Our Team

Dr. Benedict

Dr. Nicolas Benedict

President, CEO

Direct: 303-741-0674
Fax: 720-488-0306
drbenedict@esciencelabs.com

Dr. Benedict is an accomplished biologist, whose academic areas of expertise include environmental science, conservation genetics and molecular biology. Much of his original research focused on the development and use of novel molecular tools to address taxonomic and population level uncertainties which were fundamental to developing sound wildlife conservation and management strategies. Many of these necessitated the development of complex research collaborations among multiple federal, state, non-governmental agencies and organizations, as well as within the private sector.

Dr. Benedict has an extensive background in education ranging from the University to Elementary school levels. At the University level he both lectured in courses and taught labs on a wide variety of topics. He also spent a number of years traveling to inner city schools to teach children about wildlife, with a particular emphasis on urban wildlife. This broad background in education is complemented by his many years of experience in research, marketing, management and the implementation and oversight of customer service departments.

A native of Colorado, Dr. Benedict has been involved in a variety of ventures throughout the state. Though many of these were in the private sector, much of his time has been devoted to numerous non-profit organizations in a variety of capacities.

Ann Marie Bottcher, PhD

Director of Curriculum Development

drbottcher@esciencelabs.com

Dr. Bottcher received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A unique undergraduate background in textile engineering provided the basis for her interest in biomaterials, and the biomedical field as a whole. She has experience in medical textile production and development, and her research interests include cellular mechanics, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. Ann Marie has presented at a number of national and international conferences, and is the co-author of several patents, peer-reviewed journal articles, and book chapters.

Ann Marie's professional affiliations include:

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • Biomedical Engineering Society
  • Orthopaedic Research Society
  • Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineers
  • Society of Women Engineers and Professionals
Charity

Charity Allen

Operations Manager

callen@esciencelabs.com

Charity Allen earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Human Biology (cum laude) from Western State College of Colorado. While there she was a member of the honors program and was awarded the distinction of an "honor" graduate. She has a solid background in research focused primarily on human physiology. Charity is remarkably talented and plays many instrumental roles at eScience Labs. Her passion for science and interest in students is evident in the unique perspective and energy she brings on a daily basis.

Kris

Kris Skaff

Account Manager

kskaff@esciencelabs.com

Kris Skaff is working in the capacity of Account Manager for eScience Labs with over 12 years of direct education experience. Kris earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of South Dakota and earned a degree in Education from Arizona State University. Prior to working in the education field, Kris was Director of Communications for the Arizona Golf Association. Utilizing her passion for education coupled with her business background, Kris enjoys providing value-solutions with eScience Labs’ hands‐on supplements to educational institutions world‐wide and in turn creating a positive learning environment for students. Kris enjoys volunteering for various philanthropic efforts and organizations focusing on supporting children with life threatening ailments. Kris resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.

Sam

Sam Gagnard

Technical Writer

Sam Gagnard earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude) in Physics and Philosophy from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. As a technical writer, he offers a unique background over a variety of scientific and academic disciplines. Sam is interested not only in the practice of science itself, but in helping express how science is understood and taught within a wider academic community. As a recent graduate, Sam’s youth and passion for physics makes for a dynamic perspective through which to engage the interests of students in the sciences.

Lisa Davis, PhD

Technical Writer

drdavis@esciencelabs.com

Dr. Davis received her BS in Biology from the University of Utah, MS in Microbiology from Brigham Young University and PhD in Immunology from the University of Colorado. She has performed research at the National Jewish Research and Medical Center and currently teaches Biology at the Arapahoe Community College. This provides her a unique and relevant understanding of students, research and how to teach science.

Rachel Algya

Account Manager

ralgya@esciencelabs.com

Rachel Algya earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration (cum laude) with a minor in Leadership from Colorado Christian University. Throughout college Rachel was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honor society. She also served three years as a leader within the Student Government Association, and was elected Student Body Vice President and Student Body President. Rachel received the coveted ‘Excellence in Leadership’ award for her service to the student body her senior year. Rachel possesses a strong background in networking and relationship development and has assisted with the recruitment and training of over 100 student leaders. She has also assisted in the planning and execution of corporate and community events around the Denver area. Rachel devotes her spare time to mentoring high school girls and serving in her local church.

Courtney Smith

Account Manager

csmith@esiencelabs.com

Courtney Smith earned a Bachelors of Science degree double majoring in Marketing and Management from Baylor University. While there she was a member of Baylor’s honors college allowing her to graduate with “honors.” Courtney was a member of the Association of College Honors Society. She was the head chairman of the Policies and Standards Board for Pi Beta Phi responsible for educating members on the rules, policies, and laws applicable to the organization, administering consequences for all violations, as well as overseeing risk management for over approximately 230 members. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys volunteering for a local ministry.