About Us
Microbial Research Inc. was founded in Fort Collins, Colorado in October 2003 by Don and Debi Bade to provide microbiological support to the veterinary pharmaceutical research industry. In 2023, in an effort to begin retiring, the Bades sold the company to Chandra Machin, a long-standing employee of MRI. Microbial Research continues to support all aspects of pharmaceutical research, from large-scale clinical trials in support of an FDA application to start-up companies looking to evaluate a new product for antimicrobial properties. In 2015, Microbial Research partnered with Microbiology International as a branch to provide media to the western half of the United States. Additionally, MRI strives to support the local community with any microbiological needs. This includes milk testing, developing and preparing growth medium, and performing bacterial culturing and identification for various local companies.
MicroFACT
Each member of the MRI team is an integral part of the culture at MRI. As a group, they take pride in fostering a positive, fun, supportive environment in which learning, continual growth, and curiosity are encouraged. You can find the team making gingerbread houses in ugly sweaters, at Horsetooth Reservoir with their pets, celebrating all birthdays and workiversaries, and narrowly escaping escape rooms.
Chandra Machin
Chandra Machin received her Microbiology degree from Colorado State University and joined the Microbial Research team in 2005 as a laboratory research technician. Through her hard work and dedication, she grew with the company, becoming Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, and is now the President and Owner of MRI. Chandra participates in various organizations within the industry such as the Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute, Colorado Bioscience Association, and the Society of Quality Assurance. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband, sons, and dog.
Donald Bade
Don Bade started MRI in 2003 and was the President until 2023. While retirement is on the horizon, he still participates in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory as General Manager and is an integral member of the team. Don has been a contributing member of CLSI since 1994. With his long-standing presence in the microbiology industry, Don has shared his expertise on specific procedures across seas in Hungary and France. His dogs have always been his companions at work and have joined him every day at the Microbial Research Office since they were puppies!
Krista Lockwood
Krista Lockwood graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Microbiology in 2014 and has been working at Microbial Research since 2015. She became Laboratory Manager in 2019. Outside of the lab, she enjoys a career in circus performing and is the director of local performance troupe CIRQULAR. Also, an avid canine lover, Krista has 3 dogs at home that she adores greatly.
Adam Mundy
Adam Mundy graduated from Colorado State University in 2008 with a B.S. in psychology and was hired at MRI in 2015 after leaving his previous position in an analytical chemistry lab. In 2019, he was promoted to the new position of media manager to oversee the production and inventory management of MRI’s internal media, as well as of media produced for commercial sale. Outside of MRI, Adam is a musician and stage performer, both with his band, Oak, Ash & Thorn, and in CIRQULAR alongside co-worker Krista Lockwood. He also digs cats.
Erin Faurote
Erin Faurote received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Connecticut and her master’s degree in microbiology from Colorado State University. She joined the MRI team in 2018. When not working, she enjoys running, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her various animals.
Jordanne Lesher-Garcia
Jordanne Lesher-Garcia graduated from Colorado State University with a major in Microbiology and a minor in Spanish. She began working at Microbial Research in 2019. She appreciates MRI’s proximity to natural areas and enjoys seeing wildlife on her lunchbreak walks. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and family. Her hobbies include making music, watching anime, cooking, and exploring Fort Collins.
Afton Renger
Afton Renger earned her degree in Microbiology from Colorado State University and joined MRI in 2020. Her appreciation for microbiology brought her to MRI after several years working as a dental hygienist. A true Colorado native, Afton spends her free time outdoors as much as she can. Playing volleyball, cycling, and watching her two sons play baseball, keep her and her husband happily busy.
Jack Carnopis
Jack Carnopis graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2020 and has been working at Microbial Research since 2021. He has a boisterous cat named Frank who is seven years old. He loves learning about astrobiology, reading, hiking 14ers, playing pool, going on road trips, and hanging out with friends.
As a Company, we strive to uphold the following values in everything that we do:
- Microbial Research Inc. was awarded the BBB Torch Award for Ethics in 2014 and the Pinnacol Circle of Safety award for two consecutive years exemplifying our commitment to integrity.
- Continuous Improvement - We work creatively. We develop and initiate implementation of creative solutions to increase efficiencies, think outside the box to solve problems and eliminate root causes of issues.
- Commitment - We work hard. We take high levels of ownership in our work while maintaining flexibility to meet changing study and customer needs. We are satisfied when our team and our customers succeed.
- Integrity - We work honestly. We take responsibility for our work. We value communication with the intent of understanding and respect. We treat all who interact with our company as if they were a part of our team.
- Dependability - We work reliably. We value meeting deadlines in a timely fashion. We follow through with tasks and proactively communicate when issues arise.
- Quality - We work thoroughly. We ensure that work is performed accurately by following proper procedures. We identify unusual and significant information to ensure our product of quality research is attained.
- Sustainability - We work compassionately. We perform work with costs and environmental stewardship in mind. We are committed to corporate social responsibility by contributing positively to each individual, their families, the surrounding community and the environment.
