Somasundaram (Som) Gopalakrishnan has more than 25 years of combined experience in the pharma and biopharmaceutical industry. He has broad experience in the areas of aseptic processing, downstream processing of biologics, and closed processing. Som is the Global Principal Consultant for Merck Life Sciences under the Process Solutions division, based in Bangalore, India. He has spent close to 24 years with Millipore and Merck in roles of increasing responsibilities. His previous tenure includes heading South Asia technology management, Validation Services, Technical Services, and Sales Management. Som was formerly a Board Member and Secretary of PDA Singapore Chapter. Som holds a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Business Management.