Priestly Penda

Penda serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at Doc Lab Inc., where he provides scientific leadership, oversees research and development, and drives innovation in molecular diagnostics and clinical laboratory testing. He also serves as Chief Scientific Officer at SoftCell Laboratories, leading scientific strategy, laboratory operations, assay development, and regulatory initiatives across a broad portfolio of high-complexity molecular diagnostic services. He holds a Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida, with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry, providing a strong foundation in molecular biology, genomics, clinical microbiology, and translational science.

Throughout his career, Priestly has led the development, validation, and implementation of high-complexity laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), including real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), pharmacogenomics, infectious disease diagnostics, oncology assays, and precision medicine applications. He oversees laboratory quality management systems, CLIA regulatory compliance, assay validation, workflow optimization, and the integration of emerging technologies to ensure scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and regulatory readiness. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing innovative diagnostic solutions while maintaining the highest standards of analytical performance and patient care.

In addition to his executive leadership responsibilities, Priestly continues to provide scientific oversight for laboratory operations at SoftCell Laboratories, where he has played a key role in expanding molecular testing capabilities and implementing advanced quality systems since 2020. His leadership across both organizations enables him to bridge scientific research, laboratory operations, regulatory strategy, and clinical implementation, accelerating the translation of innovative technologies into routine patient care.

Earlier in his career, Priestly served as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with Intermountain Health where he gained extensive experience in hospital-based clinical laboratory medicine. Working in a high-volume acute care environment strengthened his expertise in clinical diagnostics, laboratory quality assurance, and multidisciplinary patient care, providing valuable insight into the practical application of laboratory medicine within healthcare systems.

A collaborative and visionary scientific leader, Priestly specializes in molecular diagnostics, clinical genomics, laboratory-developed tests, regulatory compliance, quality management systems, and strategic laboratory operations. He is committed to advancing precision medicine through innovative diagnostic technologies that improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical decision-making, and expand access to high-quality molecular testing. His leadership continues to drive scientific innovation and operational excellence at both Doc Lab Inc. and SoftCell Laboratories, supporting their shared mission of delivering accurate, timely, and clinically meaningful diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers and patients.