FOUNDERS
Gustavo M. De Cerqueira PhD MSc BSc
Founder & CEO
Fifteen years of research and development experience, including as a lecture in Immunology and Microbiology, and working as a postdoctoral and visiting scientist in Australia and overseas (Pasteur Institute, University of Connecticut Health Center, Monash University, Fiocruz, Butantan Institute and more). Gustavo has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology journals, approved 5 business grants in Australia and 7 R&D grants overseas, received 5 international awards for achievements in Vaccine Development and Genetic Engineering, obtained a PhD in 3 years while doing his thesis in both France and Brazil, and he is currently a member of the QLD Leaders Network and the CBMDT-JCU Cairns. His experience coordinating projects and staff comes from 5 years ahead of Cluster Biotechnology and previous academic projects in Australia, USA, France and Brazil. Of note, Cluster Biotechnology holds a 5-year partnership contract with the University of the Sunshine Coast, aiming to provide work placement and Biotechnology experience to undergraduate students which have now found positions across major Biotechnology multinationals and government. As a founder and CEO Gustavo has attracted over $700,000 in investments and revenue in the first four years, obtained two global patents and three trade marks, created visibility among local and international media, offered 15 jobs, and his scale-up currently provides R&D services to (or collaborates with) Australian and International companies in various fields that include poultry production, human nutrition, waste management, farming activities and distribution of foods and medical-grade solutions. As a result, in Q3/2019 Cluster Biotechnology was invited by the QLD State Government to relocate their research group to the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct, where access to dedicated laboratories and co-work facilities is expected to create new collaborative opportunities, benefit for businesses and the community, and boost Cluster Biotechnology's growth.
See CV
Kate Barnard
Co-founder and Investor
Kate is a co-founder and investor at Cluster Biotechnology, and currently splits her time between business development (stakeholder liaison and R&D decision making) and directorship positions at other companies, including mining-related. Her management experiences come from the South Burnett Regional Council as an Economic Development officer (2010 – 2011), where she contributed to elaborate and implement strategies and economic development projects. Prior to that she was a Built & Natural Environment administration officer (2009 – 2011), providing Planning & Land Management administrative services within the Department of Built and Natural Environment. At BHP Billiton Kate worked as a Human Resources officer at Melbourne corporate (2006 – 2007), providing systems support to both the Vice President of Organisational Development and the Vice President of Systems and Processes. Prior to that she was a product scheduling administrator in Port Hedland WA (2004 – 2006), providing administrative support to technical staff in BHP Iron Ore. At BMA Blackwater Mine QLD (2003 – 2004) Kate provided Administrative support to both the Site Safety Manager and overall department, as well as First Priority Systems Administrator and Workplace Rehabilitation Officer, having also worked as a Coal Preparation administration officer (2002 – 2003) on providing support to the CHPP Manager and a team of 105 employees.
Peter Dymond B.Com. MBA
Co-founder and Director
Peter is co-founder of Cluster Biotechnology and is a well connected senior account director at a global leader data & analytics company, who also encompasses advanced skills in forging strong C-level relationships and alliances. He has worked in corporate Australia for 20+ years, and has acquired a wealth of experience promoting growth for Australian Businesses. His contacts-base include some of Australia’s top 20 companies, and he currently dedicates his time and passion to establish and grow a business footprint in the Chinese market while attracting foreign investors into companies, museums and technology projects. Peter started his career and portfolio as an accredited, licensed and qualified Business & Property Broker, and he has a degree in Business management by Swinburne Univerity and a MBA by the University of Sydney Business School.