Matthew Borkowski – General Manager, Aurora Scientific Head Office
Matt Borkowski graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2006. He was encouraged to apply for an open engineering position at Aurora Scientific by his thesis mentor, Dr. Michael Joy. Dr. Joy’s colleague, emeritus professor of mechanical engineering Dr. David James, was then the owner of Aurora Scientific. Matt had his first interview for the position in Dr. James’ office just down the hall from where he attended lectures and laboratories.
After starting in 2006 as a Product Engineer, Matt’s responsibilities primarily focused on design of new products and support of existing ones. Matt greatly enjoyed interacting with customers both in the lab and at conferences and meetings, and became the sales and support manager in 2012. During that time, he helped to establish and support the two foreign branch offices in Dublin and Hong Kong and grow Aurora Scientific’s recognition internationally.
He is presently the General Manager of Aurora Scientific and still enjoys helping Aurora’s many friends and customers succeed in their research. When he is not at Aurora, he enjoys exercising and gardening.
Brian Cody grew up the eldest of five siblings in a small city in the southeast of Ireland called Kilkenny. He studied at the University College Dublin where he obtained a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience. Before joining the Aurora Scientific team, he did a brief stint working with some Primary Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives for Boehringer Ingelheim where he confirmed to himself that the sale of scientific research equipment was an area which he had a strong interest in.
Brian is the European Sales Manager for Aurora Scientific which is based in Dublin, Ireland. He has been with Aurora Scientific for just over two years and has enjoyed every second of it. Unfortunately for Brian, he began this role approximately two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, putting a halt to international travelling and hence any opportunities to meet with our European client base in person. Luckily, since things seem to be improving in many parts of the EU with regards to the virus, he is beginning to get out and meet more researchers and support their science, which is fantastic.
Travelling out to researchers’ labs to meet them in person and learning more about their research, as well as how they use our equipment in practice, is something that he really enjoys. After two years interacting with people via email and Zoom calls, it is great to see that they are not just 2D shapes behind a screen!
Brian has many hobbies and likes to stay active, and so he will not shy away from any form of physical activity. He has a strong interest in an Irish amateur sport called hurling, which although a strictly amateur association, is treated like a professional sport in Ireland! His other hobbies include reading, cooking, going to the gym, and watching TV.
Brian Cody – Product Manager, Aurora Scientific Europe
George (Baochao) Han – Product Manager, Aurora Scientific Asia
Han Baochao (George) graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2017. Out of university, he first got an administrative position at an airline company. The following year, he noticed a posting for Product Manager at Aurora Scientific Asia based in Hong Kong. George’s enthusiasm and passion had a lasting impression on Matthew Borkowski following his interview and he has been with us since 2018. George is responsible for sales and technical support at Aurora Scientific Asia which covers the Asia and Oceania regions.
He loves interacting with researchers across many different countries to help them to find the best method to study muscle disease and olfaction. George also enjoys supporting his clients who encounter any problems during their experiments and finding solutions that help them progress their science. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming and playing video games.
Chris Rand graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology (2009) and Master of Science degree in Neurobiology and Physiology (2012) from Brock University. Chris’ grad studies focused on the neurotrophic and chemotropic effects of Retinoic Acid on regenerating invertebrate and vertebrate neurons with the goal of recapitulating developmental processes in these animals. Through Chris’ studies, he gained a strong passion for neurodegenerative disease and ways to combat loss of neural function.
After graduating, Chris worked with children with developmental delays as a tutor followed by general contracting work, learning to renovate homes as well as landscaping. Looking for a change and wanting to pursue work in the field of science, Chris applied for the Product Consultant position at Aurora Scientific, which he has held since 2015. He genuinely enjoys interacting with researchers in the lab and at scientific meetings, learning about their science and how our equipment can support their goals. Being able to aid in this process that could one day lead to new treatments for devastating neural and muscular diseases is what truly drives and inspires Chris each day. He has recently taken over as Sales and Marketing Manager and looks forward to working more closely with George and Brian and interacting with scientists around the globe.
Outside of the office, Chris is a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan and enjoys playing hockey, golf, and baseball. He also takes pride in home renovations, a nicely manicured lawn, and of course, being a father!
Chris Rand – Sales & Marketing Manager, Aurora Scientific Head Office
