Dr. Ashton received his doctoral degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in nanobiotechnology and stem cell research. He has gone on to the University of California Berkeley for postdoctoral studies, and is currently conducting research under Dr. David V. Schaffer at the California Institute for Quantitative Bioscience in the areas of protein engineering and human embryonic stem cell research.
Dr. Ashton is an accomplished researcher in the area of engineering biomaterials that influence stem cells. During his research career, he has engineered biomaterials that can be used to more efficiently and accurately investigate genetic factors and factors of the cellular microenvironment responsible for influencing stem cell fate. Dr. Ashton has made significant contributions through his involvement with several published studies and reports to include Tunable Degradable Alginate Hydrogel System for Neural Stem Cell Implantation (published in the journal Biomaterials), Clonal microarrays: high-throughput screening of gene function in stem cells (published in the journal Stem Cells), Raft-inspired polyvalent inhibitors of anthrax toxin: modulating inhibitory potency by formation of lipid microdomains (published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International) , and Thiol-mediated anchoring of ligands to self-assembled monolayers for studies of biospecific interactions (published in the journal Langmuir). In addition, he is a member of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers and the International Society for Stem Cell Research.
Dr. Ashton also has industrial biomanufacturing and research experience during internships with Dow Chemical Corporation. While interning with Dow’s Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Services (BCMS), Dr. Ashton assisted in the design of a proprietary microbial fermentation process. In addition, he worked under Dr. Barry Fish in Dow’s Chemical Science Process Chemistry Division on the optimization of reactor conditions for the reductive amination step in the production of Unoxol 3,4 Diamine.
Neka Pasquale, L. Ac. M.S. Cert. Nutritional Consultant
Neka is a California state-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, as well as a certified nutritional consultant. She is co-owner of Evo Spa in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she practices acupuncture and Chinese medicine, combined with cutting-edge nutrition and lifestyle modification, to heal, balance and create optimal health.
"I truly believe food is medicine, and you can change your life by changing your diet. As a student of nutrition, I study the nutritional value, taste, temperature, and medicinal qualities of common foods. By incorporating this knowledge into my wellness practice, I have opened a new world of utilizing food as therapy for my clients."
Neka received her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Holistic Health from San Francisco State University. She holds a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. She also holds a certificate in nutrition from Yo San University and is a certified First Line® therapy practitioner. In addition to her extensive university training, Neka has studied with specialty experts in the fields of nutrition, metabolic syndrome, Hep C, gynecological disorders including infertility, NAET Allergy Elimination, addiction, pain management, digestive disorders, and HIV/AIDS treatment.
As a nutritional consultant and cooking enthusiast, Neka conducts detoxification & cleansing retreats several times a year. These retreats focus on diet & nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and yoga & wellness treatments. She also works several times a week at a drug & alcohol rehabilitation center, and has volunteered at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic.
Vanessa Scotto L. Ac, MTOM
Vanessa Scotto is nationally certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine. She is the founder and owner of Xing Lin Healing Arts in Brooklyn, NY where she specializes in the treatment of depression, asthma, digestive problems, women's health, and adolescent healthcare.
"I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine many years ago when I sought help for a personal condition. I was amazed at the healing power of Chinese medicine, and its efficacy to treat the whole person. I started investigating the philosophies and principles of this healing art, as a result I became inspired to pursue a life in holistic healing."
Vanessa went on to complete her undergraduate degree in biology and psychology, before enrolling in the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York. There she earned a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She continued her postgraduate studies in China at the highly respected Guangzhou and Nan Chang universities. In addition, she has pursued advanced studies in dermatology, women's health, orthopedics, Tui-Na Chinese orthopedic massage and psychology.
Since 2002, Vanessa has been on the faculty at Pacific College where she taught graduate-level obstetrics and gynecology in one of the country's premier Chinese Medicine programs. Currently she resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues her practice and academic studies.
Disclaimer: The product information provided through this website is obtained from claims made by the product's manufacturer on its labels. Please note that manufacturers occasionally alter their labels and/or change the ingredients or proportion of ingredients in their products. For this reason, we cannot guarantee or ensure the accuracy or timeliness of the listed information. We recommend that you always read the label carefully to obtain the most accurate information before using or consuming a product. You should not rely solely on the information presented on our website. Please consult the product’s label and/or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific nutrition or dietary concerns or questions about a product.
Dr. Ashton received his doctoral degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in nanobiotechnology and stem cell research. He has gone on to the University of California Berkeley for postdoctoral studies, and is currently conducting research under Dr. David V. Schaffer at the California Institute for Quantitative Bioscience in the areas of protein engineering and human embryonic stem cell research. 
Neka is a California state-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, as well as a certified nutritional consultant. She is co-owner of Evo Spa in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she practices acupuncture and Chinese medicine, combined with cutting-edge nutrition and lifestyle modification, to heal, balance and create optimal health. 
Vanessa Scotto is nationally certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine. She is the founder and owner of Xing Lin Healing Arts in Brooklyn, NY where she specializes in the treatment of depression, asthma, digestive problems, women's health, and adolescent healthcare. 
