Meet the Minds Behind the Spark
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We know that big ideas need bold messaging. MSC is the bridge between your groundbreaking science and powerful communication that drives results.
Our mission is to unlock your company’s full potential by transforming your complex science into compelling corporate messaging that inspires and resonates. We make your message clear and unforgettable.
We’re here to help you dream big, communicate with clarity, and shine brightly in the world of scientific innovation.
Making Science Click
WHO WE ARE
Meet the Team
At Mighty Spark Communications, our team is the heart of our success. We're more than just experts; we're a collaborative family of scientists, strategists, storytellers, and creative minds. Our culture is all about passion, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With over 45 years of collective experience, our team combines scientific rigor with creative flair to deliver communication solutions that make the complex world of biotech accessible and engaging. Get to know the talented individuals who bring your stories to life.
Shannon McCarthy
Chief Business Officer
Shannon is a dynamic business strategist with a passion for turning biotech breakthroughs into conversations that matter. With decades of experience leading companies and teams, she thrives on bridging the gap between groundbreaking science and the connections that fuel its success. Known for her sharp insights and bold approach, she’s on a mission to redefine how biotech companies communicate in a world where every word counts.
Will Riedl
Co-Founder + Scientific Director
Will passionately believes that the data is only half the story—and how you tell it is the other half. With a background in both academia and industry, he knows how to connect science with its audience. His mission is to help biotech companies communicate their value with confidence and clarity, making sure their message lands every time. Will earned his PhD from The University of Chicago and his BS from The University of Illinois.
Dani Stoltzfus
Founder + CEO
Dani is a former biotech leader turned master storyteller. With over 15 years of experience in scientific research, she’s a pro at breaking down complex science into messaging that inspires and influences. Her mission is to help companies inspire and influence audiences for transformative change. She holds a PhD, BSc (Hons), and BTech (Forensic & Analytical Chemistry) from Flinders University, Australia.
Zel Stoltzfus
Director of Scientific Illustration
Zel Stoltzfus is a master illustrator with a gift for bringing complex science to life. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a graduate degree in Science Illustration from UCSC Extension, his work has graced institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. From medical illustration to museum exhibits, Zel’s mission is clear: to draw the stories of Planet Earth in ways that educate and inspire.
Taylor Patoni
Social Media Maven
Taylor is a digital media wizard who transforms posts into platforms and cultivates devoted audiences with bold and creative strategies. Known for her innovative campaigns, she specializes in crafting messaging that makes biotech brands stand out. She thrives on helping companies connect with their audience in authentic, impactful ways. Her mission is to redefine how science meets social, one scroll-stopping moment at a time.
Conner McCarthy
Creative Director
Conner is a design alchemist with 15+ years of experience crafting breathtaking websites that fuse science, art, and imagination. Known for his creativity with images and visual storytelling, he transforms complex ideas into stunning, immersive experiences. Whether designing for biotech or crafting iconic creations like his globally best-selling stunt lightsaber, Conner’s work blends innovation with artistry, making the impossible feel magical.
Keith Bowermaster, APR
Head of Media Relations
Since 1993 Keith has been at the forefront of healthcare communications, turning scientific breakthroughs into compelling stories. As a seasoned media relations expert, he crafts strategic PR campaigns, secures impactful coverage in top-tier publications, and builds narratives that connect innovations with key audiences. From elevating thought leadership to helping companies emerge from stealth, Keith ensures our biotech clients make their mark with messages that inspire trust and action.
Eric Knight
Web Architect + SEO Strategist
Eric transforms ideas into immersive digital experiences. With 13 years of expertise in web development and SEO, he crafts sites that captivate, convert, and climb search rankings. From ecommerce to bold brand identities, his focus is on creating platforms that stand out and drive results. Whether building from the ground up or refining existing sites, his mission is to help brands thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Eric Knight
Web Architect + SEO Strategist
Eric Knight is a digital strategist who turns complex SEO and web development challenges into seamless, high-performance solutions. With over 13 years of expertise in technical SEO and web architecture, Eric leverages proprietary strategies and cutting-edge techniques to optimize websites for visibility, speed, and scalability. Known for his precision and innovation, he builds platforms that perform flawlessly while achieving search rankings through methods few others deploy. From crafting data-driven SEO strategies to engineering advanced site infrastructures, Eric’s mission is clear: to help brands lead in an ever-changing digital world with unmatched technical mastery.