Mark T. Nelson founded Microscopy Innovations LLC in 2007 to develop products in the expanding tissue-based diagnostics sector. The early-stage company has been awarded two patents in the past year for its bio-specimen preparation and storage system. Mark says they expect their first sales this summer, following a major microscopy trade show in Portland, Ore.

Mark also adds: “My wife Bridget O’Brien and I continue hands-on involvement in the nonprofit Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts (chestnutarts.org), which we founded in 2003. We enjoy our life in Marshfield, Wis., a place with a world-class medical center and all the advantages of small-town living.

“Our son Peter graduated with honors from Carleton College this year and expects to teach English in China next year before returning home for graduate work in computer science. Daughter Katy just completed her freshman year at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore. We enjoyed seeing Matt and Karen Stevens while visiting colleges last year. It’s always a delight to see good Kellogg friends.

“Finally, I’m relieved that Wisconsin-based start-up firms I’ve invested in — PreventionGenetics, Bioionix, and BioSystem Development — are finally achieving sales. As an angel investor, it’s nice to have a guardian angel!”