Staff
Greg Bayles, MFA
Title: Project Manager
Greg graduated with a BA in English literature from Brigham Young University and went on to complete a master’s of entertainment arts and engineering at the University of Utah. His research interests include interactive fiction, digital civilizations, and the technological sublime. Greg is an avid game designer and hopes to one day open an independent studio focused on emergent narrative.
In his free time, Greg reads voraciously, writes short stories and poetry, rock climbs, swims, writes music, and of course… designs video games.
Email: greg.bayles@utah.edu
Phone: 801.585.7842
Justin Brunson
Title: Associate Director
Justin joined the CMI in 2016, while completing his BS in Business Administration from the University of Utah. He enjoys reading and studying topics including organizational behavior and neuroscience as it relates to creativity and optimal psychological states. In his free time, he also “enjoys” cursing at golf balls up until there is adequate snow to tie a few sticks to his feet instead. He is also constantly looking for any excuse to be 30,000 feet in the air.
Email: justin.brunson@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801.587.7281
Jesse Ferraro, MPS, MFA
Title: Project Manager
Jesse graduated with a BA in Fine & Studio Art from Davidson College and went on to complete 2 Masters degrees; an M.P.S. from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) in the Tisch School of arts and most recently an M.F.A. from the Entertainment Arts & Engineering program at the University of Utah. He spent about 12 years working as a Multimedia Developer, specializing in the web dev; Jesse worked extensively with UI/UX design, PHP, SEO, creating dynamic content, and utilizing 2D and 3D animation among other technologies.
His interests include video games, anything Star Wars, skiing, yoga, rehabilitation through proper body mechanics & movement and consequently recently completed an instructor certification in Pilates.
Email: jesse.ferraro@utah.edu
Phone: 801.585.7842
Srividya Pothana
Title: Regulatory Affairs Associate
Srividya Pothana works as a Regulatory Affairs Associate here at CMI. She joined the team in 2019 and works on-site at Research Park. In her role, she provides both regulatory and quality support to university/industry medical device start-ups. She has a Dual Regulatory Certificate in Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals and is a certified ISO 13485 Lead Auditor.
Prior to joining CMI, Sri worked as a Laboratory Supervisor for 4 years in OTC and Dietary Supplement industry. Her background includes M.S. in Chemistry from Lamar University and Bachelor of Pharmacy.
In her leisure time, Sri enjoys reading books, playing badminton, board games, puzzles, and likes to go hiking and swimming.
Email: srividya.pothana@utah.edu
Phone: 801.587.1456
Jared Smith
Title: Senior Engineer
As the Senior Engineer at Center for Medical Innovation, Jared manages the Gary Crocker Innovation and Design Lab and serves as the lead on prototyping projects for students, faculty and community partners using the lab’s services. He joined the CMI as a Student Lab Fellow in 2018, before earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah in 2020.
In his free time Jared enjoys reading up on the latest in autonomous vehicles and other emerging technologies, playing video games, spending time with his wife and their families, and drinking an unbelievable amount of Dr. Pepper.
Email: jared.lee.smith@utah.edu
Phone: 801.213.3672
Adam Ruechel
Title: Marketing & Communications Specialist / Bench to Bedside Program Manager
Joining the team in 2019, Adam oversees marketing and outreach for CMI, and serves as the Bench to Bedside Program manager.
Before starting at CMI he spent nearly a decade in Madison, Wisconsin's vibrant start-up and biotechnology ecosystem, including significant time in the new product development industry. He holds two BS degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Life Sciences Communication and Environmental Studies.
Outside the office, Adam enjoys cooking, photography, traveling abroad, Utah’s mandatory recreational activities of rock climbing and downhill skiing, and when he isn’t doing any of these, spending time with his friends and family.
Email: adam.ruechel@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801.587.9591
Spencer Walker, MSc
Title: Director of Regulatory Affairs
Spencer Walker was educated as a Medical Device Development specialist (MSc) at Cranfield University (England/ UK) and has over 16 years of experience in the medical industry, including 10 years as a Regulatory Affairs and Quality Executive and Consultant/Advisor in the area of Medical Device Regulatory/ Quality Compliance. He joined the University's Center for Medical Innovation in 2015 as the Director of Regulatory Affairs, where he currently teaches and consults for new university/ industry based medical device start-ups.
Email: spencer.walker@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801.581.5080