Connect Labs by Wexford Fuels Expansion with New Team Members, Growing Tenant Roster, and New Locations Nationwide

• Baltimore Secures First Tenants and Adds Staff Ahead of December Launch
• Phoenix Nears Full Capacity, Serving as a Thriving Hub for Life Sciences Innovation
• Sacramento Names Site Director to Lead New Connect Labs Location Opening at Aggie Square
• Charlotte Announced as Fourth Location, Bringing Connect Labs’ Collaborative Model to the Southeast

Baltimore Secures First Tenants and Adds Staff Ahead of December Launch

The University of Maryland, Baltimore partnered with Wexford to establish the Baltimore location of Connect Labs by Wexford to provide much needed flexible lab spaces and support resources, not only to UMB start-ups, but for companies across the region.

A mix of lab configurations, support and office spaces that can be arranged to suit specific needs from 500 square feet to over 2,000 square feet are available to university and regional startups, capital providers, corporate innovation teams, teams focused on advancing healthy equity, and value-added services providers.

Set to open in Wexford’s newest building – 4MLK – in December, Connect Labs Baltimore has signed its first tenant, Irazu Oncology, a start-up company, founded by successful serial entrepreneur, Marco Chacon, that is developing a superior vaccine platform to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

“We’re thrilled to bring Irazu Oncology to Connect Labs Baltimore, where we’ll be surrounded by a vibrant community of like-minded innovators,” said Dr. Marco Chacón, founder of Irazu Oncology. “Connect Labs provides the collaborative environment and cutting-edge resources that are essential for advancing our cancer vaccine platform, and we look forward to contributing to and growing with this extraordinary network of biotech pioneers.”

In addition to Irazu Oncology, Emerging Technology Center (ETC) Baltimore along with two of their portfolio companies will be housed at Connect Labs Baltimore.  ETC will be offering Venture Advisory Services, hosting community events, and running a Venture Studio and Growth Fund to support entrepreneurs and spur economic development in Baltimore.

To support the needs of incoming tenants at Connect Labs Baltimore, Wexford has appointed Shaneil Turnbull as Director of Lab Operations. Shaneil will work alongside Baltimore Site Director Mark VanderZyl to prepare for the facility’s opening in December 2024.

With over 20 years of experience, Shaneil brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She has an extensive background in managing CLIA-certified laboratories and has led the development of training programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lab safety protocols, and regulatory inspections, ensuring high standards of compliance and operational excellence.

“I’m excited to join Connect Labs Baltimore and to help create a world-class environment where our tenants can innovate and thrive,” said Shaneil Turnbull, Director of Lab Operations. “With the resources and infrastructure we’re building, Connect Labs will be a place where companies have the support they need to focus on their groundbreaking work, knowing that their lab and operational needs are met to the highest standard.”

Read the full release from Wexford Science & Technology.