Former CCEW Interns
Fall of 2008 Mentors
Tom Kupiec
Dr. Tom Kupiec is the Director of Laboratories and CEO of Analytical Research Laboratories (ARL) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Kupiec received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Oklahoma, College of Pharmacy in 1997. He currently serves on the National Advisory Board for the College of Pharmacy at OUHSC, and is also a graduate faculty member.
Dr. Kupiec has over 25 years experience as an expert in the fields of forensic toxicology and pharmaceutical sciences. His professional experience includes Associate Director of the Workplace Drug Testing Division of Northwest Toxicology (NWT, Inc), Utah, Senior Research Chemist in Toxicology, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Oklahoma and Senior Forensic Chemist at the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Dr. Kupiec is affiliated with numerous pharmaceutical and forensic organizations including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, The Society of Forensic Toxicologists, International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.
Piyush Patel
Piyush Patel is the CEO of PL Studios, Inc., an educational software company with more than 36000 registered students. Mr. Patel's company creates educational software for the animation and game development market, and has worked with clients like Pixar, Apple Computer, Nike, and MTV. PL Studios has grown 111 percent since its relocation to Oklahoma City in May 2004.
Mr. Patel serves on the Oklahoma Technology Council Advisory Board for The State Chamber and the Francis Tuttle Advisory Committee for the New Media Program. He has written nine college textbooks, advised on more than a dozen others and assisted in curriculum development for the state Career Tech office. Awards he has received include the Oklahoma State University Rising Star Award, Main Street Premier Partner Award, Oklahoma TRIO Achiever of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Telly Awards, NISOD Distinguished Faculty Award and Oklahoma State Leadership Legacy.
He has also been a keynote speaker at several trade shows and user conferences. Mr. Patel has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Adult Education with an emphasis on e-learning.
Rod Foster
Rod Foster, President of RSF Development, has over 34 years of experience in manufacturing and research. His experience includes various positions with Baxter Healthcare including Senior Manufacturing Director, Plant Manager for Medical Instrumentation, Director of Research and Development and Operations Manager. He also was VP of Operations for Kinark Corporation and held various positions with Procter and Gamble.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Management from Northwestern University.
