Leadership Team
Mark Burke
David Nelson
Sophie Shapcott
Mark Burke
Co-Founder and CEO
Mark is co-founder and CEO of GEM Programming Solutions.
Mark has a BSc in Maths and Computer Science from the University of Liverpool. He started his programming career with Zeneca in 1997 and has held many technical, leadership and management roles including Head of Programming for AstraZeneca’s Early Clinical Development organisation.
Mark has significant experience within late stage Oncology and has successfully led the programming contribution for several regulatory submissions in US, Canada, Europe and Japan. Mark is an open, honest leader who strives to maximise his own potential and that of others.
David Nelson
Principal Programming Manager
David became part of the leadership team in September 2022.
David started working for GEM Programming Solutions in August 2019, before becoming a permanent member of staff in August 2020.
Since joining GEM, David has completed training in CDISC and ICH-GCP and worked on several drug projects across many different phases and therapy areas. David has also worked in-house for a client on their Oncology studies. After being successful as a Programmer, David was promoted to Principal Programming Manager, taking on the responsibility for managing projects and the infrastructure at GEM.
Prior to joining GEM, David completed an eight-week extensive training course in SAS as well as acquiring the Base and Advanced SAS programming certifications.
David has a BSc in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Nottingham and a MSc in Behavioural Economics from Middlesex University.
Sophie Shapcott
R Implementation Lead
Sophie started a placement with GEM Programming Solutions in February 2021 before joining the team permanently in October the same year.
Sophie is excited by the prospect of open-source principles and collaboration which are currently trending within the Pharma Industry. She has spoken internally, and externally, about her experiences with open-source and how she feels it will benefit the industry. She has also provided the GEM team with both technical support and formal training. As R Implementation Lead, Sophie will guide the introduction of R into GEM processes as well as bring an enthusiasm to all aspects of open-source to future strategies.
Prior to joining GEM, she completed an intensive training course in SAS with additional open-source learnings on the side.
Sophie has an Integrated Masters in Maths, Operational Research and Statistics from Cardiff University.