April Employee Spotlight: David Reither

team member of HeartWorks, David

David is a valued member of our HeartWorks team who plays a crucial role behind the scenes. Get to know David Reither, who has been with HeartWorks for nearly two years. He joined the team starting off in the research and development lab before transitioning to his current role in GMP manufacturing. 

Originally coming from a hobby farm near Eau Claire, WI, David brings a diverse set of interests to the team. When not meticulously working with cell cultures, you can find him engaged in video game development, crafting fiction novels, or enjoying the outdoors through hunting. A good cup of coffee is also a cherished part of his day! 

As a key member of our GMP team, David’s primary responsibility is maintaining cell cultures in a clinical-grade environment. A typical day involves a variety of tasks, from carefully processing patient biopsies and performing daily media changes to expanding cell cultures for continued growth. On average he is spending 4-6 hours fully gowned in the GMP environment. 

What truly inspires David in his role are the special visits from heart families and clinical trial participants. Hearing their stories provides a powerful reminder of the impact of his work and keeps him deeply motivated. 

Beyond his dedication at HeartWorks, David is also passionate about his family’s strong connection with a school in Uganda, Africa. He and his family have personally contributed to the building of a school and playground during mission trips, demonstrating a commitment to making a difference in the world. 

Looking to the future, David is particularly excited about witnessing a significant milestone: the very first clinical-grade cells beating in GMP. This anticipation highlights his dedication and the profound impact of his work on the groundbreaking advancements happening at HeartWorks. 

We are incredibly fortunate to have David as part of our team. His meticulous work, dedication, and inspiring connection to our mission makes him a true asset to HeartWorks. 

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