Our Team

Mike Werner

CEO Mike has been with Qualterra (formerly NuPhY & Ag Energy Solutions) for two years.  Over that time the companies made major strides in the areas of science, engineering, and research around high through-put plant propagation systems, biomass processing, molecular diagnostics, and carbon sequestration. Prior to his time with Qualterra, he spent approximately 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 in software, venture capital, real estate/asset management, and pharmaceutical/biotech industries. His roles have ranged from sales and marketing, training, sales management, human resources, and executive leadership. Mike has a passion for spending time with his family skiing, fly fishing, 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.