Acting President & Chief Scientific Officer
As Bluefield’s Acting President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mitic manages our efforts to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutics. She works closely with scientists in the Bluefield Research Consortium to identify and accelerate promising ideas and also leads our efforts to support the development of biomarkers and clinical endpoints for FTD. She meets regularly with academic and industry scientists to enable collaborative projects and oversees Bluefield’s communication strategy. Dr. Mitic also serves on the management committee of the FTD Disorders Registry.
Dr. Mitic earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in cell biology from Yale University. After completing postdoctoral studies in the genetics of aging at UCSF, she joined the Consortium for FTD Research (CFR) in 2009 and helped to establish the Bluefield Project in 2011. Dr. Mitic actively participates in community efforts, co-founding an education-focused nonprofit and participating in diverse local initiatives.
637 Carolina St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
navigator@bluefieldproject.org
Director, Research Partnerships
As Bluefield’s Director of Research Partnerships, Dr. Nicholson develops and manages ongoing collaborations with academic and industry stakeholders, aggressively moving projects forward to support therapeutic development. With her extensive background in FTD research, Dr. Nicholson provides deep expertise in the biology of progranulin and other FTD-linked molecules.
Dr. Nicholson earned a B.S. in biochemistry from Beloit College and a Ph.D. in cellular neuroscience from Northwestern University, where she studied the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Nicholson continued in academic research at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, authoring or co-authoring 20 papers on the genetic and cellular contributions to FTD during her postdoctoral studies. She joined Bluefield in 2017.
Project Manager, Biomarker Operations
As Bluefield’s Project Manager, Biomarker Operations, Rachel oversees the Neurofilament Surveillance Project, a precompetitive consortium that will measure the protein neurofilament light longitudinally in plasma. Rachel’s experience in overseeing regulatory strategy and clinical operations for medical products helps her ensure that program efforts are directed toward supporting the development of successful therapeutics. Rachel earned a B.A. in psychology from Stanford University and a J.D. at University of California Hastings. Her legal practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman focused on corporate formation and financing for start-up companies. Rachel moved into regulatory and clinical operations for medical device and biologics companies, supporting the introduction of innovative products to worldwide markets. Rachel has diverse experience in women’s health, medical imaging, and consumer medical devices. She joined Bluefield in 2019.
Program Manager, Progranulin Information Navigator
As Bluefield’s Program Manager for the Progranulin Information Navigator, Erynn is responsible for the development and oversight of Bluefield’s new initiative to promote access to genetic testing and clinical trials for individuals and families impacted by FTD-GRN.
Erynn is the founder of Ripple Genetics Consulting where she supports startups and patient advocacy groups with strategic solutions, operational leadership, advising services, and program management. She previously served as VP of Clinical Operations for Genome Medical, a nationwide telehealth service, as well as holding positions at Children’s National Medical Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Invitae, and 23andMe. As a board certified genetic counselor, Erynn has been deeply engaged in the genetic counseling community, having served as past president of the American Board of Genetic Counseling and as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Erynn currently serves on advisory boards for several genetic counseling training programs and as Vice Chair of the Genetic Counseling Licensure Board for the state of New Jersey. Erynn holds a master’s of science in genetic counseling from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor of arts in biology and psychology from Lehigh University.
