WHO WE ARE
Cloentee Productions, Inc. (CPI)
Dr. Christal Lourdes Vitiello, PhD
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Vitiello’s passion for learning and dedication to science began at the age of 13, when she started college at the University of Rochester. Her multiple graduate degrees earned across continents reflect not only her academic prowess but also her commitment to advancing STEM education and promoting scientific literacy here and abroad, specifically in South Asia and South East, from which her family hails.
Her research career took off during an internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she co-authored groundbreaking research that remains one of the most cited papers in its field nearly two decades later. Building on this foundation, Dr. Vitiello pursued her doctoral studies in Microbiology and Immunology at Columbia University. There, she earned multiple awards for her research and presentations, publishing in top-tier journals like The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Her work in the lab fueled her interest in making science accessible to broader audiences, sparking her passion for science education.
Dr. Vitiello’s global perspective was enhanced by teaching at the University of Prey Veng in Cambodia, where she worked directly with students in the life sciences, deepening her commitment to STEM education and international collaboration. These experiences gave her a strong cultural sensitivity and reinforced the importance of making STEM fields inclusive and accessible to all.
Throughout her career, Dr. Vitiello has shown a deep commitment to bridging scientific research with real-world applications. Her ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences has led to success in start-ups, accelerators, and life sciences consulting. She has a proven track record of fostering innovation and helping translate scientific discoveries into impactful solutions.
Today, Dr. Vitiello combines her passion for scientific discovery with her dedication to STEM education through the CloeNTee Foundation. She continues to promote science literacy and inspire future generations through her work, ensuring that her contributions extend beyond research to make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.
Dr.Cecilia Marzabadi, PhD
Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer
Ever a pioneer, Dr. Marazabadi bridged the gap between industrial/private sector research and academia early on in her professional career. She went from a lead researcher in the Metabolism group at the Monsanto Company to a tenure track, academic position at Seton Hall University. Dr. Marzabadi is in the elite few of scientists that can wear many hats. Via her cutting-edge research in medical chemistry, Dr. Marzabadi’s research has offered her multiple accolades in medically, clinical areas as diverse as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and cancer therapeutics.
Dr. Marzabadi also delved into groundbreaking research on transforming the landscape for women in STEM, tackling the intricate challenges of recruitment, promotion, and retention with zeal. Her interdisciplinary and internationally-recognized work focused on unraveling the critical elements of successful mentoring and achieving a harmonious work-life balance. By exploring these pivotal areas, she sought to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, empowering women to thrive in STEM careers and break through barriers that have long hindered their progress.
An American Chemical Society member, she has participated in leadership roles within the professional society as a local section chair, on national committees and in the select role of councilor for the society. Her combined, cutting-edge, research methodology in the bridged fields of biology and chemistry (both here and abroad) for a quarter of a century, her commitment to professional and social equity issues, and her leadership abilities make Dr. Marzabadi a trailblazer in her field.
Tracy Acheampong, MpH
Research Associate
Tracy Gifty Acheampong was born in Tema, Ghana, and raised in Accra alongside her parents, older brother, and sister. Her passion for science emerged at an early age, famously declaring at six that she wanted to be a scholar. By seventh grade, her focus sharpened on biology, a subject that captured her interest despite societal challenges in West Africa that often discouraged young girls from pursuing science. With unwavering support from her family, Tracy was determined to follow her dreams.
At 18, she moved to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology, excelling in courses such as Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Toxicology. While she initially aimed for medical school, the COVID-19 pandemic led her to reassess her path. Through deep reflection, she discovered a passion for public health, focusing on addressing health disparities, particularly among minority communities. This shift led her to pursue a Master of Public Health, with a specific interest in chronic disease and infectious disease research, as well as healthcare program management.
Tracy is dedicated to being a voice of change and a source of inspiration for women in science, particularly in Africa. She aims to encourage others to overcome societal limitations and embrace their full potential in the field of science.