The Team

Xiu-Min Li, MD, MS, MPH.  Dr. Li is a co-founder of GNT with expertise in developing botanical medicine for allergies and inflammatory conditions. She focuses on translating lab discoveries to practical applications and clinical outcomes to evidence-based studies. Her research, primarily on integrative medicine for food allergies, asthma, eczema, and wellness, has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Allen Xue, MS. Mr. Allen Xue serves as the Chief Executive Officer at GNT, where he oversees talent and resource acquisitions to drive the company's success in botanical drug development. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering Technology from Zhengzhou University, China, and a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, Mr. Xue has received training in International Business and Economics. His extensive expertise in chemistry, herbal product production technology, and corporate management has been pivotal to GNT's growth.

Nan Yang, PhD.  Dr. Yang serves as the Vice President of Production and Director of GMP & CMC at GNT, where he oversees analytical chemistry research and quality control. He earned his PhD from Clark University in 2007 and has been a member of the Li Research Group since then. Since joining GNT in 2018, Dr. Yang has contributed extensive expertise in analytical chemistry, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), immunobiology, and molecular biology.

Dr. Yang is the Principal Investigator (PI) for GNT’s recent SBIR/STTR awards focused on the nanomedicine project. He also serves as a co-PI or co-investigator on multiple NIH grants and other non-PHS-funded projects. Additionally, he acts as GNT’s primary liaison with the FDA for Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions and oversees CMC data for several FDA IND Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

Ms. Grzybowski, VP of Development, Co-funder of GNT.  Ms. Grzybowski has worked with leading global organizations in the Aviation, Transportation and Logistics sector as a Business Consultant with McKinsey & Co to plan and implement strategies and improvements in Operations and Human Resources.  Ms. Grzybowski also has experience designing and managing Corporate Wellness Programs and Employee Recruitment and Retention Programs thru her time with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Leading Children’s Hospital System) and subsequently as an independent Human Resources consultant. Ms. Grzybowski has been Director of Dietary Food Tolerance Program at GNT to lead a project for developing tolerogenic food product as diet or dietary supplement.

Mr. Robert Werner, MA, is a research scientist specializing in flow cytometry, cell culture, and in vivo murine models. He earned his Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University in 2020. His research has focused on mast cell biology, investigating both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mechanisms of mast cell degranulation. With a strong foundation in immunobiology, he continues to expand his expertise in drug design and other emerging areas of immunological research.

Michelle Carnazza, Ph.D. graduated from New York Medical College in 2024 with her degree in Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Throughout her PhD, she had roles as lab preceptor and adjunct professor. Additionally, she served as a PhD student representative, social media ambassador, student mentor, and initiated the Biennial PhD Lab Coat Ceremony.  Her dissertation focused on the molecular characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer; however, she was introduced to botanical medicine  through collaborations with Dr. Xiu-Min Li. These were all stepping stones that allowed Michelle’s transition to her role as postdoctoral researcher at GNT.  Here, Michelle utilizes her expertise, including bioinformatic analysis, microbiological examination, gene editing technology, molecular biology, and in vitro studies to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of novel natural compounds in food allergy models, with extension into various types of cancers. 

Morgan Begley, BS, Morgan graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2024 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. During her undergraduate studies, she gained valuable experience through internships in personal care R&D and chemical manufacturing. Her combination of chemistry knowledge and hands-on experience have contributed to her work at GNT as a cosmetic chemist. In her current role, Morgan is responsible for developing, preparing, and testing eczema treatment formulations. She works with the team to create effective and safe products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. Morgan's passion for innovation and problem-solving drives her to continuously improve and guarantee the highest quality production. 

Kamal Srivastava, PhD, Dr. Srivastava is a research consultant of GNT. Dr. Srivastava will review our nonclinical and clinical research for GNT, including animal model research activities, clinical research with patient samples and provide support for  required IACUC and IRB submissions.

Dr. Srivastava was former employee of GNT. She served as GNT co-PI/co-I on multiple NIH grant proposals submitted by GNT and also non-PHS funded projects. She is a significant contributor to GNT’s IND submission activities.

Dr. Srivastava has extensive experience and subject matter expertise in immunology, allergy, cell & molecular biology and physiology. 

Medical Consultant: Dr. Hugh A Sampson MD. Dr. Sampson is a world leader in the field of food allergy research. He has comprehensive and extensive experience with design and implementation of clinical research for food allergy and interpretation of study results. He has a long-standing relationship with GNT founder Dr. Li as mentor and research co-investigator for clinical trials of food allergy with herbal formulas at Mount Sinai. He has been consultant of GNT’s NIH/SBIR grant and grant submissions. 

Dr. Jara Zhang is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York. She is a licensed dietitian, a certified lactation counselor, and has specialized training in the Low FODMAP Diet Protocol for managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She earned her PhD in Behavioral Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Zhang also serves as the Chair of the AAPI Professional Development Committee within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Medical Advisor: Paul Ehrlich MD.  Dr. Ehrlich, Pediatric Allergist, is a founding partner and physician at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill, NY and is clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He is also the past president of New York Asthma and Allergy Society. Dr. Ehrlich is teaming up to establish the Center of Clinical Immunology and Integrative Medicine at NYMC.

Medical Advisor: Danna Chung, MD. Dr. Chung is a board-certified physician specializing in allergy and immunology, internal medicine and integrative/holistic medicine. Dr. Chung is the Co-Chair of the East-West Integrative Medical Symposium for Immunology & Wellness Clinical Practice, Science, & Technology at New York Medical College, and the former Associate Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine for Allergies and Wellness (Mount Sinai Medical Center), both established by Dr. Li. She collaborates on patient care with Dr Li at Integrative Health and Acupuncture, PC and has co-authored with Dr. Li on several TCM publications.  

Medical Advisor: David Dunkin, MD.  Dr. Dunkin is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In addition to his clinical practice, his current research collaboration with Dr. Li explores the development of gastrointestinal allergic disorders and the use of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of IBD and EoE.

Regulatory Advisor: Jinhui Dou, PhD.  Dr. Dou had over 15 years of experience at US FDA and served as a CDER (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research) and agency expert pharmacologist for botanical drug review, and contributed to the NDA review and approval of Veregen and Mytesi (Formerly Fulyzaq), the first two botanical drugs being successfully marketed.  Dr. Dou attended several conferences organized by Dr. Li on herbal medicine, focuses on natural medicines and immunology.  Dr. Dou’s experience in pharmaceutical industry (e.g. Paclitaxel) and review experience at FDA is an asset for GNT’s projects on development of natural products.

Business Advisor: David Schlessinger, Founder of Encore Books and Zany Brainy, Co-Founder and former Executive Chairman of Five Below Retail. Mr. Schlessinger has extensive experience with establishing and operating businesses and his advice and insight will be valuable for GNT business operations. He made significant donations to support Dr. Li’s research at her academic institute for developing safe and potent IgE inhibitory natural compounds for food allergy. He has been providing advice to GNT for strategy and best practice for business operations for GNT.  

Communications director: Henry Ehrlich. Mr. Ehrlich is an author and former professional speechwriter. He wrote the book ‘Food Allergies: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Science, and the Search for a Cure’ and is co-author with Dr. Li on 'Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Science, and the Fight Against Allergic Disease' and 'Treating Eczema with TCM'. Mr. Ehrlich will handle correspondence, social media, and public and press relations.