Meet The Team
With over 60 team members and a global reach, Xelay Acumen spans 5 divisions and a breadth of focus areas including Medical Affairs Strategy and Staffing, Publication Strategy, Planning and Medical Writing, KOL Engagement and Advocacy, Medical Data Analytics, Visualization, and Information Services, Event Planning, Market Launch Strategy and Coordination, High Impact Project Management Staffing, Non-Profit Foundation Partnerships, and Capital Investment Fund Management. Meet some of our team members:
Alex Yang
President and CEO
Prior to founding Xelay Acumen, Inc, Alex Yang MD MBA gained an extensive 20+ years of senior management experiences in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and health care provider industries with deep expertise across various functions including Medical Affairs, Marketing, Corporate Strategy, Pricing, Contracting, and Data Analytics.
Dr. Yang is a former McKinsey consultant and has advised senior management of 7 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations.
Dr. Yang received his BS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MD from the University of Chicago, and MBA from the University of Chicago.
Consulting Group
April Chen
Manager, Consulting
April Chen MD is a Manager in the Consulting group. Since 2016, April has served 9 clients over 75 projects across a variety of functions including Publication Planning and Strategy, Medical Writing, Scientific Platform, Advisory Boards, Program Development, Medical Information, Medical Literature, Medical Communication, Business Development, and Corporate Development Training, as well as a variety of therapeutic areas including Urologic Oncology, Endocrinology, Opioid Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Pemphigus, Immuno-oncology, Urology, Nephrology, and more.
Prior to Xelay, April gained a breadth of experience in biochemistry research, medical interpretation, and health education. April received her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology with a Biochemistry emphasis from the University of California, Berkeley and MD from the University of California, San Francisco.
In her spare time, April enjoys reading, swimming, and horseback riding.
Isabella Ko
Senior Analyst, Consulting
Isabella is a Senior Analyst in the Consulting group. Since 2023, Isabella has served 3 clients over 35 projects across a variety of functions including Publication Planning and Strategy, Project Management, Medical Writing, Scientific Platform, and Client and Communications Services.
Prior to Xelay, Isabella gained a breadth of experience in biomechanics research and interventional cardiology clinical research at Stanford University. Isabella received her BA in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley.
In her spare time, Isabella enjoys photography, lacrosse, volleyball, hiking, and reading.
Vyshnav Menon
Analyst, Consulting
Vyshnav is an Analyst in the Consulting group. Prior to joining Xelay, Vyshnav gained a breadth of experience in Engineering, serving high-profile clients. Vyshnav received his MS in engineering management from Johns Hopkins University.
In his spare time, Vyshnav enjoys playing soccer, watching various sports, and spending time playing board games with friends and family.
Sanjana Nuti
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Sanjana is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior to joining Xelay, Sanjana gained a breadth of experience in Product Management, Consulting, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship. Sanjana received her MS in Biotechnology from the University of Pennsylvania and has research experience in Oncology and Neurogenetics.
In her spare time, Sanjana enjoys hiking, painting, traveling, and trying new food.
Ashit Vachhani
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Ashit Vachhani is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior to joining Xelay, Ashit gained a breadth of experience in Business Analysis, Consulting, and Software Development. Ashit received his MS in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona.
In his spare time, Ashit enjoys playing soccer, gaming, trying new food, and playing board games
Shreya Munnuri
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Shreya is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior to joining Xelay, Shreya gained a breadth of experience in Engineering and Product Management. Shreya received her MS in Engineering Management, specializing in Operations Research from the Johns Hopkins University.
In her spare time, Shreya enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and exploring new places.
Silvia Garcia-Figueras Mateos
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Silvia Garcia-Figueras Mateos is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior in joining Xelay, Silvia gained a breadth of experience in Consulting and Data Visualization. Silvia received her MS in Management from Georgetown University, specializing in leadership, technology, and data analytics. With a bachelor's degree from EHL Hospitality Business School, Silvia is well-versed in international business and high-profile client management.
In her spare time, Silvia enjoys playing tennis, traveling, trying new foods, and unwinding with watercolor painting.
Yatian Zhang
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Yatian (Tina) Zhang is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior in joining Xelay, Yatian gained a breadth of experience in Fintech, Educational Technology and Marketing.
Yatian received her MS in Data Analytics for Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon and she also holds a BBA degree in Accounting.
In her spare time, Yatian likes swimming, playing tennis and bouldering.
Christine Vuu
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Christine is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior to joining Xelay, Christine gained a breadth of experience in Data Analytics, Market Research, and Project Management. Christine received her degree in both Computer Science and Quantitative Economics & Econometrics from Connecticut College.
In her spare time, Christine enjoys traveling, scuba diving, painting, and cooking.
Gayatri Awate
Analyst Intern, Consulting
Gayatri is an Analyst Intern in the Consulting Group. Prior to joining Xelay, Gayatri gained a breadth of experience in Automation Development. Gayatri received her MS in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology.
In her spare time, Gayatri enjoys Indian Classical Bharatnatyam dancing, hiking and painting.
Medical and Scientific Group
The Medical and Scientific group include advanced scientific doctorate degrees from life science academic institutions including University of Chicago, UCLA, UC San Diego, Stanford, UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, MIT, Yale, Northwestern, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland, University of Oxford, Rutgers University, Binghamton University, and University of Pittsburgh.
Across 20 individuals with MDs, PhDs, and PharmDs, the group collectively holds over 200 years of experience in medical communications, and has completed over 500 publications while at Xelay Acumen.
A.H.
Medical Writer
A.J. is a Medical Writer in the Medical Communications group. A.J. received her BA in Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley and Doctor of Pharmacy at UC San Francisco. Prior to joining Xelay Acumen, she had extensive clinical training and research experience in a variety of therapeutic areas including cardiology, endocrinology, infectious disease, and clinical education. Also, she had a breadth of experience in public health research, focusing on the practice and implementation of SB 493 in San Francisco retail pharmacies.
J.H.
Medical Writer
J.H. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. J.H. received her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology and PhD in Endocrinology at UC Berkeley. With 18 years experience in the medical communications, J.H. has served clients on publications in a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology, nephrology, hematology and infectious diseases, and immunology.
I.K.
Medical Writer
I.K. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. I.K. received her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley and PhD in Microbiology at UC San Francisco. With 15 years experience in medical communications, I.K. has served clients on publications in a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology, nephrology, hematology, and infectious diseases.
G.P.
Medical Writer
G.P. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. G.P. received his MBBS from King's College London. With 16 years experience in medical communications, G.P. has served clients on publications in a variety of therapeutic areas including hematology, cardiology, and clinical education.
A.S.
Medical Writer
A.S. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. A.S. received her MS in Medical Writing from John Hopkins University. Prior to joining Xelay, A.S. gained a breadth of experience at an international research group focusing on surgical site infection prevention in low- and middle-income countries and several pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
S.F.
Medical Writer
S.F. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. S.F. received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Lahore Medical and Dental College and has since accumulated over 2 years of valuable experience in medical communications. Her work as a Medical Writer involves collaborating with clients on publications across a diverse range of therapeutic areas including oncology, nephrology, immunology, and rare diseases.
R.N.
Medical Writer
R.N. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. R.N. received her MS in Translational Pharmacology from Ohio State University. R.N. holds the American Medical Writers Association Essential Skills Certificate. Before joining Xelay, R.N. worked as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy.
D.H.
Medical Writer
D.H. is a Medical Writer in the Publications group. D.H. received his PhD in Biochemical Physiology, MS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and BS in Biology from Utrecht University. With 15 years experience in medical communications, D.H. has served clients on publications and education in a variety of therapeutic areas including endocrinology and oncology.
Analytics and Information Group
Our Analytics and Information group finds solutions to complex business issues through advanced analytical and modeling techniques, including:
• Sophisticated High-Value Big Data Analytics
• Patient Clinical Outcomes including Large Longitudinal Anonymous Patient Level Data (APLD)
• Medical and Commercial Drug Comparisons, Conversions, and Utilization Data
• Pricing and Contracting Optimization and Implications
• Market Research Insights
The group brings a more scientific and predictive approach that enables our clients to make decisions faster:
• Questionnaire Sciences
• High Quality Customized Survey Design and Implementation
• Actionable Insight Generation and Implications Analyses
Insights are generated from profoundly enhancing the access, organization, and interpretation of complex information and the quantitative rigor of solutions.
Steven Chang
Senior Manager, Analytics and Information
Steven is the Senior Manager of the Analytics and Information group. Since 2013, Steven has served 7 clients on over 75 projects across a variety of functions including analytics, project management, advisory boards, research strategy, clinical databases, and publications in a variety of therapeutic areas including Nephrology, Dialysis, Cardiology and Emergency Medicine.
Prior to Xelay, Steven gained a breadth of experience in Research and Development and an expertise in the Optimization of Slurry Formulations. Steven received his BA in Political Science from the University of Washington.
In his spare time, Steven enjoys movies, hiking and going to Costco.
Kevin Chen
Senior Analyst, Analytics and Information
Kevin is a Senior Analyst in the Analytics and Information group. Kevin has served 5 clients on over 120 projects across a variety of functions including Data Analytics, Big Data, Multi-Variated Regression Analyses, Data Visualization, Project Management, Medical Writing, Congress Presentations, and Manuscripts. Kevin serves Healthcare Providers and Pharmaceutical Companies operating in a variety of therapeutic areas including Urology, Oncology, Nephrology, and Cardiology.
Prior to Xelay, Kevin gained a breadth of experience in Marketing and Event Management. Kevin received his BS in Business Administration from Shih-Chien University and MS in Financial Analysis from Temple University.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys BBQing, weightlifting, and baking.
Sophia Tseng
Senior Analyst, Analytics and Information
Sophia is a Senior Analyst in the Analytics and Information group. Sophia has served 3 clients on over 10 projects across a variety of functions including Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Congress Presentations, and Manuscripts. Sophia serves Healthcare Providers and Pharmaceutical Companies operating in a variety of therapeutic areas including Urology, Oncology, Nephrology, and Endocrinology.
Prior to Xelay, Sophia gained a breadth of experience in Art History, Statistics, and Economics. Sophia received her BA in Economics – Data Analytics & Economic Analysis from University of California, Davis.
In her spare time, Sophia enjoys painting, playing trumpet, and traveling.
Wendy Hsu
Analyst, Analytics and Information
Wendy is an Analyst in Analytics and Information group. Wendy has served 3 clients on over 50 projects across a variety of functions including Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Congress Presentations, and Manuscripts. Wendy serves Healthcare Providers and Pharmaceutical Companies operating in a variety of therapeutic areas including Urology, Oncology, Nephrology, and Endocrinology.
Prior to joining Xelay, Wendy gained a breadth of experience in Investment Analysis, Financial Modeling, Fundraising and Entrepreneurship. Wendy received her BA in Finance from National Taiwan University.
In her spare time, Wendy enjoys swimming, surfing, and traveling.
Aston Tan
Analyst, Analytics and Information
Aston is an Analyst in the Analytics and Information group. Aston has served 4 clients on over 7 projects across a variety of functions including Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Congress Presentations, and Medical Writing.
Aston serves Healthcare Providers and Pharmaceutical Companies operating in a variety of therapeutic areas including Urology, Oncology, Nephrology, and Cardiology.
Prior to joining Xelay, Aston gained a breadth of experience in Data Analytics, Web Development, Business Development, and Marketing, having worked in SaaS and Social Impact environments. Aston received his BS in Business Administration - Management Information Systems and Strategy from Boston University.
In his spare time, Aston enjoys going to the gym, illustrating, and playing board games with friends and family.
Corporate and Financial Operations Group
Apollo Chen
Associate Director
Apollo Chen is the Associate Director of Development at Xelay Foundation. Since 2021, Apollo has provided a variety of management and professional support across the organization with an emphasis on planning, performance management, operational efficiency and effectiveness and organizational development.
Prior to Xelay Foundation, Apollo developed a breadth of experience in program development, project management, and event planning. Apollo received his BA in Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine.
In his spare time, Apollo enjoys fishing, cooking, and playing volleyball.
Vishwaja Bichu
Analyst, Financial and Investment
Vishwaja is an Analyst in the Financial and Investment group. Prior to joining Xelay, Vishwaja gained a breadth of experience in financial accounting and internal auditing. Vishwaja received her MS in Commerce from Mumbai University and MS in Finance from University of California, Irvine.
In her spare time, Vishwaja enjoys reading, painting and traveling.
People and Joy
Diana Chang
Senior Manager, People & Joy
Diana is a Senior Manager and Lead of the People & Joy department. Since 2015, Diana has experience across a variety of areas across Event Planning, Operations, Project Management, Corporate Development, Training, and Non-Profit Development. Additionally, Diana has served >10 clients across >90 projects across a variety of functions including Publication Planning and Strategy, Medical Writing, Scientific Platform, Advisory Boards, Program Development, Medical Information, Medical Literature, Medical Communication, Business Development, and Medical Education.
Prior to Xelay, Diana gained a breadth of experience in leadership coaching & training, operations, and nonprofit management. Diana received her BS in Biology from the University of Washington, Seattle.
In her spare time, Diana enjoys hiking and baking.