NCLifeSci Life Sciences Luncheon and Forum - State of Lab and Specialty Space

Deb Boucher, vice chair, Cushman & Wakefield

Boucher leads a specialty practice group of local and national experts dedicated to all aspects of science and technology real estate. She is especially experienced advising users of technically complex, highly improved spaces as they navigate layered occupancy/exit strategies, frequently spanning multiple geographic markets throughout North America and around the globe. With Boucher's exhaustive knowledge of life science company drivers and behavior, her input is highly sought after for speaking engagements and developers frequently seek her strategic advice on how to make/keep their projects desirable to users of highly technical space. She is a top producer within the firm, and she is nationally recognized as the dominate life science broker in the Southeast.  She received her B.S. in design and environmental analysis from Cornell University.

Lakshmi Ethirajan, chief executive officer, SmaBio Labs 

With a foundational mastery in pharmaceutical sciences, Ethirajan not only possesses technical prowess but also demonstrates a rare synthesis of strategy and innovation, evident in her credentials as a Project Management Professional and her adeptness in natural skincare formulation. As the chief executive officer and co-founder of SmaBio Labs, her leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to pioneering solutions, a keen foresight for industry trends and a relentless drive for excellence. With Ethirajan, SmaBio Labs finds not just a leader, but a visionary poised to redefine the contours of pharmaceutical research and development. A paragon in the confluence of pharmaceutical science and entrepreneurial acumen, Ethirajan exemplifies the pinnacle of expertise and vision. Her distinguished Ph.D. in business administration, concentrated on project management from Northcentral University, underscores her profound understanding of the nuances inherent in pharmaceutical contract research and manufacturing.

Chase Jenkins, vice president of project delivery, HIPP Design + Consulting

Jenkins leads project execution with a focus on excellence, client satisfaction and sustainability. He has extensive experience in the design and renovation of cGMP manufacturing facilities, semiconductor-manufacturing plants and heavy industrial facilities. Currently, he is spearheading HIPP’s involvement in the Novo Nordisk Fill and Finish project. Jenkins oversees project design teams from conceptual development and scoping through detailed design and construction support to ensure scope, schedule and budget remain on target. As the primary client liaison for his projects, Jenkins fosters strong relationships and delivers high-quality results tailored to client needs. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University. 

Travis McCready, head of industries, leasing advisory, JLL