skip to Main Content

Our History & Mission

AIBMR is a scientific and regulatory consulting firm founded in 1978. We are one of the oldest natural products consulting firms in North America, focusing on Independent GRAS conclusions (Self-Affirmed GRAS or GRAS Self-Determinations), FDA GRAS conclusions, FDA NDI notifications, toxicology studies, scientific publications and general FDA and FTC regulatory compliance, such as label reviews and claims substantiations for the food and dietary supplement industries. We maintain an extensive scientific and natural products library, including a rare botanical medicine collection.

Our team is especially unique, as it is comprised of naturopathic physicians and a PhD scientist. Naturopathic physicians are licensed as primary care physicians in a number of U.S. states, and are trained in medicinal diagnostics and pharmaceutical treatments along with natural medicine modalities, including nutrition, botanical medicine, pharmacognosy, behavioral sciences, homeopathy, preventative medicine, lifestyle counseling, and dietary supplements. In addition, our staff has training and experience in toxicology, basic science and clinical research, biostatistics & epidemiology, dietetics, library sciences and decades of experience in FDA and FTC regulatory consulting and toxicological sciences, collectively providing a unique perspective for our clients in the food and supplement industries.

Our Team

Alexander Schauss, PhD, FACN, CFS

Senior Director

AIBMR’s founder, Dr. Schauss, is a leader in nutraceutical research and consulting. He is uncompromising in pursuing the highest quality research standards for AIBMR Life Science’s clients while helping them profit. Dr. Schauss has built an extensive world-wide professional network and gathered an immeasurable pool of knowledge and experience. His expertise extends to introducing AIBMR Life Science’s clients to this network, offering secure, responsible and trustworthy working relationships with competent partners.

Read More

John R. Endres, ND

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Endres, ND has been AIBMR Life Science’s Chief Scientific Officer since 2006. He coordinates a team of scientific and regulatory consultants to the functional foods and dietary supplement industries. Dr. Endres helps AIBMR Life Science’s clients to meet their goals by working closely with them to develop practical research strategies. He is very involved with GRAS Self-determinations, FDA GRAS Notifications, FDA NDI Notifications, regulatory compliance, and toxicology studies at AIBMR. Dr. Endres offers professional and personalized service every step of the way with the highest degree of integrity and attention to detail.

Read More

Amy Clewell, ND, DABT

Senior Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs

Dr. Amy Clewell is the Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at AIBMR Life Sciences. Dr. Clewell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. She maintains her physician’s license in the State of Washington. She has been a diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology since 2016, is a full member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) and the American College of Toxicology (ACT), and has been a member of numerous expert panels assembled for the evaluation of GRAS independent conclusions.

Read More

Timothy Murbach, ND, DABT

Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs

Timothy Murbach, ND, DABT is Vice President of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs at AIBMR Life Sciences. Dr. Murbach received his doctor of naturopathic medicine, with high honors, from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and currently maintains his naturopathic physician’s license in the State of Washington (previously having been licensed in Oregon and California). He earned a bachelor of science degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Oregon State University, graduating summa cum laude. Dr. Murbach is a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology and holds membership in the Society of Toxicology and the American College of Toxicology.

Read More

Vickie Modica, ND, DABT

Senior Scientific and Regulatory Consultant

Dr. Vickie Modica is a Senior Scientific and Regulatory Consultant at AIBMR. She is a full member of the Society of Toxicology, diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, has authored or contributed to multiple peer–reviewed toxicological safety assessment publications, and has consulted on and written many independent conclusions of GRAS, FDA GRAS notifications, and FDA NDI notifications. Within AIBMR her emphasis has strongly been on hemp extracts, probiotics, and microbial extracts/foods.

Read More

Kara Crisp, ND

Scientific and Regulatory Consultant

Kara Crisp, ND, is a Scientific and Regulatory Consultant at AIBMR. Dr. Crisp earned her doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2015. Following graduation, Dr. Crisp cared for patients in private clinical practice with a focus on gastrointestinal dysfunction, Lyme disease and co-infections, and mycotoxin illness for several years in the Portland area. Dr. Crisp currently maintains her naturopathic medical license in the state of Oregon.

Read More

Bean Choi, ND

Scientific and Regulatory Consultant

Bean Choi, ND, is a Scientific and Regulatory Consultant at AIBMR. Dr. Choi earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in 2013. Prior to her work at AIBMR, Dr. Choi focused primarily on non-pharmaceutical pain management in her practice. She currently maintains her licenses in the state of Washington.

Read More

Laura Schauss

CFO/COO

In 1995, Laura became Operations Director of AIBMR’S Life Sciences Division and after three years was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer. In these roles, Laura provides overall leadership for AIBMR’s finance department and is a key member of the company’s leadership team.

Read More

Jared D. Brodin

Director of Information Services

As AIBMR’s Director of Information Services, Jared’s detail includes involvement in corporate marketing and branding strategies, directorship of the firm’s extensive library holdings and acquisitions, coordination of major research projects, and oversight of social media and website functions.