Our Team
Track Record
MMI has gained recognition in developing innovative molecular-based technologies to improve the health of our aquatic resources with implications to human health. MMI brings a staff with a proven track record in biotechnology and marine research that has led to numerous publications. We are an interdisciplinary team of marine scientists, bioinformaticians, biostatisticians, and health scientists that collectively have over 40 years' experience in research and industry.
John P Bucci PhD
John founded Marine Microverse Institute (MMI), LLC in 2016, based in Kittery Point, Maine. John is a biological oceanographer with a specialization in microbial and molecular ecology. John and his colleagues recognize the critical gap between our understanding of how marine ecosystems are influenced by rapid changes affecting oceanic resources. He has published original research articles in marine ecology, molecular source technology, biogeochemistry, and microbial biodiversity with applications to the blue economy.
The need to better understand the impacts of climate-related events such as acidification, pollution, hypoxia, and marine heat waves is becoming more urgent. MMI considers the social and ecological factors associated with marine fisheries, protected areas, and microbial products with impacts on human health. Our products are developed out of multidisciplinary science that spans oceanographic systems, biodiversity, biochemistry, and genetics.
Semra Aytur PhD MPH
Semra focuses on biostatistical analysis, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. She holds a faculty appointment at the University of New Hampshire. She works with the MMI team to engage stakeholders and industry partners. Her expertise in translational research supports implications for commercialization, practice, and policy. She enjoys working with diverse transdisciplinary teams to examine ways to improve ocean health and human health in the blue economy.
Bob Valentini MD PhD
As the co-founder and chief executive officer of two biotechnology companies, Bob is involved in many aspects of MMI's capital formation and product development. He is a proven leader in commercializing molecular technology. He focuses on the marketing and promotion of MMI products, including developing intellectual property. Dr. Valentini has extensive experience developing biopharmaceuticals (Shire, Genzyme, and Fibrogen) as well as a strong background in-licensing and commercializing intellectual property and early-stage technologies.
Trevor Massey MPH Candidate
Trevor, a research technician, is currently pursuing his Master's degree in public health at the University of New Hampshire with a focus on environmental health. He primarily works with the MMI team to conduct water quality testing, assay development and microbial source tracking techniques. His passion for laboratory science and environmental health has led to a unique combination of knowledge in marine health and its impact on public health inequities.
Bryan Barney PhD
Bryan received his Ph.D. at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Laboratory and served as a post-doctoral associate at the University of California, Davis. He serves as an MMI consultant in bioinformatics and gene marker discovery. He has expertise in whole genome sequencing and has published in top peer-reviewed journals (Barney et al. 2017).