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Established in 2021, NerveX began as a spin out from The University of Toronto, where Dr. Gerard O’Leary was pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Taufik Valiante, a neurosurgeon with University Health Network. Upon evolving from human health applications, the team brought on Dr. Mark de Wolde, an innovative veterinarian and industry leader, as the third co-founder.
Dr. Gerard O’Leary has led the technology and business development behind NXVET since co-founding NerveX in 2021. He’s passionate about demonstrating the benefits of NXVET in veterinary clinics and thrives when developing new technologies with the engineering team at the NerveX lab. He received his B.Eng. degree from the University of Galway, and his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Gerard has held engineering positions at Analog Devices, the European Space Agency, and ARM.
He is the recipient of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IEEE Predoctoral Achievement Award. His Ph.D. research was in neuroelectronics, and ranged from in-vitro devices for fundamental neuroscience to developing integrated circuits and systems with integrated machine learning accelerators for implantable neural interfaces. Since graduating, Gerard has broadened his research to bioelectronic sensing for solving in-clinic and at-home healthcare challenges. As Chief Executive Officer at NerveX, his goal is to build a sustainable company that supports a world-leading engineering and clinical deployment team. So far, so great!
Dr. Taufik Valiante is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of NerveX, and a world-leading neurosurgeon-scientist. He graduated from the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto, where he also completed his neurosurgery residency. He pursued an epilepsy neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Washington under Dr. George Ojemann, mastering techniques such as language mapping for epilepsy surgery. Since 2003, Dr. Valiante has been an integral part of the University of Toronto, launching a research program in the electrophysiological characterization of neuronal networks in epilepsy.
He is a staff neurosurgeon at the Toronto Western Hospital, specializing in adult epilepsy surgery, and serves as Co-Director of the Epilepsy Program at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre. Additionally, he co-directs the Centre for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), a joint effort between the University Health Network and the University of Toronto. Dr. Valiante is ranked 1st among over 100 neurosurgeons on RateMDs, and he is the recipient of the Connaught Innovation Award. His work at NerveX focuses on leveraging his extensive clinical and research experience to develop cutting-edge medical technologies aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions through translational medicine. When he’s not in the operating room or doing science, you’ll find him on his bike or playing with his Portuguese Water Dog, Zora.
Dr. Mark de Wolde, DVM MRCVS, is a distinguished veterinary professional with over three decades of experience. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1993. His early career included externships at the Universiteit Utrecht and part-time work in Biomedical Sciences. After practicing internationally, Dr. de Wolde returned to Canada in 2001, establishing five veterinary hospitals and co-founding both the Upper Canada Veterinary Group Inc., a practice management group, and myVETgroup, a financial advisory firm for veterinary practice owners. Dr. Mark has been recognized with honours such as Business Person of the Year and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Award of Merit in 2018. He supports various charities and enjoys fitness, travel, and exploring the world’s cuisine. As the Co-Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of NerveX, Dr. de Wolde strives for innovative solutions in medical diagnostics by exploring means of collecting both subjective and objective physiological data.
This enhances the accuracy and efficiency of medical workups while addressing many inefficiencies and mental health issues within the profession. His dedication to integrating technology with veterinary practice aims to support the veterinary community and uphold high standards of care.
Shannon Gervais, RVT has joined NerveX as our Vice President of Veterinary Clinical Partnerships. Shannon brings over two decades of experience in veterinary medicine, with a remarkable track record in leadership, innovation, and team development.
As a Registered Veterinary Technologist, Shannon has dedicated her career to empowering veterinary teams and advancing clinical workflows. She has held key roles such as Director of Veterinary Technologist Learning & Development at VCA Canada, Head of Business Development at Animal HealthLink, and positions with Merck, and Vetoquinol.
Her passion for improving veterinary medicine aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance multi-species welfare through AI-enabled medical devices. With Shannon on board, we’re excited to strengthen our partnerships within the veterinary community and continue driving innovation in animal healthcare.
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
PhD, Bioelectronics
Dr. Gerard O'Leary has led the technology and business development behind NXVET since co-founding NerveX in 2021. He's passionate about demonstrating the benefits of NXVET in veterinary clinics and to fundraising organizations, but he thrives when developing new technologies with the engineering team at the NerveX lab.
He received his B.Eng. degree from the University of Galway, and his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Gerard has held engineering positions at Analog Devices, the European Space Agency, and ARM. He is the recipient of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IEEE Predoctoral Achievement Award.
His Ph.D. research was in neuroelectronics, and ranged from in-vitro devices for fundamental neuroscience to developing integrated circuits and systems with integrated machine learning accelerators for implantable neural interfaces. Since graduating, Gerard has broadened his research to bioelectronic sensing for solving in-clinic and at-home healthcare challenges. As Chief Executive Officer at NerveX, his goal is to build a sustainable company that supports a world-leading engineering and clinical deployment team. So far, so great!
Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer
Clinician-Scientist, UofT & UHN
Dr. Taufik Valiante is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of NerveX, and a world-leading neurosurgeon-scientist. He graduated from the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto, where he also completed his neurosurgery residency. He pursued an epilepsy neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Washington under Dr. George Ojemann, mastering techniques such as language mapping for epilepsy surgery.
Since 2003, Dr. Valiante has been an integral part of the University of Toronto, launching a research program in the electrophysiological characterization of neuronal networks in epilepsy. He is a staff neurosurgeon at the Toronto Western Hospital, specializing in adult epilepsy surgery, and serves as Co-Director of the Epilepsy Program at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre. Additionally, he co-directs the Centre for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), a joint effort between the University Health Network and the University of Toronto.
Dr. Valiante is ranked 1st among over 100 neurosurgeons on RateMDs, and he is the recipient of the Connaught Innovation Award. His work at NerveX focuses on leveraging his extensive clinical and research experience to develop cutting-edge medical technologies aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions through translational medicine. When he's not in the operating room or doing science, you'll find him on his bike or playing with his Portuguese Water Dog, Zora.
Co-Founder, Chief Veterinary Officer
DVM, MRCVS, Veterinarian-Entrepreneur
Dr. Mark de Wolde, DVM MRCVS, is a distinguished veterinary professional with over three decades of experience. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1993. His early career included externships at the Universiteit Utrecht and part-time work in Biomedical Sciences.
After practicing internationally, Dr. de Wolde returned to Canada in 2001, establishing five veterinary hospitals and co-founding both the Upper Canada Veterinary Group Inc., a practice management group, and myVETgroup, a financial advisory firm for veterinary practice owners. Dr. Mark has been recognized with honours such as Business Person of the Year and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Award of Merit in 2018. He supports various charities and enjoys fitness, travel, and exploring the world's cuisine.
As the Co-Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of NerveX, Dr. de Wolde strives for innovative solutions in medical diagnostics by exploring means of collecting both subjective and objective physiological data. This enhances the accuracy and efficiency of medical workups while addressing many inefficiencies and mental health issues within the profession. His dedication to integrating technology with veterinary practice aims to support the veterinary community and uphold high standards of care.
VP of Clinical Partnerships
Veterinary Industry Leader
Shannon Gervais, RVT has joined NerveX as our Vice President of Veterinary Clinical Partnerships. Shannon brings over two decades of experience in veterinary medicine, with a remarkable track record in leadership, innovation, and team development.
As a Registered Veterinary Technologist, Shannon has dedicated her career to empowering veterinary teams and advancing clinical workflows. She has held key roles such as Director of Veterinary Technologist Learning & Development at VCA Canada, Head of Business Development at Animal HealthLink, and positions with Merck, and Vetoquinol.
Her passion for improving veterinary medicine aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance multi-species welfare through AI-enabled medical devices. With Shannon on board, we're excited to strengthen our partnerships within the veterinary community and continue driving innovation in animal healthcare.
