Robert Shartle

Robert Shartle is currently the Head of Manufacturing Process Development at Vital Biosciences. Prior to this, they were a Principal Engineer at Wainamics from October 2021 to February 2022. Before that, they were at Abaxis from August 2012 to December 2020, where they were also a Principal Engineer. At Abaxis, they were group leader of a multi-disciplinary microfluidics team which included bioengineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, and intellectual property disciplines. Robert's team was responsible for improving performance of legacy products and developing new products. Robert developed new methods for characterizing and improving microfluidic performance, including: dilution precision, reagent carryover, path length precision, high frequency vibration during assembly, surface tension, surface energy, and surface contamination. Robert introduced prototype injection molding capability for evaluating new designs and molding materials. Robert provided expertise in microfluidics, single/multi-shot injection molding, ultrasonic welding, high speed laser welding, materials, reagent dispense, high speed video, automation, vision, analytic methods, and high volume manufacturing processes. Robert developed the next generation two-shot, laser welded microfluidic cartridge, which eliminated reagent bead damage and allowed for fully automated welding/inspection. Lastly, they assisted the CTO and Business Development with intellectual property and acquisition due diligence.

Robert Shartle has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Robert is a Registered Patent Agent with the USPTO.

Robert Shartle reports to Mounir A. Koussa, Co-Founder & VP, R&D. Robert Shartle works with Sergio A. Lizano Gonzalez - Director, Research & Process Development, Kevin Ming - R&D, Chief of Staff.