Empowering Kansas’ Bioscience Community
- Purpose: Serving the bioscience community with integrity and vision.
- Service: Supporting members with tailored solutions and resources.
- Inclusion: Welcoming diverse organizations and individuals into our network.
- Creativity: Driving innovation through collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives.
The People behind the scene
Meet Our Team
Kevin Mills
President & CEO
Dr. Kevin Mills received his B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado, his Ph.D. in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and postdoctoral fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Mills was a professor of genetics and cancer biology at The Jackson Laboratory, with academic appointments at Tufts University and the University of Maine. He co-founded Cyteir Therapeutics, a small-molecule cancer therapeutics startup, and ZubiBio, a hematology therapeutics startup. He was the Chief Scientific Officer for the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation. He served on the board of directors for the Maine Cancer Foundation before joining BioKansas and AdAstra BIO in 2024.
Tisha Templeton
Fractional COO
Ms. Tisha Templeton is a fractional Chief Operating Officer who specializes in implementing enterprise resource management systems to enhance communication and operational efficiency. With a background as Senior VP of Finance and Operations in regulatory consulting for pharma and biotech, she has led company-wide initiatives in finance, project management, and business development. Her key accomplishments include launching new program lines, building a Project Management Office, and overhauling financial tracking systems. Tisha holds a Regulatory Affairs Certificate from RAPS and studied Accounting at Orange Coast College, with expertise spanning strategic finance, HR, and IT.
Lauren Mages
Director of Member Engagement
Mrs. Lauren Mages has worked for a strategic regulatory and product development consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, driving lead generation, elevating social media presence, and helping prequalify potential pharmaceutical, biotech, and med tech customers for the past 9 years. Known for her ability to forge and sustain meaningful business relationships, she excels at cold outreach, in-person networking, and executing targeted marketing strategies. Mrs. Mages has a BBA in Marketing with a minor in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and completed an International Business program from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. She also holds a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) from the Regulatory Affairs Certificate in Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals from the RAPS institute.
Empowering Kansas’ Bioscience Community
Join us in fostering innovation and growth in life sciences.
Catalyst for Growth
AdAstra BIO is the official biosciences trade association and state BIO affiliate for Kansas, dedicated to making our state a global leader in bioscience innovation, research, and manufacturing. We champion a collaborative, inclusive environment where professionals, students, and organizations connect to drive scientific progress and economic growth.
Our mission is to advance biosciences in Kansas by fostering meaningful partnerships, providing tailored business solutions, and advocating for policies that support our members and the broader community. We believe that diversity and accessibility are key to building a thriving bioscience ecosystem, so our programs are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds—whether you’re a researcher, skilled tradesperson, entrepreneur, or student.
Real Impact
At AdAstra BIO, we focus on real impact. Through networking events, educational workshops, and workforce initiatives like ON RAMP, we help members grow professionally and contribute to a healthier, more prosperous Kansas.
Our flexible membership model ensures organizations of every size can benefit from exclusive resources, discounted purchasing programs, and statewide visibility.
We measure success by the strength of our bioscience community: a robust talent pipeline, innovative companies, and engaged partners working together to solve real-world challenges. By investing in AdAstra BIO, you’re joining a movement to make Kansas a center for bioscience excellence and opportunity.
