As the first head of the Manning Institute, Mark T. Esser, PhD, brings to life our promise to deliver a healthier tomorrow for people across the world. Under his leadership, the Manning Institute will accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge biomedical research into advanced treatments and cures for the most challenging medical conditions. Esser is widely recognized for his contributions to vaccine and immunology research with numerous patents and over 130 peer-reviewed publications.

Esser became the institute's chief scientific officer in 2025 after serving as Vice President of Vaccines and Immune Therapies Early Research and Development for AstraZeneca. In this role, he oversaw all antibody and vaccine discovery, research, and translational medicine for AstraZeneca's infectious disease programs, bringing early science from concept to the clinic.

He led Evusheld, AstraZeneca's COVID-19 monoclonal antibody program, to a successful emergency use authorization and supported research and development efforts for the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria. He also played a key role in the development and FDA approval of the antibody Beyfortus for the prevention of RSV in infants.

Before his role at AstraZeneca, Esser was the director of the Vaccine and Biologics Center of Excellence at Pharmaceutical Product Development. Before PPD, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Merck Vaccines and was instrumental in the approval of GARDASIL for the prevention of cervical cancer.

Esser received his B.S. in biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University, his doctorate in microbiology and immunology from UVA, and completed postdoctoral fellowship training at the AIDS vaccine program at the National Institutes of Health. Read the full article here.

Mark Weathers, MBA, leads the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology as its inaugural chief operating officer, bringing both strategic vision and operational expertise to one of UVA’s most ambitious research initiatives.

Weathers oversees all administrative aspects of the institute—from facilities and technology to human resources—while partnering with Chief Scientific Officer Mark T. Esser, PhD, to forge collaborations with academic institutions and industry leaders. As a spokesperson and advocate for the institute, he champions its mission to transform biotechnology research and deliver life-changing treatments to patients.

Drawing on more than nine years in higher education and a distinguished 28-year military career, Weathers has built a reputation for turning complex visions into operational realities. Since joining the UVA School of Medicine as chief of staff in 2022, he was part of the launching of the Manning Institute, guiding early decisions on selection of architecture and construction firms.

Having helped guide the Manning Institute through its early development, Weathers now focuses full time on building strategic partnerships that strengthen the institute and advance its mission. His work centers on developing the infrastructure and collaborative networks that support exceptional researchers and accelerate discoveries that improve human health. Before joining UVA, he held senior leadership positions at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, serving as chief operating officer and chief of staff. Read the full article here.

Brian Wamhoff is a biotech entrepreneur, drug discovery innovator, and longtime member of the University of Virginia community. He has 20 years of experience spanning academic research, company formation and drug development. Wamhoff is co-founder of HemoShear Therapeutics, a venture-backed clinical-stage rare disease company and UVA spinout, among other accomplishments, including holding 14 patents. At the Manning Institute, he will direct the SPARK drug discovery and development program and serve as a steward for translational research programs. Read the full article here.