Dr. John Gildea, PhD – Chief Science Officer
Dr. John Gildea, PhD, serves as Chief Science Officer and Formulator at Mara Labs, where he leads the scientific strategy, formulation development, and research direction behind the company’s cellular detox supplement formulations.
As a Johns Hopkins–trained molecular geneticist and cell pathophysiologist, Dr. Gildea works across formulation science, compound stability, bioavailability, assay development, and translational research.
His work helped establish the scientific foundation behind Mara Labs’ stabilized sulforaphane formulation and the company’s broader approach to cellular health.
Scientific Research and Product Development
Dr. Gildea contributes to formulation design, ingredient evaluation, mechanistic research interpretation, scientific validation, laboratory testing systems, and product development.
His work focuses on improving the stability, delivery, and biological activity of natural compounds, particularly compounds related to cellular signaling, metastasis biology, intestinal barrier function, renal physiology, and bioavailability.
In 2017, Dr. Gildea successfully stabilized sulforaphane in a form that could be encapsulated, consistently delivered to the body, and absorbed at a cellular level.
This breakthrough led to the creation of BrocElite® and the launch of Mara Labs.
Research Background and Scientific Contributions
Dr. Gildea has more than 35 years of bench research experience spanning molecular genetics, cancer biology, renal physiology, epigenetics, and systems biology.
He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific publications, received more than 3,800 citations, and contributed to five NIH Program Project Grants (P01s), among the most collaborative and prestigious grant mechanisms in biomedical science.
He also served for more than 16 years as Director of the Analytical Core Laboratory at the University of Virginia.
Dr Gildea’s published work includes research in Genetics, Cancer Research, Nephrology and and Hypertension, and Kidney International, with contributions in epigenetics, cancer metastasis signaling, renal physiology, dopamine receptor signaling, and salt sensitivity research.
He also co-hosts the Mara Labs Podcast with David Roberts.
Education
PhD, Molecular Genetics, Johns Hopkins University
BS, Biology, St. Lawrence University