Dr. Willis Johnson
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Willis Johnson is a technology executive and interdisciplinary innovator working at the intersection of semiconductor systems, biosensing platforms, artificial intelligence, and clinical research infrastructure.
He is the Founder of Bio Nexa LLC, a research and technology organization focused on advancing CMOS-compatible semiconductor biosensing platforms designed for secure domestic manufacturing and scalable biomedical applications. Mr. Johnson’s work centers on developing trusted semiconductor-enabled sensing systems capable of supporting biomedical analytics, decentralized clinical monitoring, and national health-security applications. Through Bio Nexa, he is advancing platform architectures that integrate mature CMOS semiconductor fabrication, biosensing interfaces, and secure computing environments, strengthening domestic semiconductor ecosystem demand while enabling next-generation clinical and biomedical data capabilities.
Mr. Johnson has led and supported clinical research initiatives across multiple therapeutic areas in collaboration with global pharmaceutical organizations including Pfizer, AbbVie, GSK, and Exact Sciences. His experience spans clinical research operations, regulatory compliance, decentralized trial systems, and data governance, with a focus on improving efficiency, regulatory integrity, and equitable access to biomedical research. Under his leadership, Bio Nexa has developed AI-enabled contracting systems, predictive analytics for trial-site optimization, and early-stage semiconductor-based biosensing frameworks designed for decentralized clinical monitoring and secure biomedical data environments.
Mr. Johnson completed executive coursework in Business Development, Leadership, and Project Management through Harvard Business School and holds both a Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intercultural Human Rights, where he served as Editor of the Intercultural Labor and Human Rights Law Review and received the Intercultural Human Rights Honors Scholarship.
He holds clinical research professional certifications in Human Subjects Research (CITI), Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), FDA Regulatory Compliance, IRB and Human Research Protections, and HIPAA and global data privacy compliance, reflecting his commitment to regulatory integrity, ethical research practices, and secure data governance in biomedical innovation.
Mr. Johnson’s work focuses on advancing secure semiconductor-enabled biosensing platforms integrated with trusted domestic compute infrastructure, enabling continuous biomarker monitoring, decentralized clinical research, and resilient health-security systems. Through Bio Nexa, he is working to demonstrate how domestically manufactured semiconductor technologies can power next-generation biomedical sensing platforms that improve, United States bio defense, clinical research, strengthen public health systems, and support national resilience.
Lawrence Pulvirent, MEng
Semiconductor Manufacturing Advisor
Lawrence Pulvirent is a veteran semiconductor manufacturing leader with more than two decades of experience advancing CMOS process integration, yield engineering, new product introduction (NPI), and high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. He serves as a semiconductor manufacturing advisor to BioNexa, supporting the development of CMOS-compatible semiconductor platform architectures designed for secure domestic fabrication and scalable biosensing applications.
Pulvirent has held senior technical and leadership roles at some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing organizations, including SkyWater Technology, GlobalFoundries, NY CREATES / AIM Photonics, and Motorola / Freescale Semiconductor. Across these roles, he has led teams responsible for process integration, tapeout execution, technology transfer, yield optimization, and large-scale manufacturing ramp for complex semiconductor technologies. His expertise spans the full semiconductor production lifecycle from design integration and mask preparation through wafer fabrication, parametric testing, and high-volume production.
At NY CREATES / AIM Photonics, Pulvirent served as Lead Manufacturing Integration Engineer supporting multi-project wafer (MPW) photonics platforms, coordinating design rule checks, maskmaking, prototype silicon runs, wafer dicing, and post-fabrication data evaluation to accelerate silicon learning cycles and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Previously, as Senior Manager of Process Integration and Yield Enhancement at SkyWater Technology, he led cross-functional engineering teams focused on improving yield, reducing scrap, and strengthening robustness across mature CMOS manufacturing flows. He implemented risk-managed process changes and parametric test programs to support both existing production technologies and emerging semiconductor platforms.
Pulvirent also served in key leadership roles at GlobalFoundries’ Fab 8, where he led integration activities for advanced technology tapeouts, coordinating mask design, reticle development, and engineering silicon programs supporting next-generation semiconductor technologies. During this work he delivered over 150 consecutive error-free reticle spins, enabling reliable silicon learning cycles and accelerating product development timelines.
Earlier in his career at Motorola / Freescale Semiconductor, Pulvirent led device integration, yield improvement, and probe engineering teams responsible for high-volume production across multiple semiconductor technologies including CMOS, MEMS, SMARTMOS, and LDMOS. He directed cross-functional teams spanning design, fabrication, and testing to improve yield performance, qualify new technologies, and transition complex semiconductor products into full-scale manufacturing.
Pulvirent holds both a Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He has also contributed extensively to the semiconductor community through the Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference, serving in leadership roles including steering committee member, session chair, and conference co-chair.
At BioNexa, Pulvirent provides strategic guidance on manufacturable semiconductor architecture, domestic fabrication pathways, yield strategy, and transition of CMOS-compatible biosensing platforms from design to scalable production. His experience across multiple leading semiconductor fabs strengthens BioNexa’s ability to develop trusted semiconductor systems aligned with U.S. domestic manufacturing priorities and next-generation sensing applications.
Cristiano Capasso, PhD
Semiconductor Reliability, System Integration Hardware Engineering, Packaging, and Technology Advisor
Cristiano Capasso, PhD, is a semiconductor technology executive and reliability engineering leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing CMOS process technologies, device reliability, and large-scale semiconductor manufacturing platforms. He serves as a semiconductor technology and reliability advisor to BioNexa, supporting the development of CMOS-compatible semiconductor architectures designed for secure domestic manufacturing and scalable biosensing applications.
Mr. Capasso has held senior technical leadership roles at several of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing organizations, including SkyWater Technology, GlobalFoundries, and Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector). Across these roles he has led multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for technology qualification, reliability engineering, device modeling, yield optimization, and large-scale semiconductor production support.
At SkyWater Technology, Capasso served as Senior Director of Technology, where he built and led device reliability, modeling, and Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) research teams while establishing new reliability testing laboratories supporting government, defense, automotive, and medical semiconductor programs. He also drove collaborations with federal agencies and research institutions, including programs involving U.S. Navy research initiatives and advanced academic partners. His work supported the production and qualification of semiconductor technologies deployed in mission-critical commercial and government systems.
Previously at GlobalFoundries Fab 8, Mr. Capasso served as Deputy Director and Lead Technologist responsible for automotive semiconductor reliability and technology qualification. In this role he led reliability engineering efforts for advanced nodes including 12nm automotive technologies, qualifying semiconductor platforms to AEC-Q100 automotive reliability standards while building reliability laboratories, developing failure analysis methodologies, and implementing advanced reliability monitoring systems across the fabrication process. His work helped eliminate reliability escapes, improve wafer disposition accuracy, and dramatically reduce test times through improved reliability characterization methodologies.
Earlier in his career at Freescale Semiconductor (Motorola), Mr. Capasso led technology deployment and intrinsic reliability programs across multiple semiconductor nodes including 45nm SOI and advanced CMOS technologies. He led cross-functional teams responsible for reliability qualification, yield improvement, and product certification for high-performance semiconductor devices. His contributions include the development of low-power CMOS platforms utilizing high-k metal gate materials, the establishment of statistical methodologies for reliability modeling, and patented process improvements that strengthened copper interconnect reliability in semiconductor devices.
Mr. Capasso is widely recognized within the semiconductor industry for his expertise in device reliability physics, statistical modeling, and semiconductor process integration. He has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed technical papers and conference publications and has been invited to present tutorials and technical lectures on semiconductor reliability methodologies at international engineering conferences.
He holds a Doctorate in Physics from the Università degli Studi di Roma (University of Rome), Italy, where his early research included advanced x-ray imaging systems and interdisciplinary scientific instrumentation.
At BioNexa, Mr. Capasso provides strategic guidance on semiconductor reliability engineering, technology qualification, and manufacturable CMOS platform development, ensuring that proposed semiconductor architectures can transition from research concepts into robust, manufacturable technologies suitable for deployment within trusted domestic semiconductor fabrication environments.
His experience leading reliability programs across multiple semiconductor fabs strengthens BioNexa’s ability to deliver secure, manufacturable semiconductor platforms aligned with the priorities of the U.S. domestic semiconductor ecosystem and next-generation sensing technologies.
Dr. April Spenser, M.D.
Breast Cancer Surgeon, Clinical Researcher, and Advocate
Dr. April L. Spencer is a Chicago native who was raised in Atlanta. After obtaining her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from Norfolk State University, she returned to Atlanta to attend Morehouse School of Medicine, where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree.
After her matriculation, she remained at Morehouse to complete a general surgery residency. Dr. Spencer is Board Certified by the American College of Surgeons. She completed both her Internship and General Surgery residency at Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the Southeast.
Upon completion of an intensive General Surgery residency, she went on to receive the prestigious Susan G. Komen-sponsored Breast Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
This cancer center is top-ranked by US News and World Report. During this Fellowship Dr. Spencer was exposed to numerous advanced breast surgical oncology techniques such as oncoplastics, cutting-edge cancer research, and publication opportunities.
This Fellowship promoted comprehensive breast cancer treatment plans using a multidisciplinary model. This model is a patient-centered approach to breast cancer management involving integrating primary care, medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, and pathology expertise to formulate the best possible plan for each unique patient. One patient, One place, One plan!
Dr. Greg Johnson, M.D,
Board-Certified Radiologist
Dr. Greg Johnson is a board-certified radiologist with subspecialty expertise in thoracic imaging, bringing years of advanced diagnostic experience to our team. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where he developed a strong foundation in complex cardiothoracic imaging. Dr. Johnson went on to serve as Chief Resident, demonstrating exceptional leadership and clinical precision during his training.
Dr. Johnson has held the position of Director of Thoracic Imaging at David Grant Medical Center, where he led imaging programs focused on lung and cardiac diagnostics and mentored residents in advanced imaging interpretation. His background combines clinical research excellence, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Johnson served as a principal investigator for various clinical trial with Merck Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Johnson is dedicated to using the latest imaging technologies to provide accurate, timely diagnoses that guide effective treatment. His passion for thoracic imaging and education continues to drive innovation and excellence within the field.
Dr. Gautam Agrawal, M.D.
Board-Certified Radiologist Advisor
Dr. Gautam Agrawal is a board-certified radiologist and the Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer of the practice. He specializes in musculoskeletal radiology, combining advanced imaging expertise with a strong background in engineering and technology to enhance diagnostic precision and efficiency.
Dr. Agrawal earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Johns Hopkins, where he served as Chief Resident. He went on to complete a fellowship under Dr. David Stoller (NOIA), one of the foremost authorities in musculoskeletal imaging. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Agrawal holds a Master of Engineering, which complements his innovative approach to integrating medical imaging and data systems.
As CIO, Dr. Agrawal plays a key role in advancing the practice’s digital infrastructure and imaging technology, ensuring that patients benefit from state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence diagnostics and seamless care coordination. His leadership reflects a commitment to clinical research excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in the delivery of modern radiology services.