Executive Members
David Ostrov, Ph.D
Chief Executive Officer, Founding Member
Dr. Ostrov is an Associate Professor in UF’s Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, with a focus on immunology and drug discovery. He has a PhD in Biological Structure from the University of Washington and has over 25 years of experience as a researcher. He trained as structural biologist at Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York.
He has authored and co-authored over 100 reviewed publications and given over 30 invited lectures world-wide. An expert on SARS viruses, Dr. Ostrov is a member of the Global Virus Network's COVID-19 Taskforce putting him at the forefront of the latest research findings and global developments.
His research is focused on achieving a specific goal: to develop novel therapeutic agents that improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from human disease. He decided to create Immunodominant to translate these efforts into supplements and therapies capable of helping people worldwide.
Marcus Kirk, Ph.D.
Chief Financial Officer, Founding Member
Dr. Kirk is the PwC Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Florida. He has a PhD in Accounting from Emory University. He was named one of the World’s Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professors in 2016 by Poets and Quants.
His research is focused on valuation, disclosure, and capital markets. His work has been published in elite finance and accounting journals and presented internationally in both academic and practitioner forums.
Daniel O'Connor, J.D.
Chief Business Officer
Daniel O’Connor is a dynamic healthcare and life sciences executive, entrepreneur, and investor with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of biopharma, digital health, and clinical research.
He founded Headwaters Health Capital, a firm that helps raise financing plus incubates groundbreaking ventures in healthcare and life sciences. He drives corporate strategy, business development, and strategic partnerships to revolutionize medicine and healthcare. Daniel also founded TrialSite News, a pioneering global digital health media platform.
His expertise in M&A, corporate finance, and commercial strategy has consistently scaled startups, negotiated strategic deals, and driven revenue growth. His work champions translational research, patient-centric innovation, decentralized clinical trials, and health equity, establishing him as a recognized leader in his field.
Kenneth Warrington, Jr., Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Warrington holds a B.S. in Biology & Chemistry from St. Lawrence University and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics from the University of Florida.
Dr. Warrington has decades of broad expertise across the cell and gene therapy product development continuum from discovery through GMP-compliant manufacturing to support IND-enabling pre-clinical and early-stage clinical programs.
He has held the lead technical operation and business development roles for global contract testing and manufacturing organizations, including Meridian Life Science, SGS Life Science, and Wuxi Apptec. He was formerly the SVP of Operations and Business Development at Biostem Life Sciences before assuming his current position as chairman of the scientific advisory board.
Our story
Why all the climbing pictures?
While both founders are professors at the University of Florida, we met at the climbing gym. Which is where climbers need to meet in a state an average of 100 feet above sea level and a high point of 345 feet! We've traveled together to places such as Yosemite and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. Not dropping each other over multiple years is a great way to build trust.
We founded Immunodominant with the common goal of bringing innovation research to life. We specialize in the science with the highest potential to make a wide impact in improving patients' lives in terms of health and safety. Leaving them focus on what's important: living life to the fullest. Climb on!
p.s. yes...the picture to the right is CEO and Founder Dr. Ostrov
