Avsnitt

  • 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 
  • 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. 

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • e.043!! Learn about & from: Lesley Millar-Nicholson! Ms. Millar-Nicholson is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology Licensing Office (TLO) and was part of the founding leadership team of the recently formed MIT Office of Strategic Alliances and Technology Transfer (OSATT). As TLO Executive Director, she leads a team managing MIT’s intellectual assets and technology transfer process. Prior to arriving in Cambridge Ms. Millar-Nicholson was Director of the Office of Technology Management (OTM) at the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, managing the technology transfer and commercialization processes for over 10 years.

    Ms. Millar-Nicholson is a Past President of the Board of Governors of Certified Licensing Professionals Inc, (CLP Inc.), a former member of the Board of Directors of the Licensing Executive Society (LES), and is on the Board of Cambridge Enterprise, UK as an external advisor. A native of Scotland, Ms. Millar-Nicholson has a B.Ed., M.Ed., and MBA and is a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP). 

  • Ryan Meyers is a skilled biotech executive with significant experience in management consulting, venture capital and company creation. He is the co-founder of both AddGraft Therapeutics – a novel skin based cell therapy platform – as well as Alnair Therapeutics - which aims to develop a platform technology that improves the delivery of drugs to difficult-to-treat cancers.

    Ryan has his MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, and in his early career he worked a places like Gibson Consulting and AArete Consulting.

    In this episode, Ryan breaks down different opportunities for startups, important milestones in company creation, describes the unique challenges (as well as ways to overcome them) and the responsibilities of leaders in the life sciences. He brings up his learning process and the interaction of business and science - how a hopeful future has an important focus on accessibility.

  • e.041 is another live audience recording! Taped in partnership with Marcus Whitney and his awesome podcast Health: Further, this one takes a unique form. Jump into a wide conversation from the macroeconomic environment entrepreneurs are facing currently to broadening the health equity conversation. The conversation explores the perspectives of Kedar Mate (Institute for Healthcare Improvement), Kameron Matthews (CityBlock Health), Anna Haghgooie (Valtruis) and Michael Gray (Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg).

  • e.040: David Steinberg is a General Partner at Longwood Fund. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Longwood portfolio companies Photys Therapeutics and Be Biopharma, where he also served as founding Chief Executive Officer, and serves on the board of Longwood portfolio companies AAVantgarde Bio, Carbon Biosciences, Lassen Therapeutics, and Rectify Pharmaceuticals.Previously, he was co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of biotech venture creation firm PureTech Health (NASDAQ: PRTC), focusing on launching and investing in innovative biotech companies. David was the co-founder and CEO of several biotech companies, including Longwood-founded companies Pyxis Oncology (NASDAQ:PYXS) , Photys Therapeutics, Be Biopharma, and Carbon Biosciences as well as co-founder and CEO of Vor Biopharma (NASDAQ: VOR), Vedanta Biosciences, and Calix, and co-founder of Restorbio (NASDAQ:TORC). He previously worked in biopharma strategy consulting at Boston Consulting Group and Vertex Partners, and R&D at P&G Pharmaceuticals. David received his MBA in strategy and finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and holds a BA in biology from Cornell University.

  • e.039 was recorded in front of a whole audience of ppl in dorchester because that seemed like a pretty fun idea. in this episode, Rahul Dhanda (founder, ceo & prez of Syntis Bio) gives us the story of his career; teaches us a few lessons on #biotech research, startup creation & culture development; and he breaks DOWN the trap and residual harm of siloes in innovation.

    Rahul Dhanda is co-founder, CEO and director of Syntis Bio - a team we love and cherish. previously, Rahul co-founded Sherlock Biosciences, where he was CEO, president and director, and built a diverse team that launched the first CRISPR product authorized by the FDA. an advocate of equity in society and STEM, Rahul founded The 221b Foundation, a non-profit providing CRISPR intellectual property in exchange for profit sharing to promote gender and racial equity in STEM.

    named to boston’s Power50 list by the Boston Business Journal, Rahul also led Sherlock to recognition as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company, a Red Herring Top 100 Company, Fierce15 MedTech, Tech Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, and Top 50 Innovative Company by BostonInno. not everyone gets named to even one list in their life...so thts pretty wild.

    Rahul holds an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, a B.A. from Wesleyan University, and authored the first book addressing the crossroads between industry and bioethics, entitled Guiding Icarus: Merging Bioethics with Corporate Interests.

    ok thts all u should need, now get outta here...go listen !!