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This episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns features an inspiring conversation with Julia Vitarello, founder of Mila’s Miracle Foundation and a trailblazer in the field of individualized genetic therapies. Julia shares the story of her daughter Mila, who was diagnosed with a rare and fatal genetic disease, Batten disease, at age six. Confronted with a system ill-equipped to handle ultra-rare conditions, Julia embarked on a transformative journey to develop Milasen, the first-ever genetic therapy tailored for a single individual.
Through resilience and collaboration, Julia mobilized a global network of scientists, regulators, and supporters to create a treatment that set a precedent for a new approach in medicine. Beyond her daughter’s story, Julia reflects on the systemic barriers families face when accessing life-saving treatments and how her foundation is addressing these challenges. She explores the future of healthcare, advocating for changes to regulatory and reimbursement models to scale access to innovative therapies for rare disease communities. Julia’s pioneering work is a testament to the power of advocacy, science, and the unwavering determination of a mother to spark a revolution in medicine.
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In this episode, John Flavin sits down with Dr. Ivan Liachko, co-founder and CEO of Phase Genomics, a company at the forefront of genomics and microbiome research. Ivan shares his journey from a young immigrant fascinated by biology in Ukraine to a biotech leader based in Seattle. His academic path began with a keen interest in genetics, leading him to work at the University of Washington, where he honed skills in both genetics and computer science. Dr. Liachko discusses how Phase Genomics emerged from a passion project to solve unique biological challenges, evolving into a full-fledged company offering genome assembly services, microbiome diagnostics, and groundbreaking cancer diagnostic tools. Ivan’s focus on innovation is clear, as he reflects on the importance of courage, community, and resilience when transforming science into industry. As the conversation unfolds, Ivan delves into his vision for future scientific breakthroughs and the value of an ecosystem that supports unconventional thinking.
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In this insightful episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, Steve Lehmann sits down with Dr. Zhenpeng Qin, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Qin shares his groundbreaking work in biomedical engineering, focusing on the development of nanomaterials to advance diagnostics and therapeutic delivery. From innovations in nanoparticle technology to exploring the blood-brain barrier for treatment delivery, Dr. Qin’s journey reveals the power of interdisciplinary research. This episode dives into the evolution of his career, his shift from traditional mechanical engineering to medical applications, and his vision for the future of biomedical technology.
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Join us for a conversation with Dr. Raghu Kalluri, a leading figure in cancer biology, who serves as the Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. With over 300 publications, multiple successful biotech ventures, and groundbreaking work in exosome research, Dr. Kalluri discusses the intricate relationship between science, medicine, and industry, his career path from researcher to entrepreneur, and his exciting vision for using innovation to transform cancer care.
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Join us on Lab Rats to Unicorns as we dive into the career of Michael Torres, CEO of Crossbridge Bio. With a Ph.D. in cancer biology and a background in equity research, Michael has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge oncology treatments. In this episode, he discusses the evolution of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and the process of building biotech companies in the Texas innovation ecosystem, as well as his personal journey from researcher to CEO.
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Join us on Lab Rats to Unicorns as we dive into the inspiring journey of Dr. Jochen Reiser, President of UTMB and CEO of UTMB Health System. A nephrologist, healthcare executive, and biotech entrepreneur, Jochen shares insights from his transition into the U.S. medical landscape, his pioneering research in kidney disease, and the founding of Walden Biosciences. This episode explores the exciting intersection of clinical care, research, and innovation.
Key Topics:
Jochen’s transition from Germany to the U.S. and his research in nephrology Founding and commercializing Walden Biosciences for kidney disease Leading UTMB as President and fostering innovation Balancing clinical care, research, and education in healthcare Collaboration and team-building in the biotechnology sector
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Join Steve Lehmann & Jeremy Langsam from Portal's Stargaze team on a bimonthly segment of Lab Rats to Unicorns: Rising Stars. In this episode, they explore the groundbreaking work of Zachi Attia, the Director of Artificial Intelligence at Mayo Clinic. With a rich background in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Zachi discusses his pivotal role in advancing AI models that predict and screen cardiovascular diseases. From his innovative research to real-world applications that are saving lives, this episode offers an inspiring look into the future of healthcare.
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In this captivating episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, we journey into the universe of biotechnology with Steve Lehmann, Director of Venture Operations, and Jeremy Langsam, Venture Analyst at Portal Innovations.
In this episode, Steve and Jeremy share their insights into the relay race of innovation—from the "aha" moments in the lab to creating groundbreaking companies with global impact. They delve into the evolution of innovation ecosystems and how tools like Stargaze allow us to plant the seeds for future growth by identifying emerging clusters and talents.
Through vivid metaphors and real-world examples, Steve and Jeremy illuminate the complex process of turning cutting-edge science into lifesaving treatments and products. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned scientist, or simply curious about the future of biotech, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom from those at the forefront of scientific discovery.
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In this episode, Dr. Walter E. Massey shares insights from his illustrious career in science and academia, detailing his journey, evolving focus, and key advancements in physics that have shaped his work. He discusses significant leadership decision points, his approach to decision-making, and offers guidance on preparing for impactful choices. Reflecting on his tenure at the National Science Foundation, Dr. Massey highlights the crucial role of government in scientific research and policy.
He explores the enriching intersection of disciplines, particularly between art and science, emphasizing how such fusions drive innovation. Personal inspirations, including influential mentors, books, and events, are shared to illustrate his life philosophy and career decisions. Dr. Massey also delves into the cultural and community aspects of science, discussing the responsibilities of educators and leaders in shaping the future of scientific innovation for greater social impact.
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Episode 54 of LRTU wants us to know about Tony Martignetti, the founder and chief inspiration officer at Inspired Purpose! With over 25 years of experience in the life sciences and tech sectors, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on leadership. He shares his journey from being a pre-med major to holding pivotal roles in biopharma companies like Genzyme and Sarepta, before transitioning to a career in leadership coaching. Throughout the episode, Tony emphasizes the importance of curiosity, compassionate leadership, and creating environments that foster innovation and connection. His grounded leadership framework, centered on the three C's—connection, curiosity, and compassion—offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels.
Tony also discusses his bestselling books, "Climbing the Right Mountain" and "Campfire Lessons for Leaders," where he delves into finding fulfillment in the journey rather than the destination. He highlights the significance of embracing a beginner's mind, encouraging leaders to ask questions and remain open to new ideas. Through meaningful anecdotes and practical advice, Tony illustrates how leaders can unlock their true potential and inspire their teams. Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the transformative power of curiosity and the impact of compassionate leadership in driving innovation and success.
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Join us on episode 53 of Lab Rats to Unicorns as we sit down with Solomon Wilcots, a former NFL player who has transitioned into a health advocate. Solomon invites us on his remarkable journey from the competitive arenas of professional sports into the insightful world of broadcast television, and further into the impactful realm of health communications. He discusses the vital roles of teamwork and community, principles ingrained during his sports career, which now fuel his mission to advance medical science and patient care, with a particular focus on brain health and Alzheimer's research. Tune in to discover how Solomon utilizes his extensive platform to drive global change and why he believes continuous learning is essential for making a significant impact.
Throughout his diverse career, Solomon has been a prominent figure across broadcast television and radio, notably as a game analyst for CBS Sports and a contributor to the NFL Network. His broad experience includes roles as a studio analyst and sideline reporter, covering major events such as multiple Super Bowls and NCAA basketball tournaments. Shifting focus from sports, Solomon now plays a crucial role in health communications as the leader of the Sports-Health Division at Russo Partners LLC. In this capacity, he spearheads initiatives like "Huddle Up for New Alzheimer's Treatments," which has dramatically increased enrollment in clinical trials. His efforts also involve creating content that links biotech innovations with a wider audience, further illustrating his profound impact across both the sports and health sectors.
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In this episode of "Lab Rats to Unicorns," recorded at TMC's Helix Park in Houston during a Portal Pours event, we're joined by a distinguished panel led by featured host Ritu Shah, a seasoned expert in the biopharma industry and Managing Director at Portal Innovations. The conversation features:
Sarah Hein, the visionary founding CEO of March Biosciences, a trailblazer in clinical-stage cell-therapy, with a rich background in cancer therapeutics and antibody therapeutics platform technologies. Rahul Aras, a dedicated executive with a robust 15+ years in the pharma/biotech sector, currently leading the charge in early-stage technology advancement and business development, recognized for his role at Iterion Therapeutics. Michael Torres, an entrepreneur with a fervent mission to turn science into medicine, leveraging his experience in biotech company formation and equity research to make significant strides at Crossbridge Biotech.Together, they delve into the dynamics of Houston's biotech ecosystem, sharing their unique perspectives on innovation, the challenges of startup culture, and the path forward in transforming patient care.
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In this live taping of Lab Rats to Unicorns, John Flavin and Jeff Karp discuss the challenges and triumphs of bringing lab research to market, the evolving landscape of biotech startups, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving scientific breakthroughs.
Dr. Jeff Karp is a renowned figure in the biotechnology sector, known for his groundbreaking work and innovative approaches in the field. With a career that bridges both academic research and industry application, Dr. Karp has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge biotechnological solutions to some of healthcare's most pressing challenges. Jeff is the Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a Professor at Harvard Medical School, Affiliate Faculty at MIT & The Broad Institute, and Principal Faculty at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute His expertise spans a range of areas, including drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Dr. Karp's work is characterized by a commitment to translational research, aiming to bring laboratory discoveries into practical medical use. His leadership in various biotech initiatives and collaborations has been instrumental in driving forward the boundaries of medical science and patient care. Jeff has won numerous awards around his innovations and entrepreneurial successes.
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In this episode of "Lab Rats to Unicorns," we're thrilled to spotlight Ritu Shah, the Managing Director at Portal Innovations, whose distinguished career in the biopharma industry spans over two decades. Ritu's unparalleled expertise shines in her role, where she's instrumental in driving growth and enhancing the value of portfolio companies. Specializing in steering early-stage companies towards key milestones and securing funding rounds, her strategic prowess has been key to numerous mergers & acquisitions, company formations, and operations.
Ritu Shah's journey includes significant roles as a fractional executive, showcasing her versatility through part-time contracted positions as a senior executive with Dimension Inx., head of operations and senior advisor with Reax Biotechnologies, and CEO of ClostraBio. At Portal, she spearheaded the innovative Ex^3 fractional C-suite model for life science clients, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics of biotech's fast-evolving landscape, illuminated by Ritu Shah's remarkable insights and achievements.
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In this episode, we venture into the intricate world of life science innovation spaces with James Lewis and Mason Ailstock. From the nuances of creating standout spaces that cater to diverse innovator types to the importance of location in driving differentiation, we dissect what truly makes an innovation hub thrive. As we spotlight their landmark projects, James and Mason share insights into pivotal decision points that have shaped their work. Beyond the structures and spaces, we also delve into the Atlanta market's present dynamics and its prospective horizon. Through it all, the personal journeys of our guests enrich our understanding, merging the professional with the personal in a tale of ambition and accomplishment.
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We're thrilled to welcome Kenneth T. Christensen, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Illinois Institute of Technology to this episode of LRTU! With a career spanning decades at the forefront of engineering and academia, Christensen brings a wealth of knowledge and insight. In this episode, we'll explore the intersection of academia and industry, the evolving landscape of engineering education, and the role of research in addressing some of today's most pressing environmental challenges. Christensen shares his journey from a mechanical engineering student to a leader in academic administration, shedding light on the path to academic leadership and the importance of industry partnerships in fostering innovation and economic development.
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Erika Jefferson stands at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and advocacy in the STEM world. She is the President and Founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), an initiative born out of the need to bridge the leadership gap for Black women in STEM fields. Erika's academic foundation, with a BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU and an MBA from Georgia Tech, set the stage for a career that spanned various roles and cities. Having worked at industry-leading companies like Amoco, BP, Chevron, and Praxair, Erika's roles have ranged from sales and business development to supply chain and operational functions. Her professional journey, taking her to locales from Chicago to Houston, echoes her adaptability and breadth of experience. Through BWISE, Erika channels her insights and experiences to support and uplift Black women in STEM, addressing both the challenges they face and the opportunities that lie ahead.
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On this episode of "Lab Rats to Unicorns," we sit down with Julie Gilmore, Ph.D., Lilly’s vanguard in bridging the worlds of big pharma, startups, and academia. With over two decades at Lilly, Julie unpacks the role big pharma plays in scientific innovation and the multifaceted career paths and opportunities within it. We'll delve into her experiences in portfolio management, explore the nuances of life science communications, and dissect Lilly’s synergistic relationship with burgeoning startups and universities. Julie also shares her personal narrative of growth and leadership, her mentoring philosophies, and her acumen in spotting potential in the startup arena. Join us for a deep dive into the ecosystem of pharmaceuticals and the minds shaping its future.
Julie Gilmore, Ph.D., is the Vice President and Global Head for Gateway Labs by Lilly, where she has cultivated a distinguished 20-plus-year tenure. Her journey with Lilly has seen her ascend through various leadership and scientific roles, demonstrating her versatility and expertise across research and drug development. Notable positions include her tenure as Head of Information Sciences and Clinical Operations for Lilly Europe, Global Head of Scientific Communications, and Global Head of Portfolio Management for the Neurodegeneration and Pain Early Phase Portfolio. Julie's influence extends beyond her corporate achievements; she serves on the Board of Governors for Biocom California and the Board of Directors for Mozart Therapeutics and DTx Pharma. A mentor at heart, Julie dedicates herself to guiding the next generation of scientific leaders through her involvement in several university graduate programs. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with a doctorate in Membrane Biophysics from Purdue University and a postdoctoral fellowship in Drug Transport from Indiana University School of Medicine.
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This episode features a conversation in front of a live audience in Atlanta with Dr. James Lillard. Dr. Lillard is a Distinguished Fellow of AAI and Fellow of NAI and AAAS that uses both in silico and in vivo methods to develop biologics or molecular tests to better treat or diagnose, respectively, chronic diseases. His research involves dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cancer and inflammatory diseases, using clinically annotated NGS data and the implementation of precision medicine. His research contributions span disciplines including oncology, immunity, inflammation and biodefense. Dr. Lillard’s cumulative peer-reviewed funding principally directed over his scientific career exceeds $75 million and he has authored over 300 scientific communications, which have been cited over 10,000 times.
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Dr. Todd Sherer has dedicated over three decades to the advancement of academic technology transfer, ensuring research, especially federally-funded, translates into life-saving applications for the public. As the helm of Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer since 2003, he transformed the department into a global leader in the field. Instrumentally, he innovatively introduced product pipelines to highlight research's role in innovation, streamlined partnerships with industries, and orchestrated the strategic monetization of Emory’s HIV drug royalties for Emtriva, securing an unprecedented $540 million. His vast experience, which spans roles at Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Oregon, and Washington State University, is complemented by his contributions to the broader technology transfer community, notably as a Past President of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
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