Lachesis: Where Mythology and Biology Intersect
The Mythological Connection
In Greek mythology, Lachesis is one of the three Moirai—the Fates who govern human destiny. Known as the “Allotter” or “Measurer,” Lachesis determines the length of each person’s thread of life and the pivotal events that shape their journey. While her sister Clotho spins the thread of life and Atropos cuts it, Lachesis measures and allots how much thread each person receives—essentially deciding the span and circumstances of human existence.
The Biological Connection
Lachesis is also the scientific name for a genus of highly venomous pit vipers found throughout Central and South America, including the bushmaster—one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. This dual meaning creates a powerful symbolism: the same name represents both the mythological force that determines life’s length and the very real biological threat that can cut life tragically short.
Photo credit: Johan Fredriksson
The Biological Connection
Lachesis is also the scientific name for a genus of highly venomous pit vipers found throughout Central and South America, including the bushmaster—one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. This dual meaning creates a powerful symbolism: the same name represents both the mythological force that determines life’s length and the very real biological threat that can cut life tragically short.
Photo credit: Johan Fredriksson
Our Mission As Modern Fates
This convergence of mythological and biological meaning isn’t coincidental—it perfectly captures our mission. Just as the goddess Lachesis holds the power to measure life’s thread, we believe that in the critical moments following a venomous snakebite, the right information, education, and access to care can effectively extend that thread. When someone encounters a venomous snake, we aim to be the force that tips the scales toward survival—providing the knowledge, resources, and connections that can mean the difference between life and death.
Through AI-enabled technology, comprehensive databases, and proper education, the Lachesis Foundation works to ensure that geography, lack of information, or delayed care never again determine the outcome of a snakebite emergency. In a sense, we seek to wrestle control from fate itself, using technology, education, and access to antivenom to give every person the longest possible thread of life. We believe that human knowledge and access to medical care can triumph over the arbitrary nature of tragedy.
Our name "Lachesis Foundation" reflects both the gravity of our mission and our commitment to changing the course of human destiny in moments of crisis.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Christopher Winne
Founder & CEO
Dr. Winne is ecstatic to be leading the amazing team at Lachesis Foundation, and he is always looking for new people to join the cause of solving the global snakebite crisis.
Dr. Winne has a Ph.D. in Ecology, a M.S. in Biology, and a B.S. in Environmental Science and Biology, and he has won industry awards for his extensive research and publications on reptiles and amphibians, including venomous snakes. Passionate about education and improving lives, Dr. Winne founded the Lachesis Foundation in 2025 to help the world’s most vulnerable snakebite victims.
The most impactful technology solutions emerge when you combine deep technical expertise with clear business strategy and exceptional team leadership. Dr. Winne believes that by harnessing the creative and technological expertise of people, we can build AI-enabled technology and global coalitions to save the lives and limbs of snakebite victims globally.
Ryan Gossen
Product Strategy
Ryan is a user experience design leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering software products and services. He has designed products and built teams that designed products in Energy Systems, Healthcare, Fintech, Data Analytics, Transportation, Education, and Consumer Electronics. He helped build and re-locate IBM’s Design Studio and led the team that designed the interface for Watson Analytics.
Throughout his career, Ryan has volunteered his time at nonprofits, working as a search and rescue technician at TEXAR, an ESL teacher at Casa Marianella, and at Treefolks as director of digital initiatives and board president. At Lachesis, Ryan helps to research and design our products and serves on the board of directors.
Dennis Van Huffel
Experience Strategy
Dennis is a senior design executive who has led strategic initiatives across fintech, media, and enterprise sectors for over 15 years. His previous executive roles include Regional VP at Stellar Elements and Founding Creative Director at TMZ, the most successful editorial startup in the history of the internet, where he helped shape digital experiences reaching millions globally. His work has earned industry recognition through Webby Awards and other honors while serving Fortune 500 clients.
Dennis applies his expertise to the global snakebite crisis, believing design combined with AI-enabled technologies can create life-saving solutions for the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Paul Tidwell
Technology Strategy
Paul is a technology executive with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and innovation across financial services, healthcare, retail, and enterprise sectors. Currently serving as President of Digital at Geniant, he leads enterprise-wide digital initiatives, AI strategy implementation, and organizational modernization while overseeing global delivery teams and technology solutions.
Previously, as Managing Director of Financial Services and SVP of Technology at Amdocs/projekt202, Paul played a key role in scaling the company’s growth and establishing their Financial Services vertical. He led major digital transformation programs for Fortune 500 clients, including a comprehensive modernization initiative for MUFG Union Bank that established new DevOps capabilities, mobile banking solutions, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
Paul is excited to bring his passion for technology architecture and innovation to the Lachesis Foundation, where he is using his industry experience to help create technical solutions that solve the global snakebite crisis.
