Dennis G. Hooper, M.D., Ph.D.
Founder and Leading MSC Expert
Dennis G. Hooper, M.D., Ph.D. graduated from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, in 1971, with a B.S degree, the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1973, with an M.S. degree in Microbiology, and from the University of California, Davis, in 1982, with a Ph.D. in Microbiology. He also received his M.D. degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1983. Dr. Hooper has completed an internship in Flexible Medicine (1984) and a residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (1988) from the United States Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA. He became board certified in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology. Dr. Hooper retired as a Navy Captain (0-6) in 2001. During his tenure in the Navy, Dr. Hooper was involved in research, clinical immunology, pathology, microbiology, and related consulting work. He served as chairman of Pathology at Naval Hospital San Diego for 6 years and also held the positions of Ancillary Service Director, Naval Hospital, San Diego as well as Specialty Advisor to the Navy Surgeon General.
Sandra Hooper-Murcott
Account Manager
Sandra Hooper-Murcott is an educator and entrepreneur who brings over 20 years of project and account management to Silver Gene. She graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum Design and Assessment from Concordia University, Irvine, CA. Over 20 years in the education field has brought Murcott an awareness of scope and sequence in implementing and carrying out individual projects and these skills are useful in making sure that clients are served well. Murcott serves as a welcoming first point of contact for clients and will ensure that working with Silver Gene is enjoyable and successful. Sandra is also the owner of BRAINTOPIA® Neurofeedback Centers, which supports the success of neurofeedback therapy through targeted supplementation and genetic testing.
Aubrey Hughes
Logistics Supervisor
Aubrey Hughes earned an Associate of Arts degree from Brookhaven College in 1989. In March 1990, he began his career in logistics with UPS, where he gained more than 30 years of experience in transportation, distribution, and supply chain operations.
In 2022, Aubrey expanded his experience by working with several laboratories, applying his extensive logistics expertise to oversee shipping, receiving, inventory coordination, and operational efficiency. His commitment to accuracy and timely service helps ensure the smooth delivery of products and services in support of laboratory operations.
Throughout his career, Aubrey has demonstrated a strong dedication to customer service, operational excellence, and effective team leadership. His decades of experience and proven ability to manage complex logistics processes make him a valuable asset to the organizations he serves.
Sheri Ayers, MS, MBA, MB (ASCP)
Director of Laboratory Operations
Sheri is the Director of Laboratory Operations at Silver Gene, where she leads the development and implementation of the laboratory's genetic testing programs. She oversees laboratory operations, assay validation, quality systems, and regulatory compliance to ensure every test is performed with the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. With more than 15 years of experience in laboratory science and molecular diagnostics, Sheri has dedicated her career to advancing laboratory quality and operational excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a Master of Science in Biology from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. She is also certified in Molecular Biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Sheri is passionate about building laboratory programs that combine scientific excellence with innovative genetic technologies, helping healthcare providers and individuals make more informed decisions.
After earning his degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from Baylor University, Benjamin began his career in molecular technology performing carrier screening testing for Natera, Inc. He now brings his experience working in a high-throughput, patient-focused laboratory to Silver Gene Labs to help ensure timely, accurate, and actionable results for their clients.
Ben Haddock
Laboratory Scientist
Clayton Smithhart
Laboratory Scientist
As a Laboratory Scientist responsible for performing and overseeing complex diagnostic testing that supports patient care, they’ve worked across multiple laboratory disciplines, while maintaining the laboratory’s high standards of quality, accuracy, and compliance.
With several years of experience in clinical laboratory sciences, Clayton is skilled in instrument operation and troubleshooting, method validation, quality control, and data review. He collaborates closely with laboratory leadership and providers to ensure timely and reliable test results.
After Clayton attained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas, he gained experience in medical testing and methods. He is committed to continuous learning and improving laboratory efficiency and patient care.
Jill H Gandy, BS, MLS (AMT)
Quality Assurance Specialist
Jill H Gandy, BS, MLS (AMT) is Silver Genetics’ Quality Assurance Specialist. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK with a bachelor’s in microbiology. She has worked in many disciplines of laboratory science for over the past 30 years, such as Pathology, HLA, and General Oncology. She has held a certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Medical Technologist (AMT) accreditation program since 2007. For the past 8 years, she has grown into the role of laboratory compliance officer and has been a qualified clinical laboratory inspector through the College of American Pathologists (CAP) organization since 2020. Dedicated to quality for all laboratory testing, she oversees the Quality Management System (QMS) and Safety for our company. As a hobby, she uses her chemistry knowledge to make olive oil-based soap from first principles.
Vicky Hughes
Business Administration
Vicky Hughes is a human resources and operations professional with more than 25 years of experience in HR, customer service, office management, procurement, and business operations. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Human Resources and has a proven track record of building strong teams, improving processes, and driving organizational success. Vicky began her career with UPS, serving as an Operations Management Supervisor for 14 years before expanding her expertise in the laboratory industry, where she has led functions including human resources, client services, billing, purchasing, and office management. Known for her collaborative and servant-leadership style, she empowers employees through open communication, accountability, and professional development. Her expertise includes talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and workforce engagement, making her a trusted partner in aligning people strategies with business goals and fostering positive, high-performing workplace cultures.
Brandon Bryant
Director of Digital Strategy & Marketing
Brandon Bryant brings hands-on clinical laboratory experience and nearly 20 years of experience in customer service, technical support, and management to Silver Gene Labs. He began his career working alongside Dr. Hooper in clinical laboratory settings, gaining practical insight into laboratory operations and patient-focused service.
Today, Brandon oversees digital strategy, website development, marketing, and content for Silver Gene. He combines his laboratory background, technical experience, and operational perspective to strengthen the company’s digital presence and support its continued growth.
