Executive Team

Wenyuan Shi

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Wenyuan Shi is Chief Executive Officer of the Forsyth Institute and has led the Forsyth Institute since 2017. He also served as Forsyth’s Chief Scientific Officer until Dr. Ben Wu joined the team in 2023. Before his appointment, Shi was the chairman and professor of Oral Biology at UCLA Schools of Dentistry as well as the Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at UCLA School of Medicine for 20+ years.

Benjamin Wu

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Benjamin Wu joined Forsyth in January 2023 as the Chief Scientific Officer. Before his appointment at Forsyth, Dr. Wu was the Professor and Chair of the UCLA Division of Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences for 23 years, and Director of the Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology at the UCLA School of Dentistry.

Sok Cheng Soh

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Sok Cheng Soh joined Forsyth in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Soh provides leadership for Forsyth’s strategic and operational finance. She is a global finance executive with broad-based experience with both private and public companies. With an international career including assignments in Asia, Australia, and USA, Ms. Soh has led strategic initiatives to scale growth in complex and fast changing environments.

Thomas E. Van Dyke

Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research

Dr. Thomas Van Dyke is Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research and Chair of the Department of Applied Oral Sciences. He provides leadership for Forsyth’s clinical research team and is responsible for expanding Forsyth’s clinical presence in the research community. Dr. Van Dyke drives the Institute’s efforts to expand Forsyth’s connections to industry and corporate partners.

Susan Rittling

Director of Research and Faculty Affairs

After joining Forsyth in 2005 as a research scientist, Dr. Rittling brings her experience in grant writing and laboratory management to the position of Director of Research and Faculty Affairs. In this position, she facilitates all things research.

Carline Durocher

Corporate Secretary, General Counsel and Vice President of Technology Development

Carline is the executive responsible for Forsyth’s legal, compliance and risk functions and board governance. As the Vice President of Technology Development, she is also responsible for spearheading Forsyth’s efforts to develop an oral health innovation ecosystem.

Paula LaPalme, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Chief Administrative and Human Resource Officer

Paula LaPalme joined Forsyth in 2016 and leads Human Resources for the Institute, as well as provides leadership to a host of key operational areas from information technology to facilities.

Felicitas Bidlack

Senior Science Officer

Felicitas Bidlack joined Forsyth in 2003 and leverages her passion for interdisciplinary and team research to facilitate successful internal as well as external collaborations. With experience in research and mentoring Dr. Bidlack serves as Senior Science Officer and Chair of the Appointments and Promotions Committee to generate a creative environment and empower innovative research.