Our Team

Mike Werner

CEO

Mike has been with Qualterra (formerly NuPhY & Ag Energy Solutions) for over 3 years.  In that time the Company has made major strides in the areas of science, engineering, and commercialization of high through-put Controlled Environment Horticulture systems, biomass processing/carbon sequestration, and molecular diagnostics. Prior to his time with Qualterra, he spent 5 years as Chief Executive Officer of a software company focused on fintech, sales enablement solutions, digital marketing, and parking. Much of Mike’s career has been spent building businesses and partnerships in agriculture sustainability, software, venture capital, real estate/asset management, and pharmaceutical/biotech industries. He has served in a diverse set of leadership roles including sales, marketing, training, finance, human resources, and executive leadership. Mike has a passion for spending time with his family skiing, fly fishing, cooking, and hiking.

Dr. Amit Dhingra

Chief Science Officer

I accidentally ventured into the entrepreneurial space while being a professor of genomics and biotechnology at Washington State University. While working with my lab members, the insights of several farmers and nursery industry members guided the development of many innovative technologies for agriculture and sustainability. I have recently moved to Texas A&M University where I serve as the Head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences as well as continue my role as Professor of genomics and biotechnology working on very important crops such as grapes, pecans, pears, and tomatoes. My research focuses on the critical role soil health plays in ensuring plant performance in harsh environmental conditions.

Here is a list of my publications.

David Drinkard

VP, Biomass Processing

I am the VP of the Regeneration Division at Qualterra. I’m a Mechanical Engineer who has spent over 30 years bringing innovative concepts to the market. The first half of my career was focused on aerospace and advanced electronic cooling. The last eight years have focused on converting ag waste to valuable products that make farmers more profitable while having a significant positive impact on the environment.

Tim O'Brien

VP, Sales & Marketing

My passion is building and cultivating relationships that mutually benefit each person and entity that are working together. My academic background spans a B.S. in Plant & Soil Science from the University of Delaware to a M.S. in Regenerative Agricultural Farming Systems from Oregon State University. I’ve held executive positions in Sales, Business Development, and Relationship Management throughout my career. My wife and I are raising our three daughters on our horse farm and we enjoy travel, outdoor adventure sports, and great food.

Amy Mraz

Director, Molecular Plant Testing

In my role, I specialize in adapting cutting-edge techniques and highly skilled procedures to scalable, higher throughput, fully automated molecular diagnostic products. This allows me to serve our customers and the industry with fast, accurate service. My academic training and degree are in Microbiology. When not in the office I enjoy boating, hiking, and gardening with my husband and our two miniature Australian shepherds.

Laura Miscoe

Director, Plant Production

Every day I use communication centric and science-based approaches to oversee our Plant Production Department in our micro-propagation lab and greenhouse facilities. I love the purpose and importance of working in the sustainable agriculture field. My degree is in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Colorado, and have a Master of Science degree in Biology from John Carroll University. I aim to tackle all day to day challenges with a critical, ethical, and equitable lens. In my free time, I enjoy running, swimming, and enjoying all the outdoor amenities that the Palouse region of Eastern Washington State has to offer.

Dr. Seanna Hewitt

Senior Genomics Scientist & Grants Management Specialist

I am a Senior Genomics Scientist and Grants Management Specialist at Qualterra. I specialize in plant genomic data analysis and scientific/technical writing. I use my expertise in plant genomics to address current challenges in horticultural crop production, including pathogen diagnostics and variety verification. Additionally, leveraging my technical writing experience, I communicate scientific innovations in Qualterra’s pipeline to funding agencies, as well as to potential project partners, to help advance the company’s repertoire of cutting-edge, sustainable agricultural technologies. I received a PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences and a Certificate in Protein Biotechnology from Washington State University, and I have Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Hispanic Studies from Pacific Lutheran University. In my spare time, I enjoy running, swimming, biking, hiking, and traveling.

Tim Farley

Senior Electrical Engineer

I handle the complete electrical design of our systems including power, instrumentation, controls and I write the firmware for our biomass processing technologies. I really enjoy the variety of engineering challenges our work presents, and pride myself on my ability to deliver technical solutions that help our projects succeed. My favorite hobby is competitive water skiing.

Diana DeHeide

Head Grower, Greenhouse

My name is Diana DeHeide and I've been in the greenhouse industry for the last 7 years. I’ve overseen commercial greenhouse production of a variety of specialty crops including tree fruit rootstocks. I also enjoyed a chapter of my career in the greenhouse construction side of the industry. I have a small orchard of my own and love working with fruit trees. Outside of work, I love being outdoors golfing, biking or enjoying time with family and friends.

Shara Green

Sales Executive

Being raised on a commercial tree fruit farm instilled within me tremendous insight and respect to all those that farm for their livelihoods. My husband and I took the plunge on continuing the 4th generation of family tradition and dove into pear and cherry farming. Agriculture is in my blood, and now I can extend my love of the industry into my career life. My professional sales background is rooted in the craft beverage and wine industries prior to my start with Qualterra. As someone who is passionate about the future of food production and sustainability measures, I truly look forward to watching our customers thrive. I have a deep desire to see American farmers succeed and flourish by caretaking of the land through the innovations and solutions that we can offer. Outside of work I am a competitive trap shooter, love downhill skiing, and the enjoyment of good wines.

Andrew Gutman

Mechanical Design Engineer and Biomass Processing Site Lead

I’ve spent nearly a decade focused on converting agricultural waste into biochar and energy, learning what truly works in the process. I enjoy the hands-on challenges of transforming ideas from a computer screen into fully functioning systems. My focus spans the entire process, from design and installation to everyday maintenance, ensuring that our Biomass Processing Units are as efficient and user-friendly as possible.