Precapstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation

Steven Denkin is the director and research advisor in the Biotechnology Graduate Program at the Harvard Extension School. He received his BS and PhD in biological sciences with a concentration in microbiology from the University of Rhode Island. Denkin's dissertation, "Regulation of empA metalloprotease in Vibrio anguillarum," investigated physiological aspects of a bacterial fish pathogen under various environmental conditions including salmon gastrointestinal mucus. His postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University investigated the mechanisms of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). While working at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, he developed an assessment strategy for TB diagnostics, which he used to train laboratory technicians in Haiti. In addition to research accomplishments, he continues to enjoy teaching science courses to a diverse array of students in both secondary and higher education.

Nicolas Labovitis, MBA, ALM, is a successful serial entrepreneur, investor, professor, and business expert with a track record of launching and growing companies in diverse industries. Labovitis received his master's degree with a concentration in bioengineering and nanotechnology from Harvard Extension School and MBA in management from Fitchburg State University. Recognized for his expertise in sales, marketing, business strategy, investment opportunities, partnerships, technology development software, and mentorship, Labovitis has been approached by fellow Harvard entrepreneurs seeking his guidance. Driven by a passion for supporting business growth, he established Ibex, which has since become a fast growing consulting start-up with a two hundred percent year-over-year growth rate.