EXPERIENCED SCIENTISTS & PROFESSIONALS CARE-TAKING YOUR TECHNOLOGIES

Christopher Chase, DVM, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer / President

Dr. Chase leads the company’s business development and strategic planning team. He works extensively with clients to identify the current challenges and needs of the animal health industry. He is currently a professor in the Department of Veterinary Science, as well as an adjunct professor in the department of Biology/Microbiology at South Dakota State University. Dr. Chase co-founded RTI, LLC in 1994, realizing a niche for a quality contract research organization in Brookings, SD by taking advantage of the resources and graduates of nearby South Dakota State University. His expertise in animal disease research allows him to integrate veterinary research with the practical aspects of clinical medicine to provide direction in protocol development.

Rolland Nevins, BS

Chief Executive Officer

Rollie joined RTI, LLC in September 2011, and is responsible for our strategic planning and new business development. During his more than 25 years in the livestock production industry he gained expertise in marketing, operations management, and budgeting. Rollie has a proven track record of instituting successful operational and marketing programs, and has built a strong history of client retention by developing and maintaining customer service programs.

Kipp Erickson, PhD

Chief Operating Officer

Erickson earned his PhD in Cardiopulmonary Physiology from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University and has served most of his professional career as a scientist and leader in both human and animal health drug discovery and product development. He brings significant knowledge and experiences from his time at Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia, Pfizer, Zoetis, VP of technology & commercialization at Intrexon and recently, as Director of Translational Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. He is well-connected to the industry, has extensive experience in pharma/biopharma research and product development, strategy and business development, commercialization, licensing and patenting. Erickson is also an expert resource toward product concept development and creating of intellectual property, recognizing opportunities from faculty research and how to evolve them toward invention disclosures and forming connections with potential external partners.

Sara VanderWal, BS

Director of Quality Assurance, Business Development, and Client Relations

Sara holds an Animal Science degree from South Dakota State University. Joining RTI in 2012, her background includes over 30 years in the beef cattle and dairy industries, more than 10 of which include research experience in the areas of feedlot nutrition and beef cattle breeding. At RTI, Sara lives in budgeting and client relations. She arranges study placement and scheduling, ascertains client needs and accounts for them by aligning budget and protocol, creates statements of work and employment contracts, coordinates upcoming and prospective studies with the clinical group, and draws up personalized study estimates, tailored to each client's unique requirements. Sara also manages RTI’s Institutional Care and Use Committe (IACUC), writing protocols, managing inspections and bi-annual meetings, tracking approvals, and coordinating protocol discussions. She participates in audits, CAPAs, and other quality functions, and has her finger on the pulse point of all things RTI, which makes her a valuable resource for any questions, either internally or externally sourced. And when she feels bored behind a desk, she frequently finds her way over to the clinical research side, where she can spend time working with the animals that are her passion.

Alesha Siegel, BS

Quality Assurance Manager and Marketing Communications Specialist

Prior to joining RTI in 2020, Alesha obtained a degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona, then spent several years working as a scientist in a high-throughput, ISO 17025/9001 and GLP accredited laboratory.  During this time, she became proficient in a variety of technologies, including but not limited to PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis, and ICP-OES/ICP-MS. At the same time, she developed a familiarity with the myriad parts which make a quality assurance system function smoothly and effectively by participating in equipment recertification, purchasing, audits, CAPAs, and SOP writing and review. Relying on her combination of laboratory and QA experience, her responsibilities as QA Manager include conducting internal audits, training new and current employees, SOP management, and assuring the accuracy and integrity of data across all study books and reports, as well as adherence to all applicable quality standards. In addition, Alesha exercises her passion for the written word through development of focused narratives and press releases intended to spotlight her team members and the varied contributions to scientific research and innovation they develop here at RTI.

Greta Krafsur, DVM, DACVP, PhD Candidate

Director of Clinical Research, Medicine and Pathobiologic Services

Dr. Krafsur, raised on a multigenerational farm in Estelline, SD, has maintained a lifelong enthusiasm for—and accumulated a lifelong knowledge base concerning—bovine production, physiology, and pathology, through a combination of academic achievement and responsibilities pursuant to the family business. Her particular passion is cardiopulmonary histopathology, for which bovine physiology provides a valuable model for use in translational medicine, and she has dedicated a mountain of time, energy, and heart into its focused research. She earned her DVM from Colorado State University, has nearly completed her doctorate at The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, bringing a unique blend of competencies and opportunities with her to RTI. In addition to participating in clinical research studies as RTI's on-staff research veterinarian by monitoring animal health, performing procedures, and prescribing treatments, Dr. Krafsur contributes to the development of new business ventures with a fresh scientific and biomedical perspective.

Stephanie Perkins, MS

Clinical Research Scientist and Principal Investigator

Stephanie has been an invaluable contributor to RTI’s success since 2019, due in part to her ten years of prior experience in animal research, which comprises both hands-on animal husbandry and laboratory analysis procedures. Originally a pre-veterinary track student, her growing zeal for science and research led to an evolution of her educational and professional ambitions away from veterinary practice. Stephanie earned her BS in Animal Science from Auburn University in 2013, then went on to attain her MS in Breeding and Molecular Genetics at South Dakota State University in 2016. After graduating from SDSU, she held a position as a part-time equine lecturer and full-time research assistant in the beef reproductive physiology lab—conducting DNA and RNA extraction, RT-PCR, protein analyses, radioimmunoassay, and a variety of other molecular methods—until she saw a chance for new growth and opportunity at RTI. Today, Stephanie functions as a Clinical Research Scientist and one of our Principal Investigators. In a typical day, she might contribute to study mapping and design; communicate progress updates and new developments with sponsors; assist with study events; and act as a resource for and mentor to RTI’s budding network of professionals. Her competence, strong work ethic, and positive character make up the ideal toolbox for undertaking the myriad tasks and prospering in the fast-paced environment of RTI’s Clinical Research Department.  

Nirosh Dias Senevirathne, PhD

Clinical Site Manager (RTI-Kansas City) and Clinical Research Scientist

Before arriving at RTI, Dr. Senevirathne studied across the globe, obtaining his first MS in Animal Science from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, then moving on to a second in Animal Science and Food Hygiene from the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan. Once complete, Dr. Senevirathne came to Brookings, SD to pursue his PhD in Dairy Production at South Dakota State University. In addition to his educational focus, Dr. Senevirathne has had over fourteen years of experience working in the agricultural industry, first as a farm manager in his home country of Sri Lanka, and later as a clinical research scientist and principal investigator at RTI, starting in 2019. Now, Dr. Senevirathne manages the RTI Kansas City poultry research facility, overseeing poultry research studies and clinical research staff. Dr. Senevirathne works closely with clients and sponsors to ensure studies occur in compliance with protocols and regulations, and that quality and integrity of research data is held paramount.

Sonja VanHolland, MT (ASCP)

Director of Biologics Research and Diagnostic Laboratories

Sonja graduated from South Dakota State University with a double major in Microbiology and Clinical Laboratory Science, as well as a Minor in Chemistry. Since then, she has accumulated more than 30 years of experience managing microbiology and diagnostic laboratories, providing her a wealth and breadth of knowledge which could only have been acquired from her work in a variety of specialized facilities. These facilities have included a hospital microbiology department, a veterinary research laboratory, and a diagnostic, food safety, and seed health lab, at all of which Sonja has held a managerial role. Since her arrival at RTI in 2014, she has been a driving force behind shaping our laboratories and their offered services into what they are today. Now, Sonja functions as our laboratory director, and provides bacteriology expertise to the clinical team.  With a strong and reliable group in place in the labs, her day-to-day focus has pivoted toward the expansion of RTI’s diagnostic, analytical testing, and service capabilities to food, pharmaceutical, and biotech clients.

Jaydin Rowbotham, BS

Laboratory Manager

Jaydin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Studies from South Dakota State University with a specialization in Science. Initially hired as a student laboratory technician, she has been part of RTI since 2017.  Through a combination of hard work, talent, and solid interpersonnel skills, Jaydin has proven her merit and aptitude, and transitioned to the position of Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Manager. Working closely with Sonja, Jaydin is responsible for the logistics of daily operations and the supervision of staff, as well as for acting as liaison between the clinical and laboratory groups to foster strong interdepartmental communication. She verifies that staff are appropriately trained, that equipment maintenance and calibration occurs according to schedule, that SOPs reflect current practice, and that all laboratory activities proceed in compliance with ISO 17025 and other relevant regulatory standards.

Carol Rinehart, PhD

Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

Dr. Rinehart has more than 25 years of experience in the Animal Health Industry, primarily with licensing and the production of veterinary biological products. She is responsible for the registration of 20+ veterinary biological products within the cattle, swine, poultry and companion animal areas. Dr. Rinehart has been active in industry support groups including the Animal Health Institute (AHI) and Association of Veterinary Biologics Companies (AVBC), as well as, serving as Chairman of the Veterinary Biologics Section of the AHI in 2006 and representing the AHI on the International VICH Target Animal Safety Committee from 2003-2007. She has expertise in GCP, GLP, GMP, and R&D, Quality Assurance, and licensing requirements for veterinary biological products, as well as, trial design and monitoring.

Dr. Rinehart enjoys working to provide assistance in study protocol development and implementation, as well as, developing and completing product licensing plans for our clientele. She directs and advises our team of clinical researchers to carry out superior research services, and provides expertise in regulatory and QA affairs.