Leadership Team

Dr. Bingaman is a clinical vision scientist with over 30 years in ophthalmology and over 25 years of experience and leadership in pharmaceutical and device companies. He has held roles of increasing responsibilities in Strategic, mid-size and start-ups, involving oversight of all development functions and executing ophthalmic clinical trials from FIH studies through global registration trials. Dr. Bingaman also has served as the Chief Development Officer for a global, ophthalmology full-service CRO with world-wide responsibility for regulatory affairs, clinical development, preclinical, and CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls) functions. He holds a PhD in Ocular Angiogenesis and is a board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Dr. Bingaman works closely with MERIT's Sponsors to advance their clinical programs by matching MERIT’s endpoint offerings with the Sponsors' unique trial designs. He also supports MERIT's senior management team in determining and executing the company’s strategic vision for growth and development in ophthalmology.

Brittany Figenscher leads the MERIT ophthalmology imaging project management team, overseeing strategic project direction, client relations, and service integration across clinical studies. As Director of Ophthalmology Project Management at MERIT, she ensures the seamless execution of trials from startup to closeout. Her team is committed to quality initiatives, regulatory compliance, and timely deliverables. With over a decade of experience in ophthalmic imaging and clinical trial operations, Brittany holds a Master’s in Healthcare Analytics from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Photographic Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is also certified as an OCT-C, CRA, and COA.

Brittany Royster leads the Ophthalmology Imaging Quality Control Specialist (IQCS) team. This group performs the initial evaluation of site image acquisition and upload as well as site certification and training. As Director, she oversees the team to ensure site photographers are prepared for accurate image capture as well as efficiency and accuracy in image quality review for each Ophthalmology clinical trial. Brittany monitors team efficiency, KPIs, and leads departmental initiatives to improve imaging processes. She has been a part of the eye care field for the past 20 years. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Campbell University. She graduated from the Duke University School of Medicine Ophthalmic Technician Training Program where she holds a COT certification through JCAHPO.

Pete leads MERIT’s Product Operations & Management department, ensuring timely and accurate project configuration that aligns with stakeholder needs. He collaborates closely with Product Development to enhance MERIT’s EXCELSIOR platform for evolving preclinical and clinical trial requirements. Throughout study start-up, closeout, and R&D, Pete’s team partners with internal teams as well as sponsors, CROs, and reading centers to support successful study execution.

Dr. Zielinski is a seasoned comprehensive ophthalmologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She provides medical expertise for anterior segment clinical trials, including oversight of safety reviews, and contributes to the development of imaging charters and key study documents—such as PSEPs—to support clear, effective reader training. Dr. Zielinski also works closely with sponsors throughout all phases of clinical research, ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and patient safety are consistently upheld.

Dr. Sonuga has a strong commitment to advancing clinical care through her research in the field of ophthalmology and drug development. She has over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, academia, and clinical research. Dr. Sonuga’s specialization lies in comprehensive ophthalmology, with additional training in medical retina and uveitis. Her research experience extends across ophthalmic diseases including AMD, DR, RVO, IRD, and Non-infectious Uveitis. She’s passionate about advancing clinical care and pursuing improved patient outcomes through the development of innovative treatment options.

John leads the Engineering team. for the EXCELSIOR™ platform, bringing over 25 years of development expertise to MERIT's clinical imaging solutions. He guides technical strategy across the platform's full stack while maintaining the rigorous quality and compliance standards required for FDA-regulated clinical trials. John works closely with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, manage cloud infrastructure, and build development capabilities.

Michelle Wallace is an HR leader with over 20 years of experience in driving transformative HR strategies and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She has led numerous initiatives that have improved retention rates and optimized organizational development programs, across various industries, including telecommunications, retail, and distribution. As Director of Human Resources at MERIT, Michelle leads a team of HR professionals who align HR practices with the business strategies while supporting employee engagement. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and is certified through HRCI as a senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She also holds the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification through USF Muma College of Business.

Dr. Zhang has 20 years of experience in R&D covering multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiology, autoimmunity, and respiratory. She oversees operations for Business Development, Oncology and Respiratory Medical Affairs, and the IT Division of the APAC & China team. Dr. Zhang’s focus is on driving collaborative initiatives to deliver high-impact outcomes.

Dr. Lin has been exploring the value of radiology in clinical research ever since obtaining his MD degree. During this time, he has worked with multiple sponsors, providing high-quality independent reading data to support the regulatory approval of various products in multiple countries and regions. Currently, Dr. Lin serves as Medical Director at MERIT, where his work continues to focus closely on protocol design, aiming to minimize risks and biases, while conducting quality monitoring of independent reads.

Vicky leads our project management team in China. She brings over 14 years of clinical trial management experience, including eight dedicated to medical imaging operations. Vicky's expertise in end-to-end project governance focuses on efficient and effective solutions. At MERIT, her responsibility is to leverage deep regulatory expertise with hands-on experience in system rollouts, project management, and risk mitigation. Vicky drives operational excellence and high-impact project delivery.