About the Speakers

Dr. Hojvat currently holds the position of Director of the Division of Microbiology Devices, in the Office of In - vitro Diagnostic Device (IVD) Evaluation and Safety, at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to joining the FDA in 2003, Dr. Hojvat’s experience included 18 years in the IVD industry, holding positions in product development and support, quality control, scientific affairs and clinical research. Dr. Hojvat received a B.Sc. from the University of Wales, UK, a M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Alberta, Canada, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Loyola University Medical School, Chicago. She also completed post doctoral training fellowships in Clinical Chemistry from Loyola Medical School and Pharmacology from the University of Chicago. Her research publications and presentations are concentrated in the fields of Clinical Microbiology, Pharmacology, Neuroendocrinology, Clinical Research, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bioterrorism and the Regulation of in-vitro diagnostic devices.

Dr. Simon is currently a Scientific Reviewer in the Division of Microbiology Devices, in the Office of In-vitro Diagnostic Device (IVD) Evaluation and Safety, at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to joining the FDA in 2003, Dr. Simon worked in industry for an FDA regulated IVD company and then for a microarray manufacturer, holding positions in product research, development and support. Dr. Simon holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Virginia. Her academic research interests were focused on cell adhesion signaling and viral oncogenes. Her research publications and presentations are concentrated in the fields of Molecular Microbiology, Cell Biology, Oncology and the Regulation of in-vitro diagnostic devices.