DLF Science Advisory Board Spotlight
Dan Lewis Foundation | Fall 2023

Judy Carmody, Ph.D., is a leading figure in the life sciences industry, boasting a rich career characterized by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to improving quality and safety in pharmaceutical products. As the founder and Principal Consultant of Carmody Quality Solutions, LLC, she spearheads initiatives that champion patient safety and deliver quality products to a diverse client base, ranging from life science startups to global Fortune 500 organizations.


Before establishing herself as a prominent consultant, Dr. Carmody held the prestigious position of president at Avatar Pharmaceutical Services, a GMP and FDA-registered contract research organization and manufacturer. During her tenure, she guided the company to heights that culminated in its acquisition by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2010. This pivotal moment paved the way for her to assume senior-level roles in various pharmaceutical firms, further honing her expertise in constructing robust quality systems. Dr. Carmody’s roots in the industry stretch back to a decade-long stint in the (bio)pharmaceutical sector before founding Avatar. Here, she was instrumental in developing methods for small molecules and oligonucleotides, in addition to managing QC, Analytical, and Validation groups. Her drive to innovate also led her to a position at Waters Corporation in their Applied Technology and Marketing groups. This role saw her collaborating closely with colleagues and clients alike, fostering the development of novel separation methods that she then brought to market through a series of published papers and presentations at global conferences and leading (bio)pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Carmody’s scientific acumen forms the backbone of her approach to tackling complex quality and analytical challenges. Her extensive resume, which encompasses roles in applied technology, marketing, bench chemistry, validation, and quality management, has equipped her with a unique perspective that facilitates the development of creative, integrative solutions for her clients. This experience enables her to weave technologies from a range of fields into cohesive, clientoriented solutions.


Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Carmody is a proactive member of the scientific community, currently DLF Science Advisory Board Spotlight serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Dan Lewis Foundation for Brain Regeneration Research. In this role, she actively contributes to advancing research in the realm of traumatic brain injury repair and regeneration. Her genuine interest in fostering groundbreaking research in this area underscores her broader commitment to enhancing quality of life and advancing the field of medical science.


Dr. Carmody is a proud alumna of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, a discipline that has served as the foundation for her prolific career.

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Rethinking Stroke Recovery: New Insights into Neuronal Remapping and Rehabilitation Potential

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 13, 2024
Stroke is a common neurological condition that damages brain cells (neurons) in the affected area, leading to a loss of the functions controlled by that region. A hopeful aspect of stroke recovery is that, over time and with rehabilitation, many individuals regain some abilities. This recovery has been linked to a process called “remapping,” where neurons in unaffected areas of the brain adapt to take over the functions of the damaged areas. Although many studies have explored this remapping phenomenon, most evidence has been indirect, based on changes in brain activation patterns or neuron connections after stroke in animal models. Direct proof that neurons change functionality after stroke has been lacking, partly because measuring neuron activity in the brain over time, especially at the necessary scale and duration, is challenging.
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Devon’s Journey – Two Years Post-Accident

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 6, 2024
After a life-altering accident in October 2022, Devon Guffey’s story is about resilience and determination. His journey has been profiled in the summer 2023 issue of the Making Headway Newsletter: https://www.danlewisfoundation.org/devons-story . Hit by a drunk driver, Devon sustained severe brain and physical injuries, including axonal shearing, a traumatic frontal lobe injury, and facial fractures. Even after contracting meningitis while in a coma, Devon fought hard to survive – and today, his recovery continues to inspire us all. In late 2023, Devon worked as an assistant basketball coach at Blue River Valley, where he had once been a student. His love for sports and dedication to regaining his physical strength returned him to the gym, where his hard work paid off. Devon’s persistence earned him another job at the YMCA, guiding gym members and supporting facility upkeep. Through all the challenges—deafness in one ear, blindness in one eye, and a permanent loss of taste and smell—Devon perseveres. He recently regained his driving license, a significant milestone that symbolizes his increasing independence and cognitive and physical recovery. While each day may not show significant changes, Devon now sees his progress over time. Today, Devon speaks to groups about his journey, the dangers of drunk driving, and finding strength in adversity. His message is clear: recovery is a process, and sometimes, "can't" simply means "can't do it yet ." Every TBI is unique, and Devon’s story powerfully reminds us of the strength that comes from resilience and community. We are grateful to Devon for continuing to share his story and for his role in uplifting others facing difficult paths. His journey is a testament to the fact that we are stronger together. #BrainInjuryAwareness #DevonsJourney #Resilience #EndDrunkDriving #MakingHeadway
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