Current Board of Directors
Vanya Paralanov, Ph.D.
President & Executive Director
Dr. Vanya Paralanov is the founder and executive director of CELLS, bringing extensive experience as a Molecular and Cell Biologist in synthetic and engineering biology from world-renowned institutions like the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). At NIST, she was a member of the Cellular Engineering Group, and was resposible for converting lab spaces, setting up safety protocols, securing equipment, and co-writing multiple successful grants. Vanya has direct experience in establishing and managing BSL1 and BSL2 laboratories and developing curricula in non-traditional educational environments. Her passion for hands-on teaching, sparked by her experience tailoring education for her homeschooled children and homeschool co-ops, led her to found CELLS.
Maya Yovcheva, M.Sc.
Board of Directors
Maya Yovcheva is a Senior Project Manager at a global life sciences company and holds a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology. She is highly experienced in cell biology, protein expression, and driving R&D projects from conception to commercialization. Maya strengthens the board's operational capacity with her expertise in Project Management, Hazards and Risk Audits, and Regulatory Compliance. Her extensive volunteer work and experience in volunteer management for Women in Bio directly supports the needs of our volunteer-run organization.
Whitney Couthen, B.S.
Board of Directors
Whitney Couthen is a Tech Entrepreneur and the CEO of ThisTown, bringing robust experience from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including roles at AstraZeneca and Emergent BioSolutions. Her background, which includes working in a BSL-3 environment, offers essential expertise in Hazards and Risks Audit and Regulatory Compliance. Whitney's skills in Business Development and Strategic Planning align perfectly with our goals for long-term sustainability and growth.
Anindya Chanda, Ph.D.
Board of Directors
Dr. Anindya Chanda brings a wealth of scientific and business acumen to the board. As the CEO of Mycologics and experience as Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina with a Ph.D. in Food Science and Environmental Toxicology, he is an expert in fungal research and food safety. Dr. Chanda's skills in Regulatory Compliance, Business Development, and Strategic Planning will be vital for CELLS' growth and sustainability. Furthermore, his expertise in Curriculum Development will help expand our educational programs.
Dimitar Paralanov, B.S.
Board of Directors
Dimitar Paralanov is a Senior Technical Program Manager in the Telecommunication Sector, leading complex network implementation programs, and holds a B.S. in Telecommunications Engineering Technology. Dimitar's focus areas are Project Management, Business Development, and Strategic Planning, all of which are vital for operational success. He is a major supporter of CELLS and passionate about making science accessible. Dimitar contributes his expertise to our interdisciplinary projects crossing in the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering.
Former Board Members
Founding Board Members
Amit Kumar, Ph.D.
Served February 2024 - October 2025
Dr. Amit Kumar served as a supporting founding member and director for CELLS. He applied his experience in program coordination from his role at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and nonprofit leadership experience with local non-profit organizations. His significant community involvement and role as a local youth STEM leader were invaluable in spreading awareness and building community relations for CELLS, leveraging his established presence to introduce the organization's mission to the public. CELLS is grateful for his service and strong collaborative relationship during our start-up phase.
David Demiray, LL.M.
Served February 2024 - October 2025
David Demiray provided essential legal guidance and expertise as a supporting founding member and director, ensuring CELLS was built upon a sound legal and operational foundation. His background was instrumental in the organization's early structure. CELLS is grateful for his service and guidance as we forged strong partnerships and collaborations to increase our collective impact in the community during this period.