Bindu Kalesan, PhD, MPH, MSc, Founder and CEO

Dr. Bindu Kalesan is an epidemiologist and public health expert with over two decades of experience in data-driven research and program evaluation. As the founder and CEO of Tury Research Institute, she leads a mission to advance health equity and deliver innovative solutions to complex public health and biomedical challenges. Dr. Kalesan’s work has been instrumental in shaping evidence-based policies, leveraging real-world evidence, and driving impactful outcomes for underserved communities. With a strong commitment to scientific rigor, collaboration, and social justice, she fosters a culture of excellence and purpose within the institute.An accomplished researcher, mentor, and advocate, Dr. Kalesan is dedicated to creating a legacy of meaningful change in healthcare and public health systems. 

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Promise Tewogbola, PhD, MS, Healthcare Scientist

Dr. Tewogbola has a passion for applying behavioral economics to improve public health outcomes. He brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his work, drawing on his Ph.D. in Applied Psychology and M.S. in Health Sciences to design and evaluate impactful programs that address critical societal issues. Promise assesses evidence-based programs aimed at preventing gun violence and promoting equitable public safety. Leveraging his expertise in mixed methods research, he combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to deliver comprehensive program evaluations that inform policy and practice. Promise’s diverse research background includes positions at CORE Institute and Applied Research Consultants, where he contributed to projects ranging from broadband access in rural communities to alcohol and drug use behaviors among college students. His international experience includes collaborating on research projects with Johnson & Johnson MedTech China and managing USAID-, PEPFAR-, and Chevron-funded HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. Promise has authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented at regional and national conferences. He also founded PROMISE Labs Africa, a scientific non-profit organization based in Africa that conducts behavioral economic research to inform evidence-based policies on the continent. When not engaged in research or writing, Promise enjoys drawing, taking long walks and watching FC Barcelona play.

Brian Wolter, Chief Operations Officer

Brian Wolter brings extensive expertise in organizational leadership and operational strategy to his role as Chief Operations Officer at Tury Research Institute. With a strong background in managing complex projects and optimizing business processes, Brian ensures that the institute operates efficiently and effectively to achieve its mission of advancing health equity through innovative research.A dynamic and solutions-oriented leader, Brian is dedicated to fostering collaboration, streamlining operations, and building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. His commitment to excellence and impactful results supports the institute’s mission to address public health and biomedical challenges with precision and purpose.

Sydney Miller, PhD, Healthcare Scientist

Dr. Miller is a public health researcher, focused on understanding the complex socio-ecological and structural drivers of inequalities in public health outcomes. Her background includes working with diverse teams of academic, government, and community partners to develop and tailor evidence-based public health research projects and intervention programs. Sydney's goal within these projects is to combine rigorous analytic and scientific methodologies with a community-centered approach, to develop evidence-based and culturally-tailored solutions to reduce social and health inequities..

Adrian J. Mack, PhD, MBA, Advisory Committee Member

Dr. Adrian J. Mack, PhD, MBA is a transdisciplinary academic, business developer, strategist, and business operator with a background in social impact. His doctoral research centered on media, technology, and society. He is also engaged in the criminal justice space, exploring issues of equity, reform, and community engagement. His interests also extend to national security. This intersection of criminal justice and national security allows Dr. Mack to examine complex societal challenges from multiple perspectives. He is deeply curious about human behavior, social dynamics, and understanding different cultures and groups, which is crucial in both the criminal justice and national security domains. 

Dr. Mack has experience in both the public and private sectors, including the Department of Defense, Amazon, tech startups, nonprofits, universities, and R&D companies. He serves in board and advisory roles for different startups and community organizations, such as NASA’s Astrophysics Division’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Council, the Lucy Daniels Center, and Peak Beginnings, and previously served as a Commissioner on the Durham City Council's Human Relations Commission. Dr. Mack has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, a Master of Arts from Duke University, a Master of Arts from Liberty University, a PhD from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, and is currently a candidate for a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security from Southern New Hampshire University.