Translational Science & Strategy
Available for Executive & Board Roles

Translating Scientific Innovation into Clinical and Commercial Impact

Chief Scientific Officer and translational R&D leader with a proven track record of advancing biomedical innovations from concept through clinical validation and toward commercialization.

Daniel E. Butz, Ph.D. — Translational Science & Strategy
30+ Peer-Reviewed Publications
>$2.4M Non-Dilutive Funding Secured
Multiple Issued U.S. Patents
12+ Years Executive Leadership
4 Multi-Institutional Trial Sites

Where Science Meets Strategy

I am a translational scientist and executive leader focused on transforming complex biological insights into clinically meaningful solutions. I operate at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution—leading the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic platforms from early discovery through clinical application.

As Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Isomark, I led the end-to-end development of a novel infection monitoring platform—spanning early biomarker discovery through clinical validation. My leadership experience includes building and guiding cross-functional teams across engineering, clinical research, and regulatory domains, while aligning scientific innovation with strategic and commercial objectives.

My academic background at the University of Wisconsin–Madison established a foundation in metabolomics, stable isotope biology, and translational research, with applications in infection, inflammation, and metabolic disease. I bring a combination of scientific depth and enterprise perspective—contributing not only to R&D execution, but also to funding strategy, partnerships, and organizational growth.

Key Highlights

Co-Founder & former CSO — novel infection monitoring platform from concept to human clinical studies
Led multi-center clinical trials in critically ill patient populations across 4 leading institutions
Secured >$2.4M in non-dilutive NIH SBIR/STTR funding as Principal Investigator
Named inventor on multiple issued U.S. patents in biomarker detection and diagnostics
30+ peer-reviewed publications in translational medicine and metabolomics
Technology recognized on the U.S. Senate floor

Five Domains of Enterprise Contribution

A track record of measurable impact across the full pipeline—from discovery science to clinical validation, regulatory strategy, capital formation, and executive leadership.

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Translational Science & Pipeline Development

  • Advanced biomarker-based diagnostic platform from concept to clinical-stage validation
  • Developed translational models linking discovery science to human application
  • Built integrated pipelines bridging metabolomics, diagnostics, and clinical deployment
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Clinical Development & Trials

  • Designed and executed single- and multi-center clinical trials
  • Led studies in critically ill patient populations
  • Collaborated with leading academic medical centers
  • Established clinical endpoints and translational biomarkers
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Regulatory & Product Development

  • Led regulatory strategy including pre-submissions and exemption pathways
  • Advanced medical device development from benchtop to clinical use
  • Integrated engineering, clinical, and regulatory workflows
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Funding & Growth Strategy

  • Secured >$2.4M in NIH SBIR/STTR funding as Principal Investigator
  • Supported private investment and strategic funding efforts
  • Experience in scientific due diligence and investment evaluation
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Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Built and led teams across engineering, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and translational science
  • Co-Founder & CSO with board-level contributions on scientific and strategic decisions
  • Supported fundraising, partnerships, and long-term positioning

Leadership in Action

Two boardroom-caliber narratives demonstrating how scientific leadership translates into enterprise results. Click either card to expand.

Case Study 01

Building a Novel Diagnostic Platform from Discovery to Clinical Validation

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PlatformBreath-based infection diagnostic
RoleCo-Founder & CSO
ScopeDiscovery → Clinical Validation
Funding>$2M NIH SBIR

Overview

As Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, I led the development of a novel breath-based diagnostic platform for infection monitoring—advancing the technology from early-stage biomarker discovery through human clinical validation and toward commercialization. This effort required integrating scientific innovation, clinical strategy, regulatory planning, and organizational leadership into a unified development pathway.

The Challenge

Early-stage scientific discoveries often fail to translate into clinically viable products due to gaps between research, development, and real-world application. Key challenges included:

  • Converting complex metabolomic signals into a reliable clinical diagnostic
  • Establishing clear linkage between biomarkers and infection states in heterogeneous patient populations
  • Designing clinical studies capable of demonstrating utility in high-acuity settings
  • Navigating regulatory pathways for a novel diagnostic modality
  • Advancing development with limited early-stage resources

Strategic Approach

  • Established a pipeline connecting biomarker discovery to clinical application via metabolomics and isotope-based methods
  • Built and led multidisciplinary teams across engineering, clinical research, regulatory strategy, and translational science
  • Designed and implemented clinical studies in critically ill populations; expanded to multi-center trials across leading academic institutions
  • Led early regulatory strategy including pre-submission planning and exemption pathways
  • Secured non-dilutive funding through NIH SBIR Phase I & II awards to de-risk development

Results & Impact

  • Advanced a novel diagnostic platform from concept to human clinical studies
  • Demonstrated clinical feasibility in high-acuity patient populations
  • Built a defensible IP portfolio with multiple issued U.S. patents
  • Established a scalable translational and clinical development model
  • Positioned the technology for commercialization and strategic partnerships

Leadership Takeaways

  • Translation requires integration of discovery science with clinical, regulatory, and engineering execution
  • Early and rigorous clinical strategy was critical to advancing credibility and adoption
  • Non-dilutive funding enables progress while preserving strategic flexibility
  • Driving impact requires unifying diverse teams under a shared scientific and commercial vision
Case Study 02

Positioning a Novel Diagnostic Platform for Strategic Partnerships and Transaction Opportunities

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FocusStrategic partnerships & transactions
ScopeMedtech, diagnostics & adjacent markets
PartnersMedtronic, GE, Masimo, Zoetis, Cargill

Overview

As Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, I played a central role in positioning a novel diagnostic platform for strategic partnerships, investment, and potential acquisition—engaging with global leaders across medtech, diagnostics, and adjacent industries. This required translating complex science into clear clinical, commercial, and strategic value for diverse stakeholders.

The Challenge

Innovative technologies often struggle to gain traction with large strategic partners due to misalignment between scientific differentiation and commercial priorities. Key challenges included:

  • Articulating a novel diagnostic modality in terms relevant to commercial and strategic decision-makers
  • Demonstrating clinical and economic value in the absence of large-scale commercialization
  • Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations across medtech, diagnostics, and non-traditional markets
  • Supporting diligence processes across scientific, clinical, and market dimensions

Strategic Approach

  • Developed clear narratives connecting biomarker innovation → clinical utility → economic and operational value
  • Tailored messaging for executive, investor, and technical audiences
  • Led and supported discussions with Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Masimo, Zoetis, and Cargill
  • Contributed to preparation of scientific and technical materials for due diligence
  • Worked across scientific, clinical, and business teams to ensure consistent external messaging

Results & Impact

  • Established credibility with global strategic partners across multiple sectors
  • Positioned the platform for acquisition and partnership opportunities
  • Expanded visibility beyond traditional clinical diagnostics into broader market applications
  • Technology recognized on the U.S. Senate floor — elevating national credibility
  • Engaged senior stakeholders including former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson

Leadership Takeaways

  • Translation is not just scientific — success required reframing innovation in terms of market and enterprise value
  • Clear, differentiated narratives opened doors with top-tier strategic partners
  • Engaging across multiple industries expanded strategic pathways and created optionality
  • CSO impact extends well beyond R&D into partnerships, investment, and growth strategy

Five Areas of Demonstrated Leadership

Enterprise Visibility & Policy Recognition

Contributed to national-level recognition of novel diagnostic technology, including acknowledgment on the U.S. Senate floor.

Outcome: Elevated awareness with investors, policymakers, and strategic stakeholders

Capital Formation & Strategic Investment

Secured >$2.4M in NIH SBIR Phase I & II funding as PI; engaged directly with senior stakeholders including former Governor Tommy Thompson.

Outcome: Non-dilutive capital enabling de-risked platform advancement

Strategic Partnerships & Transaction Readiness

Led discussions with Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Masimo, Zoetis, and Cargill; supported due diligence and transaction preparation.

Outcome: Platform positioned for acquisition and partnership opportunities

Clinical Leadership at Scale

Designed and executed multi-center trials at UW–Madison, Duke, Washington University, and The Ohio State University with KOL endpoint committees.

Outcome: Clinically meaningful data from high-acuity patient populations

Innovation & Platform Development

Co-invented a novel breath-based diagnostic platform; translated biomarker discovery into a clinically validated infection monitoring system with a defensible IP portfolio.

Outcome: Multiple issued U.S. patents and ongoing commercialization pathway

Professional Experience

A career built at the intersection of academic research, startup leadership, and enterprise strategy.

2022 – Present
Project Manager
FAAR Solutions, Inc.
  • Lead multidisciplinary engineering and automation projects through full lifecycle from concept to delivery
  • Continue development of infection monitoring technology toward commercialization
2010 – 2022
Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer
Isomark, LLC / Isomark Health, Inc.
  • Led scientific vision, R&D strategy, and pipeline development
  • Contributed at the board level on scientific and strategic decisions
  • Supported fundraising, partnerships, and long-term company positioning
  • Developed and protected core intellectual property portfolio
2019 – 2021
Contract Research Analyst
Wisconsin Capital Management / Plumb Funds
  • Conducted scientific and commercial due diligence on medtech and biotech companies
  • Supported investment decision-making processes
2008 – 2018
Assistant Scientist
University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Led metabolomics and biomarker discovery research
  • Developed translational disease models
2005 – 2008
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Advanced stable isotope technologies into early human studies

Patents, Publications & Funding

A measurable record of scientific output, intellectual property creation, and competitive grant funding.

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Patents & Innovation

  • Multiple issued U.S. patents in biomarker detection and diagnostics
  • Core inventor of breath-based diagnostic technologies
  • Strong track record translating IP into clinical-stage applications
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Publications

  • 30+ peer-reviewed publications
  • Senior and first-author contributions
  • Focus areas: metabolomics, translational medicine, diagnostics
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Funding & Grants

>$2.4M
  • NIH SBIR Phase I & II (PI) — ~$1.7M
  • NIH SBIR Phase I (PI) — ~$500K
  • State of Wisconsin Research Funding — ~$200K
  • Additional institutional and translational research funding

Affiliations & Honors

Professional Affiliations

  • Society of Critical Care Medicine
  • IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
  • Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Honors & Awards

  • NIH/USDA Fellowship
  • Dannon Nutrition Leadership Institute Fellow
  • Multiple national research awards
  • Technology recognized on the U.S. Senate floor

Let's Connect

Open to executive leadership opportunities, advisory roles, and strategic partnerships in translational medicine and biomedical innovation.

Based in Wisconsin  ·  Open to remote and on-site executive opportunities