Professor in Neurosurgery. He also holds faculty positions at the University of Utah School of Medicine and has served as a spine surgeon at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
Dr. Shaw completed his M.D. and Master of Science in Applied Anatomy at Case Western Reserve University, graduating with Honors with Distinction in Research and election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed fellowship training in orthopaedic spine surgery and has held academic appointments in both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery departments.
With a focus on advancing spine care through clinical excellence and innovative research, Dr. Shaw brings deep expertise in surgical techniques, translational research, and medical device development to his role on Purgo Scientific’s Science Advisory Board.
Jeremy Shaw, MD ORS
Science Advisory Board Member
Dr. Jeremy Shaw is a spine surgeon, researcher, and innovator...
Advisory Board Members
Business Milestones
- Advanced safety and PK programs to support first-in-human study
- Expanded Department of Defense collaborations to accelerate clinical development
- Appointed new CEO and Board Member to lead next phase of growth
- Launched Vetlen Pouch Alpha Program, distributing 500+ devices across 200+ veterinary hospitals and 19 universities
- Raised $3.5M including first institutional funding; Utah Innovation Fund Investment
- Completed FDA Sprint Discussions and confirmed CDER-led 505(b)(2) pathway
- Issued 2 new U.S. patents for “Therapeutic Delivery Device”
- Executed early access program for Vetlen Pouch, establishing clinical feedback base for 2025 Alpha launch
- Awarded $5.46M (PRMRP) and 3.5M (MRDC BBAA) DoD grants
- Received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
- Raised $1.05M completing Series A.2
- USPTO issued 2 additional patents (total 4)
- Inducted into MedTech Innovator Accelerator
- Formed Business and Veterinary Advisory Boards
- Appointed President to lead Vetlen subsidiary
- Secured $5.46M DoD grant
- Initiated FDA engagement under initial device-led 510(k) strategy
- Completed 138-sheep efficacy study (up to 8 log10 bacterial reduction)
- Raised $2.35M Series A.2
- Conducted pre-submission discussions with FDA-CDRH
- Formed Scientific Advisory Board
- Appointed new CEO
- Completed medical-grade prototype
- Raised $600K Series A.2 funding
- Secured $4.26M in DoD funding for Wounded Warriors development
- Issued foundational U.S. patent for “Therapeutic Delivery Device”
- Filed 8 continuation patents
- Conducted initial and confirmatory sheep studies
- Raised $350K seed capital
- Developed early prototypes and IP strategy
- Applied for DoD grants
- Technology co-invented by Dustin Williams, PhD Associate Professor, Director of the Bone and Biofilm Research Lab, and Nicholas Ashton, PhD at the University of Utah
- Secured exclusive License Agreement with University of Utah Research Foundation
- Established initial Board of Directors
- Raised $3,500,000 Series A.3 offering
- Received investment from the Utah Innovation Fund
- Engaged in Sprint Discussions with the FDA
- Engaged CRO for first in-human trials beginning in 2025
- Implemented a Quality Management System
- USPTO issued 2 additional patents for “Therapeutic Delivery Device”
- Soft launched Vetlen Pouch for market entry in October
- Launched Vetlen Pouch into the veterinary market
- Received PRMRP DoD award for $5,460,000
- Received MRDC BBAA award for $3,600,000
- FDA breakthrough device designation
- Prepared strategy and established relationships with surgeons to participate in clinical trials
- Raised an additional $1,050,000 completing the Series A.2 Offering
- Inducted into 2023 MedTech Innovator Accelerator, 1 of 61 companies chosen from 1,900 applicants
- USPTO issued 2 additional patents for “Therapeutic Delivery Device” for a total of 4
- Created Business Advisory Board
- Created Veterinay Advisory Board
- President hired for Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, a Purgo Scientific subsidiary
- $5,460,000 contract awarded by the Department of Defense for continued pouch development
- Began A.3 fundraising round for up to $3,000,000
- Added 1 additional board member
- Commenced FDA clearance process
- Initiated 60+ sheep study
- Filed additional patent applications
- Filed for FDA clearance
- Raised additional funds through grants
- Completed private placement of series A-2. $2MM ROUND
- Prepped for clinical trials
- Pre-submission reviewed with FDA
- Raised an additional $350,000 towards completing the Series A.2 offering
- Successfully completed 138 sheep study with up to 8 log10 bacterial reduction
- Created Scientific Advisory Board
- Appointed new CEO
- Prototype completed using all medical grade components
- Continued sheep studies to confirm efficacy of the pouch
- Raised $600,000 in funding IN SERIES A-2 ROUND
- Filed 5 continuation patents with USPTO
- $4,260,000 in funded grants from the Department of Defense for Purgo Pouch development for Wounded Warriors
- USPTO issued a patent for “Therapeutic Delivery Device”
- Prior to issuance, Purgo filed three patent continuations for new innovations
- Began initial sheep study
- Raised $350,000 of seed capital
- Started developing prototypes
- Developed business plan, implemented IP strategy
- Applied for Department of Defense awards
- Invented by Dustin Williams, PhD Associate Professor, Director of the Bone and Biofilm Research Lab, and Nicholas Ashton, PhD at the University of Utah
- Exclusive License Agreement with University of Utah Research Foundation
- Created Board of Directors



















