Members

Megan Badenhorst

Chief Executive Officer

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Megan has served as CEO of Ellele Health since 2024. She previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Origin Sciences where she utilised her background in quality and regulatory systems to ensure a seamless transition from research to commercial readiness. She is a seasoned professional in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, with extensive experience in device certification and development for startups in regulated fields.

With a passion for women’s health innovation and a strong background in the venture capital and startup ecosystems, Megan has successfully guided the company through its transition from Origin Sciences to a renewed focus under Ellele Health. Her leadership combines strategic insight, operational excellence, and a commitment to advancing health solutions that make a tangible impact on women’s lives.

Neil Ryan PhD

Chief Medical Officer

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Neil Ryan joined Ellele Health as Chief Medical Officer in 2024 and leads the company’s medical, clinical, and translational strategy across women’s health innovation. His work focuses on developing and validating minimally invasive diagnostic technologies, ensuring that Ellele’s products are grounded in robust clinical evidence and deliver meaningful benefit for patients.

Alongside his role at Ellele Health, Neil is an RCOG Subspecialty Trainee in Gynaecological Oncology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and a CSO/NES Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. His research centres on early detection and risk stratification in gynaecological cancers, with a strong track record of translating academic findings into real-world clinical impact.

Neil completed his PhD at the University of Manchester, where his work on Lynch syndrome and endometrial cancer led directly to changes in NICE guidance. His academic contributions have been recognised with multiple national and international awards, including the President’s Medal from the University of Manchester and the RCOG William Blair Bell Lecture Award. He is also part of the team awarded the 2024 AACR Team Science Prize for contributions to hereditary cancer genomics.

He serves on several national and international committees, including the RCOG Genomics Standing Committee and the European Hereditary Tumour Group, and continues to serve as a Major in the Royal Army Medical Corps. At Ellele Health, Neil is committed to advancing precision gynaecological diagnostics and ensuring the highest standards of clinical integrity across the company’s research and development portfolio.

Ana Crespillo Casado PhD

Associate Scientific Director

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Ana serves as the Associate Scientific Director at Ellele Health, where she leverages her extensive expertise in molecular biology to drive innovation in diagnostic methods for cancer. She completed her PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge, focusing on protein misfolding and innate immunity. Most recently, she has worked as a Principal Scientist at Origin Sciences, contributing to the development of a colorectal cancer diagnostic test.

With years of academic and research experience, Ana brings exceptional scientific rigor and depth to her work. At Ellele Health, she plays a central role in advancing women’s health diagnostics through cutting-edge research and meticulous scientific practices.

Lea Sefer PhD

Partnerships Manager

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Lea is Partnerships Manager at Ellele Health, where she leads commercial strategy and strategic partnerships for the Ellele Sampling Device and the Women’s Health Biobank. She is responsible for driving growth, building collaborations, and advancing the commercialisation of Ellele Health’s offering.

Lea brings extensive experience in commercial strategy across the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Ellele Health, she was a consultant at IQVIA and later a Partner at a boutique life sciences consultancy, advising leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies on the commercialisation of therapeutics, vaccines, and companion diagnostics across the EU5 and the United States.

She holds a BSc in Biotechnology from Imperial College London and a PhD in Structural Biology and Drug Discovery from the University of Oxford. Combining deep scientific expertise with strategic and commercial acumen, Lea focuses on translating innovation into real-world impact in women’s health.

Kimberley French

Head of QARA

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Kim serves as Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at Ellele Health, where she leads the company’s quality systems and regulatory strategy in support of its mission to advance the development and adoption of the Ellele Sampling Device. She is responsible for continuous development and maintenance of the ISO 13485-compliant Quality Management System, and ensuring compliance with UK and EU Medical Device Regulations.

With over 15 years of experience in regulated healthcare industries, Kim brings extensive expertise in regulatory strategy, quality system implementation, and global product submissions. She has guided new-to-market devices through complex regulatory pathways, including FDA and CE marking frameworks, and has supported clinical investigations, technical documentation development, and lifecycle management.

Kim works closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, clinical, and operations to embed quality and regulatory thinking early in development. She is committed to mentoring peers and fostering a strong culture of quality and regulatory awareness, enabling innovation to progress confidently and compliantly from concept to market.

Ely Rodrigues PhD

Senior Research Scientist

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Ely is a Senior Scientist with over a decade of experience spanning academia and industry in molecular biology and diagnostic development. At Ellele Health, her work supports the development of diagnostics designed to make a meaningful difference in women’s health. Before joining Ellele Health, Ely contributed to assay development programs within the diagnostics and epigenetics space, supporting the optimisation and validation of molecular assays for clinical use.

She holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Otago, where her academic research focused on Candida albicans biology and host–pathogen interactions. She went on to pursue postdoctoral research investigating host–microbiome interactions in immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes, developing a strong translational perspective that connects fundamental biology with clinically relevant questions.

Silvia Molina Cabrera

Operations Manager

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Silvia has served as the Operations Manager at Ellele Health since November 2024, bringing over six years of experience across pharmaceutical companies, start-ups, and accredited clinical laboratories. She has a proven record in laboratory operations management, regulatory compliance, and quality systems (including ISO 15189, ISO 13485, and ISO 9001).

Her hands-on expertise includes audits, procurement, and health and safety oversight, as well as leadership in facilities management, logistics, and quality assurance. Silvia has also contributed to technical product management in medical devices, supporting product lifecycle development and regulatory alignment with UK and EU frameworks. Her operational insight ensures that Ellele Health maintains the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and compliance.

Julia Kelly

Clinical Research Associate

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Julia joined Ellele Health in November 2024 and serves as a Clinical Research Associate at Ellele Health, contributing to the company’s research efforts in women’s health. She recently completed her MSc in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, building on previous experience in clinical research.

Her prior work included studies on HIV in the gut and female reproductive tract and the development of novel treatments for bacterial vaginosis. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for advancing women’s health, Julia brings scientific curiosity and clinical rigor to every study she supports.

Jenny Searle

Office Manager

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Jenny is an experienced Office Manager with over 20 years in administrative and operations management roles. At Ellele Health, Jenny plays a vital role in developing and implementing company policies and procedures. She manages all aspects of office and laboratory administration, including invoice processing, supply management, HR coordination, health and safety compliance, and accounts support.

She has held key positions at major companies such as Vindis Group and AXA Insurance, where she oversaw multi-site and multinational operations. Her organizational acumen and dedication are central to ensuring the company’s smooth and efficient daily operations.

Sue Spencer

Clinical Study Manager

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Sue is an experienced Clinical Study Manager with an extensive background in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic industries. She has managed and monitored a broad range of studies across multiple therapeutic areas and study phases.

At Ellele Health, Sue led the management of the company’s first feasibility study conducted in Edinburgh, demonstrating her strong leadership and operational expertise. Her experience ensures that clinical studies are conducted with precision, regulatory compliance, and patient-centric focus.