Advisor: Adam Mendelsohn, Ph.D.
Adam Mendelsohn, Ph.D., CEO, Co-Founder, Chairman, Nano Precision Medical
Since founding Nano Precision Medical, Dr. Mendelsohn has served as its Chief Executive Officer and sets the strategic vision for the company.
Dr. Mendelsohn received his Ph.D. in bioengineering at the UC San Francisco/UC Berkeley Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering, Class of 2011, during which he was awarded an NSF fellowship to perform research at Kyoto University, and published multiple peer-reviewed articles describing new treatment options for Type 1 diabetes through the immuno-isolated transplantation of insulin-producing cells under the direction of Professor Tejal A. Desai. While in graduate school, Dr. Mendelsohn served as the director for the Venture Innovation Program in Life Sciences, and completed his certificate in Management of Technology with the Haas School of Business.
Dr. Mendelsohn currently is a Technical Advisor to the Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at USC, a fellow of the Startup Leadership Program, the President of UCSF’s Graduate Division Alumni Association, and a board member of the Maestro Foundation.
Since founding Nano Precision Medical, Dr. Mendelsohn has served as its Chief Executive Officer and sets the strategic vision for the company.
Dr. Mendelsohn received his Ph.D. in bioengineering at the UC San Francisco/UC Berkeley Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering, Class of 2011, during which he was awarded an NSF fellowship to perform research at Kyoto University, and published multiple peer-reviewed articles describing new treatment options for Type 1 diabetes through the immuno-isolated transplantation of insulin-producing cells under the direction of Professor Tejal A. Desai. While in graduate school, Dr. Mendelsohn served as the director for the Venture Innovation Program in Life Sciences, and completed his certificate in Management of Technology with the Haas School of Business.
Dr. Mendelsohn currently is a Technical Advisor to the Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at USC, a fellow of the Startup Leadership Program, the President of UCSF’s Graduate Division Alumni Association, and a board member of the Maestro Foundation.
Advisor and Mentor: Albert Bender, Ph.D.
Albert Bender, Ph.D., CEO, NanoVector
Dr. Bender is CEO of NanoVector, a targeted therapeutic cancer drug company. He has over 20 years as both a large company executive and as founder and CEO of four startup companies, which include LVL7 Systems, Cirrex, NetEdge Systems, and FiberCom Systems. Three of these were sold for a good investor return. During his career, Dr. Bender has raised 10 rounds of venture capital totaling more than $150M. His start-up approach is hands-on and focused on practical, workable solutions that produce measurable results. In his career, Dr. Bender has proven success leading organizations and activities in the areas of business strategy, optimizing business operations, engineering, sales and marketing and raising capital. He found the prospect of NanoVector curing certain types of cancer to be so exciting that he gave up his early retirement to take the Top leadership position.
Dr. Bender is CEO of NanoVector, a targeted therapeutic cancer drug company. He has over 20 years as both a large company executive and as founder and CEO of four startup companies, which include LVL7 Systems, Cirrex, NetEdge Systems, and FiberCom Systems. Three of these were sold for a good investor return. During his career, Dr. Bender has raised 10 rounds of venture capital totaling more than $150M. His start-up approach is hands-on and focused on practical, workable solutions that produce measurable results. In his career, Dr. Bender has proven success leading organizations and activities in the areas of business strategy, optimizing business operations, engineering, sales and marketing and raising capital. He found the prospect of NanoVector curing certain types of cancer to be so exciting that he gave up his early retirement to take the Top leadership position.
Judge: Anna Barker, Ph.D., M.A.
Anna Barker, Ph.D., M.A., Director, Transformative Healthcare Networks and Professor, Transformative Health Networks, Arizona State University
Dr. Barker recently joined ASU to plan and direct efforts in transformative knowledge networks – specifically directed toward addressing major problems in healthcare. The Transformative Healthcare Networks initiative (THN) will serve as a foundation for the development of new research models that leverage convergent knowledge, innovative teams and novel funding approaches to better prevent and treat acute and chronic diseases. She also serves as Co-Director of a major ASU initiative in complex adaptive systems research. The Complex Adaptive System Initiative (CASI) serves as an organizing construct to approach understanding and solving multi-dimensional problems in the biological and social sciences. Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Barker served as the Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute
Dr. Barker recently joined ASU to plan and direct efforts in transformative knowledge networks – specifically directed toward addressing major problems in healthcare. The Transformative Healthcare Networks initiative (THN) will serve as a foundation for the development of new research models that leverage convergent knowledge, innovative teams and novel funding approaches to better prevent and treat acute and chronic diseases. She also serves as Co-Director of a major ASU initiative in complex adaptive systems research. The Complex Adaptive System Initiative (CASI) serves as an organizing construct to approach understanding and solving multi-dimensional problems in the biological and social sciences. Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Barker served as the Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute
Mentor: Art Krieg, M.D.
Art Krieg, M.D., CEO, Checkmate Pharmaceuticals
Arthur M. Krieg, MD has worked in the oligonucleotide field since the 1980s. Most recently he founded Checkmate Pharmaceuticals to develop novel oligonucleotides for cancer immunotherapy. Prior to that role Art was CSO at Sarepta until July, 2014; co-founder and CEO at RaNA Therapeutics from 2011 to 2013; CSO of Pfizer’s Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Unit from 2008 to 2011; and co-founder, CSO of Coley Pharmaceutical Group from 1997 until its acquisition and incorporation into Pfizer in 2008. Art discovered the immune stimulatory CpG DNA motif in 1994, which led to a new approach to immunotherapy and vaccine adjuvants. Based on this technology he co-founded Coley Pharmaceutical Group in 1997, discovering and taking 4 novel oligonucleotides into clinical development. Art co-founded the first antisense journal, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, which he edited for 16 years, and the Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society, for which he is currently President-elect. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of Intellia Therapeutics, Mirna Therapeutics, RaNA Therapeutics, and Solstice Biologics.
Art graduated from Haverford College in 1979, received his MD from Washington University in 1983, and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 1986. He was a Staff Fellow at the NIH in the Arthritis Institute from 1986 to 1991, when he joined the University of Iowa, becoming Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology. He has had 19 years of patient care experience, although his focus has always been on basic research and teaching. Art left academia and joined Coley full-time in 2001. He has published more than 250 scientific papers and is an inventor on 48 issued US patents covering oligonucleotide technologies.
Arthur M. Krieg, MD has worked in the oligonucleotide field since the 1980s. Most recently he founded Checkmate Pharmaceuticals to develop novel oligonucleotides for cancer immunotherapy. Prior to that role Art was CSO at Sarepta until July, 2014; co-founder and CEO at RaNA Therapeutics from 2011 to 2013; CSO of Pfizer’s Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Unit from 2008 to 2011; and co-founder, CSO of Coley Pharmaceutical Group from 1997 until its acquisition and incorporation into Pfizer in 2008. Art discovered the immune stimulatory CpG DNA motif in 1994, which led to a new approach to immunotherapy and vaccine adjuvants. Based on this technology he co-founded Coley Pharmaceutical Group in 1997, discovering and taking 4 novel oligonucleotides into clinical development. Art co-founded the first antisense journal, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, which he edited for 16 years, and the Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society, for which he is currently President-elect. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of Intellia Therapeutics, Mirna Therapeutics, RaNA Therapeutics, and Solstice Biologics.
Art graduated from Haverford College in 1979, received his MD from Washington University in 1983, and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 1986. He was a Staff Fellow at the NIH in the Arthritis Institute from 1986 to 1991, when he joined the University of Iowa, becoming Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology. He has had 19 years of patient care experience, although his focus has always been on basic research and teaching. Art left academia and joined Coley full-time in 2001. He has published more than 250 scientific papers and is an inventor on 48 issued US patents covering oligonucleotide technologies.
Judge: Bibhash Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D.
Bibhash Mukhodpadhyay, Ph.D, Principal, New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
Bibhash is a Principal at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), where he focuses on investing in emerging therapeutics and device companies, assisting them grow and create value. Previously, he was at AstraZeneca / MedImmune as an Associate Director of Business Development, where his responsibilities spanned end-to-end in the deal-making spectrum, from search and evaluation to transactions, with focus on the immune-oncology and immunology spaces. He started his career at Johnson and Johnson, where he held multiple Business Development roles, at different times, in Global Surgery, Oncology and Emerging Technologies. Bibhash’s doctoral research work focused on pathophysiology of retinal diseases using tools of cell biology and mathematical modeling, during which he also consulted for venture funds and start-ups.
Bibhash is a Principal at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), where he focuses on investing in emerging therapeutics and device companies, assisting them grow and create value. Previously, he was at AstraZeneca / MedImmune as an Associate Director of Business Development, where his responsibilities spanned end-to-end in the deal-making spectrum, from search and evaluation to transactions, with focus on the immune-oncology and immunology spaces. He started his career at Johnson and Johnson, where he held multiple Business Development roles, at different times, in Global Surgery, Oncology and Emerging Technologies. Bibhash’s doctoral research work focused on pathophysiology of retinal diseases using tools of cell biology and mathematical modeling, during which he also consulted for venture funds and start-ups.
Judge: Charles LaPorta
Charles J. LaPorta, CFA
Mr. LaPorta has always pursued a greater knowledge in the field of finance and has been involved in a broad cross-section of the financial services industry for over 25 years. Most recently, he has been involved in assessing the creditworthiness of energy production and infrastructure companies for money center banks and ratings agencies. In the past, he has been involved in analyzing credit and equity mispricing within convertible securities for two separate hedge funds; and was involved in the management of a major foreign bank’s proprietary investment in equity and high yield debt securities. Mr. LaPorta was also an Equity Analyst at PaineWebber covering the freight transportation industry over a 3-year period.
Mr. LaPorta began his career in the financial services industry as a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch. He has successfully completed Series 7 and 63 certifications on two separate occasions during his career, and is a Registered Investment Advisor. Mr. LaPorta has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University, earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Mr. LaPorta is a member in good standing of the CFA Institute, and the New York Society of Security Analysts.
Mr. LaPorta has always pursued a greater knowledge in the field of finance and has been involved in a broad cross-section of the financial services industry for over 25 years. Most recently, he has been involved in assessing the creditworthiness of energy production and infrastructure companies for money center banks and ratings agencies. In the past, he has been involved in analyzing credit and equity mispricing within convertible securities for two separate hedge funds; and was involved in the management of a major foreign bank’s proprietary investment in equity and high yield debt securities. Mr. LaPorta was also an Equity Analyst at PaineWebber covering the freight transportation industry over a 3-year period.
Mr. LaPorta began his career in the financial services industry as a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch. He has successfully completed Series 7 and 63 certifications on two separate occasions during his career, and is a Registered Investment Advisor. Mr. LaPorta has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University, earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Mr. LaPorta is a member in good standing of the CFA Institute, and the New York Society of Security Analysts.
Judge: Chet Metcalf, Ph.D.
Chet Metcalf, Ph.D., Head of Discovery Chemistry & Technology, Cerulean Pharma, Inc.
Chet Metcalf has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery R&D. His research experience has focused on accelerating pre-clinical drug discovery strategy and execution, resulting in robust pipelines at multiple companies. His leadership of cross-functional teams has led to the discovery and development of multiple lead compounds and development candidates, including 6 clinical compounds (e.g., ridaforolimus, surotomycin, Iclusig®/ponatinib - approved) across oncology, anti-infectives, and pain. Chet has extensive experience managing groups in medicinal chemistry, chem/bio-informatics/database, analytical/HTP chemistry, DMPK, external research and nanopharmaceutical technologies for small molecule and natural product therapeutics across oncology, anti-infectives, pain, bone disease, and inflammation. Currently he is Head of Discovery Chemistry & Technology at Cerulean Pharma, a company that applies its Dynamic Tumor Targeting™ Platform to create a growing portfolio of nanoparticle-drug conjugates (NDCs) designed to selectively attack tumor cells, reduce toxicity by sparing the body's normal cells, and enable therapeutic combinations. Prior to this he served as Vice President, Discovery Chemistry at Cubist Pharmaceuticals for 6 years. He is a co-author of over 80 publications, patent applications and issued patents. Chet received his B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) in Chemistry from Wayne State University, and his Ph.D. from Yale University.
Chet Metcalf has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery R&D. His research experience has focused on accelerating pre-clinical drug discovery strategy and execution, resulting in robust pipelines at multiple companies. His leadership of cross-functional teams has led to the discovery and development of multiple lead compounds and development candidates, including 6 clinical compounds (e.g., ridaforolimus, surotomycin, Iclusig®/ponatinib - approved) across oncology, anti-infectives, and pain. Chet has extensive experience managing groups in medicinal chemistry, chem/bio-informatics/database, analytical/HTP chemistry, DMPK, external research and nanopharmaceutical technologies for small molecule and natural product therapeutics across oncology, anti-infectives, pain, bone disease, and inflammation. Currently he is Head of Discovery Chemistry & Technology at Cerulean Pharma, a company that applies its Dynamic Tumor Targeting™ Platform to create a growing portfolio of nanoparticle-drug conjugates (NDCs) designed to selectively attack tumor cells, reduce toxicity by sparing the body's normal cells, and enable therapeutic combinations. Prior to this he served as Vice President, Discovery Chemistry at Cubist Pharmaceuticals for 6 years. He is a co-author of over 80 publications, patent applications and issued patents. Chet received his B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) in Chemistry from Wayne State University, and his Ph.D. from Yale University.
Judge: Chun Li, Ph.D.
Chun Li, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Chun Li, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Li earned his doctorate in chemistry at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey hn. His undergraduate degree was obtained from Peking University, Beijing, China. Research in Dr. Li’s laboratory is primarily focused on two areas: 1) Develop targeted imaging probes for noninvasive characterization of molecular events associated with tumor progression and regression. Multiple imaging modalities, including PET, SPETC, MRI and optical imaging are used to acquire complementary data with increased sensitivity and selectivity for early tumor detection, tumor-marker profiling and the monitoring of early treatment responses. 2) Develop novel drug-delivery systems for selective delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents to the disease sites. Nanometric drug carriers are designed for selective delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor to maximize their therapeutic efficacy and minimize their toxic side effects to normal tissue. The long-term goal of Dr. Li’s laboratory is to apply the “seek and treat” strategy in the development of targeted imaging/ therapeutic (theranostic) agents that will eventually be translated to the clinic to improve the management of cancer through early tumor detection and individualized therapy. A polymer-drug conjugate (PG-TXL) originated from his laboratory has advanced into clinical phase III trials studies. Dr. Li has more than 140 papers published in peer-reviewed journals, 28 patents (4 of which have been licensed), 1 edited book, and 14 book chapters.
Chun Li, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Li earned his doctorate in chemistry at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey hn. His undergraduate degree was obtained from Peking University, Beijing, China. Research in Dr. Li’s laboratory is primarily focused on two areas: 1) Develop targeted imaging probes for noninvasive characterization of molecular events associated with tumor progression and regression. Multiple imaging modalities, including PET, SPETC, MRI and optical imaging are used to acquire complementary data with increased sensitivity and selectivity for early tumor detection, tumor-marker profiling and the monitoring of early treatment responses. 2) Develop novel drug-delivery systems for selective delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents to the disease sites. Nanometric drug carriers are designed for selective delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor to maximize their therapeutic efficacy and minimize their toxic side effects to normal tissue. The long-term goal of Dr. Li’s laboratory is to apply the “seek and treat” strategy in the development of targeted imaging/ therapeutic (theranostic) agents that will eventually be translated to the clinic to improve the management of cancer through early tumor detection and individualized therapy. A polymer-drug conjugate (PG-TXL) originated from his laboratory has advanced into clinical phase III trials studies. Dr. Li has more than 140 papers published in peer-reviewed journals, 28 patents (4 of which have been licensed), 1 edited book, and 14 book chapters.
Judge and Advisor: Costas G. Hadjipanayis, M.D., Ph.D.
Costas G. Hadjipanayis, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Dr. Hadjipanayis is a Professor of Neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He serves as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology for the Mount Sinai Health System, and Director of the Mount Sinai Brain Tumor Nanotechnology Laboratory. He was recently the Director of the Emory Brain Tumor Center in the Winship Cancer Institute where he was designated a Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Scholar and served as Director of the Brain Tumor Nanotechnology Laboratory. His graduate training in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh during his neurosurgery residency has provided a strong foundation for molecular and therapeutic studies of brain tumor. As a neurosurgeon-scientist with a focus on brain tumors, he is closely involved with the care of patients with brain tumors. Dr. Hadjipanayis is the PI of multiple cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials for patients with malignant brain tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). Dr. Hadjipanayis has been PI of university-, private foundation-, and NIH-funded grants, and has studied the use of nanotechnology agents for the targeted therapy of GBM tumors, including glioma stem cells (GSCs), by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) in combination with radiation. He is also the PI and IND holder of a Phase II study studying the use of 5-ALA (Gliolan) and fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) for the resection of malignant gliomas.
Dr. Hadjipanayis is a Professor of Neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He serves as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology for the Mount Sinai Health System, and Director of the Mount Sinai Brain Tumor Nanotechnology Laboratory. He was recently the Director of the Emory Brain Tumor Center in the Winship Cancer Institute where he was designated a Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Scholar and served as Director of the Brain Tumor Nanotechnology Laboratory. His graduate training in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh during his neurosurgery residency has provided a strong foundation for molecular and therapeutic studies of brain tumor. As a neurosurgeon-scientist with a focus on brain tumors, he is closely involved with the care of patients with brain tumors. Dr. Hadjipanayis is the PI of multiple cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials for patients with malignant brain tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). Dr. Hadjipanayis has been PI of university-, private foundation-, and NIH-funded grants, and has studied the use of nanotechnology agents for the targeted therapy of GBM tumors, including glioma stem cells (GSCs), by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) in combination with radiation. He is also the PI and IND holder of a Phase II study studying the use of 5-ALA (Gliolan) and fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) for the resection of malignant gliomas.
Judge: David R. Elmaleh, Ph.D.
David R. Elmaleh, Ph.D., Director/CEO/Chairman, HMS, MGH and AZTherapies Inc.
David R. Elmaleh is a scientist, inventor and entrepreneur. He is an inventor of three drugs that are in use in man or in late stage clinical trials including: the radiopharmaceutical preparation of (2FDG) which has been used in over a million PETimaging procedures, Beta-methyl modified fatty acid (BMIPP) a commercially successful cardiac SPECT agent, and Altropane which has completed Phase III clinical trials. He is a co-author on over 120 publications and an inventor on dozens of issued and pending patents in a range of disciplines, including molecular imaging and pharmaceuticals.
In 1997 Elmaleh was the scientific founder of Imaging Biopharmaceuticals, now called Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals. The company researched and developed targeted therapeutic and imaging radiopharmaceuticals for cancer. In 2001 Elmaleh was the scientific founder of Mersana Therapeutics under its original name NanoPharma, a company that developed novel cancer therapeutics. In 2003 he co-founded FluoroPharma, a company based upon his biopharmaceutical patents. He is also the co-founder of PureTech Ventures, where he currently serves as a senior advisor. In 2011 he co-founded the firm AZTherapies, a developer of Alzheimer’s disease drugs, where he currently serves as Executive Chairman, and Chief Scientific Advisor. He has been named by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News as one of the biotechnology industry's top thirteen serial entrepreneurs.
David R. Elmaleh is a scientist, inventor and entrepreneur. He is an inventor of three drugs that are in use in man or in late stage clinical trials including: the radiopharmaceutical preparation of (2FDG) which has been used in over a million PETimaging procedures, Beta-methyl modified fatty acid (BMIPP) a commercially successful cardiac SPECT agent, and Altropane which has completed Phase III clinical trials. He is a co-author on over 120 publications and an inventor on dozens of issued and pending patents in a range of disciplines, including molecular imaging and pharmaceuticals.
In 1997 Elmaleh was the scientific founder of Imaging Biopharmaceuticals, now called Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals. The company researched and developed targeted therapeutic and imaging radiopharmaceuticals for cancer. In 2001 Elmaleh was the scientific founder of Mersana Therapeutics under its original name NanoPharma, a company that developed novel cancer therapeutics. In 2003 he co-founded FluoroPharma, a company based upon his biopharmaceutical patents. He is also the co-founder of PureTech Ventures, where he currently serves as a senior advisor. In 2011 he co-founded the firm AZTherapies, a developer of Alzheimer’s disease drugs, where he currently serves as Executive Chairman, and Chief Scientific Advisor. He has been named by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News as one of the biotechnology industry's top thirteen serial entrepreneurs.
Judge: Ellen Rohde, Ph.D.
Ellen Rohde, Ph.D., Director DMPK & Analytical Chemistry, Cerulean Pharma
Ellen Rohde is an experienced and energetic scientist in the pharmaceutical industry with proven expertise in DMPK, bioanalysis and proteomics. She works on drug discovery projects for biologicals and small molecule spanning the space between target identification, drug design, development and registration. In addition to successful projects in the area of oncology, metabolic and infectious diseases I focus most on topics involving the CNS and inflammation.
She has a track record of introducing and running innovative enabling technologies to all the companies she has worked at. This ranged from classic proteomic approaches (2-D gels(!) combined with mass spectrometry to other hyphenated techniques such as CE-MS and 2D-LC-MS) to continuous improvements of multiplexed LC-MSn systems for small molecule quantitation (routine use of Cohesive LX4, differential ion mobility spectrometry (Selexion) as orthogonal separation method for select problems)
She has held positions of increasing responsibilities while building and leading a group of dedicated scientists. Ellen is passionate about science and its application to solve problems. At the same time she relies on and fosters a team of colleagues who deeply care about the same goal. In her experience this is best accomplished with open communication, motivation and a good dose of fun.
Ellen Rohde is an experienced and energetic scientist in the pharmaceutical industry with proven expertise in DMPK, bioanalysis and proteomics. She works on drug discovery projects for biologicals and small molecule spanning the space between target identification, drug design, development and registration. In addition to successful projects in the area of oncology, metabolic and infectious diseases I focus most on topics involving the CNS and inflammation.
She has a track record of introducing and running innovative enabling technologies to all the companies she has worked at. This ranged from classic proteomic approaches (2-D gels(!) combined with mass spectrometry to other hyphenated techniques such as CE-MS and 2D-LC-MS) to continuous improvements of multiplexed LC-MSn systems for small molecule quantitation (routine use of Cohesive LX4, differential ion mobility spectrometry (Selexion) as orthogonal separation method for select problems)
She has held positions of increasing responsibilities while building and leading a group of dedicated scientists. Ellen is passionate about science and its application to solve problems. At the same time she relies on and fosters a team of colleagues who deeply care about the same goal. In her experience this is best accomplished with open communication, motivation and a good dose of fun.
Mentor: Ely Benaim, M.D.
Ely Benaim, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Ely Benaim, M.D. has been the Chief Medical Officer of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. since February 2015. In this role, Dr. Benaim responsible for leading Rexahn's clinical development programs, and providing strategic and clinical guidance for Rexahn Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Benaim has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare including 15 years of clinical research experience in academia, government and pharmaceutical industry, as well as extensive experience in global regulatory affairs. Dr. Benaim was Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Chief Medical Officer of Berg Pharma. Prior to joining Berg Pharma, Dr. Benaim was Global Clinical Development Leader at Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. /Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company where he oversaw global clinical development of the Aurora A kinase inhibitor program. Prior to joining Takeda in 2011, Dr. Benaim served as Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Sangamo BioSciences where he lead the development of zinc-fingers transcription factors cellular therapies in the areas of Cancer, Diabetes, Neurology, Cardiovascular and HIV. Before Sangamo, Dr. Benaim served at Amgen as Global Clinical Lead for clinical development across several drug development programs. Prior to Amgen he was a Senior Director, Oncology Clinical Development at Salmedix, Inc. / Cephalon Inc. (now Teva Pharmaceuticals) where he led the development of TREANDA to a Phase 3 pivotal trial for lymphoma. From 1997 to 2004, he was Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee and an Assistant Member to the Department of Hematology/Oncology. As a member of the Transplantation and Gene Therapy program he published several manuscripts on the areas of stem cell transplantation, immunology and gene therapy. Dr. Benaim also has a passion for global pediatric cancer awareness and care and has been awarded for his contributions in Latin America and the United States. Dr. Benaim received his M.D. from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas and completed his pediatric residency training at the University of South Florida. He completed fellowships in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplantation at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Ely Benaim, M.D. has been the Chief Medical Officer of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. since February 2015. In this role, Dr. Benaim responsible for leading Rexahn's clinical development programs, and providing strategic and clinical guidance for Rexahn Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Benaim has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare including 15 years of clinical research experience in academia, government and pharmaceutical industry, as well as extensive experience in global regulatory affairs. Dr. Benaim was Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Chief Medical Officer of Berg Pharma. Prior to joining Berg Pharma, Dr. Benaim was Global Clinical Development Leader at Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. /Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company where he oversaw global clinical development of the Aurora A kinase inhibitor program. Prior to joining Takeda in 2011, Dr. Benaim served as Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Sangamo BioSciences where he lead the development of zinc-fingers transcription factors cellular therapies in the areas of Cancer, Diabetes, Neurology, Cardiovascular and HIV. Before Sangamo, Dr. Benaim served at Amgen as Global Clinical Lead for clinical development across several drug development programs. Prior to Amgen he was a Senior Director, Oncology Clinical Development at Salmedix, Inc. / Cephalon Inc. (now Teva Pharmaceuticals) where he led the development of TREANDA to a Phase 3 pivotal trial for lymphoma. From 1997 to 2004, he was Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee and an Assistant Member to the Department of Hematology/Oncology. As a member of the Transplantation and Gene Therapy program he published several manuscripts on the areas of stem cell transplantation, immunology and gene therapy. Dr. Benaim also has a passion for global pediatric cancer awareness and care and has been awarded for his contributions in Latin America and the United States. Dr. Benaim received his M.D. from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas and completed his pediatric residency training at the University of South Florida. He completed fellowships in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplantation at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Judge and Advisor: Frederick J. Currell, Ph.D.
Frederick J. Currell, Ph.D., Professor, Queens University
Fred Currell's professional journey has taken him not just from Manchester to Tokyo and then onto Belfast but into new and exciting areas of physics. An interest in radiation generation and what happens to electrons which are tightly bound to atoms has led to a research project with enormous medical relevance, new ways to treat cancer.
At the heart of the research is the discovery that the use of minute particles of gold might be the key to quicker, more effective and more cost-effective treatment.
As Fred outlines, "Any heavy element absorbs x-rays much better than something which is lighter. Our bodies are mostly made of light things and that's why with x-rays we can see through them. But when people don't want x-rays to go through they use something like lead shielding. Lead's a very heavy element but it's not good for our bodies. Gold is much safer. It's another heavy element but it's not bad for us. Hafnium also is a good candidate for this process, particularly in the form of hafnium oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are taken up by a tumour much more than by the rest of the body. We've discovered that around each of these nanoparticles there's a massive amount of dose. So if we can put a nanoparticle exactly where we want it there's also a massive effect. It kills but it leaves the healthy parts of the patient unaffected.” However, the importance of these types of mechanism goes beyond use with external beam radiotherapy. Since X-rays are a ubiquitous imagine modality, the mechanisms at work when radiation couples to nano-medicines or devices has potential impact across the whole field of nanomedicine.
His team include experts in atomistic and Monte Carlo simulation and also various experimental aspects of the subject. Together they are developing calibrated/validated models of the effects at work, ranging from the effects at the basic atomic level all the way up to models of the whole patient.
Fred is also the Editor-in-chief of Cancer Nanotechnology, a Springer golds-standard open access journal which will be covering the challenge closely.
Fred Currell's professional journey has taken him not just from Manchester to Tokyo and then onto Belfast but into new and exciting areas of physics. An interest in radiation generation and what happens to electrons which are tightly bound to atoms has led to a research project with enormous medical relevance, new ways to treat cancer.
At the heart of the research is the discovery that the use of minute particles of gold might be the key to quicker, more effective and more cost-effective treatment.
As Fred outlines, "Any heavy element absorbs x-rays much better than something which is lighter. Our bodies are mostly made of light things and that's why with x-rays we can see through them. But when people don't want x-rays to go through they use something like lead shielding. Lead's a very heavy element but it's not good for our bodies. Gold is much safer. It's another heavy element but it's not bad for us. Hafnium also is a good candidate for this process, particularly in the form of hafnium oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are taken up by a tumour much more than by the rest of the body. We've discovered that around each of these nanoparticles there's a massive amount of dose. So if we can put a nanoparticle exactly where we want it there's also a massive effect. It kills but it leaves the healthy parts of the patient unaffected.” However, the importance of these types of mechanism goes beyond use with external beam radiotherapy. Since X-rays are a ubiquitous imagine modality, the mechanisms at work when radiation couples to nano-medicines or devices has potential impact across the whole field of nanomedicine.
His team include experts in atomistic and Monte Carlo simulation and also various experimental aspects of the subject. Together they are developing calibrated/validated models of the effects at work, ranging from the effects at the basic atomic level all the way up to models of the whole patient.
Fred is also the Editor-in-chief of Cancer Nanotechnology, a Springer golds-standard open access journal which will be covering the challenge closely.
Advisor: Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz, Ph.D.
Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the siRNA Core Facility, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Geoffrey Bartholomeusz: An ongoing area my research is to utilize high throughput siRNA screens in either a 2D monolayer or 3D cell culture model system to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of Cancer initiation and invasion. Our focus has been on regulating tumor hypoxia and its associated signaling systems. Using this approach, we hypothesize that genes whose silencing will alter the integrity of tumor architecture will lower the levels of hypoxia within solid tumors sensitizing these tumors to irradiation and/or chemotherapy. In an attempt to confirm our hypothesis, we have developed a 3D spheroid cell culture model that has similarities to hypoxic regions of solid tumors. We performed a high throughput siRNA screen and identified and validated potential targets whose silencing reduced the levels of hypoxia within the spheroid, and inhibited HIF1a activity. Studies are currently ongoing in my lab to confirm our hypothesis and test small molecules developed against these targets as potential anticancer agents. In previously published studies we have used single walled carbon-nanotubes as vehicles to deliver siRNA into cells to specifically silence key tumor promoting molecules such as HIF-1a. We demonstrated the importance of combining nanotechnology with siRNA technology as a potential novel therapeutic approach to treat cancer.
Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the siRNA Core Facility, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Geoffrey Bartholomeusz: An ongoing area my research is to utilize high throughput siRNA screens in either a 2D monolayer or 3D cell culture model system to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of Cancer initiation and invasion. Our focus has been on regulating tumor hypoxia and its associated signaling systems. Using this approach, we hypothesize that genes whose silencing will alter the integrity of tumor architecture will lower the levels of hypoxia within solid tumors sensitizing these tumors to irradiation and/or chemotherapy. In an attempt to confirm our hypothesis, we have developed a 3D spheroid cell culture model that has similarities to hypoxic regions of solid tumors. We performed a high throughput siRNA screen and identified and validated potential targets whose silencing reduced the levels of hypoxia within the spheroid, and inhibited HIF1a activity. Studies are currently ongoing in my lab to confirm our hypothesis and test small molecules developed against these targets as potential anticancer agents. In previously published studies we have used single walled carbon-nanotubes as vehicles to deliver siRNA into cells to specifically silence key tumor promoting molecules such as HIF-1a. We demonstrated the importance of combining nanotechnology with siRNA technology as a potential novel therapeutic approach to treat cancer.
Judge: George A. Calin, M.D., Ph.D.
George A. Calin, M.D., Ph.D., Professor in Experimental Therapeutics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
George Adrian Calin received both his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest, Romania.
After working cytogenetics as undergraduate student with Dr. Dragos Stefanescu in Bucharest, he completed a cancer genomics training in Dr. Massimo Negrini’s laboratory at University of Ferrara, Italy. In 2000 he became a postdoctoral fellow at Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, in Dr. Carlo Croce’s laboratory.
He is presently a Professor in Experimental Therapeutics at MDACC and studies the roles of microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression, as well as the mechanisms of cancer predisposition and explores new RNA therapeutic options for cancer patients.
George Adrian Calin received both his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest, Romania.
After working cytogenetics as undergraduate student with Dr. Dragos Stefanescu in Bucharest, he completed a cancer genomics training in Dr. Massimo Negrini’s laboratory at University of Ferrara, Italy. In 2000 he became a postdoctoral fellow at Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, in Dr. Carlo Croce’s laboratory.
He is presently a Professor in Experimental Therapeutics at MDACC and studies the roles of microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression, as well as the mechanisms of cancer predisposition and explores new RNA therapeutic options for cancer patients.
Judge: Huanyu (Larry) Cheng, Ph.D.
Huanyu (Larry) Cheng, Ph.D., Dorothy Quiggle Professor in Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Huanyu Cheng was appointed an Assistant Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics and Materials Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University in Aug 2015, and was awarded the Dorothy Quiggle Career Development Professor on Sep 22nd, 2015. He earned a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in 2015 and 2011 respectively, and a Bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University (China) in 2010. Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Cheng also worked as a Visiting Research Fellow with Prof. John A. Rogers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on wearable tattoo electronics capable of dissolving in the human body. Throughout Dr. Cheng’s research career, he has worked on mechanics design and manufacturing of biologically inspired electronics with applications in robotics, biomedicine, and energy. Dr. Cheng has co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and his work has been recognized through the reception of awards including a Haythornthwaite Research Initiation Grant from ASME, Finalist for Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) International Student Research Fellowship, Best Paper Award in ASME Applied Mechanics Division Student Paper Competition, International Institute for Nanotechnology Outstanding Researcher Award, Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, and many others.
Dr. Huanyu Cheng was appointed an Assistant Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics and Materials Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University in Aug 2015, and was awarded the Dorothy Quiggle Career Development Professor on Sep 22nd, 2015. He earned a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in 2015 and 2011 respectively, and a Bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University (China) in 2010. Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Cheng also worked as a Visiting Research Fellow with Prof. John A. Rogers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on wearable tattoo electronics capable of dissolving in the human body. Throughout Dr. Cheng’s research career, he has worked on mechanics design and manufacturing of biologically inspired electronics with applications in robotics, biomedicine, and energy. Dr. Cheng has co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and his work has been recognized through the reception of awards including a Haythornthwaite Research Initiation Grant from ASME, Finalist for Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) International Student Research Fellowship, Best Paper Award in ASME Applied Mechanics Division Student Paper Competition, International Institute for Nanotechnology Outstanding Researcher Award, Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, and many others.
Advisor: James Robar, Ph.D.
James Robar, Ph.D., Chief of Medical Physics and Associate Professor, Dalhousie University
Dr. James Robar earned his undergraduate degree in Physics and Physiology and subsequently an MSc degree in Medical Physics from McGill University. In 2000 he received his Doctorate in Medical Physics at the University of British Columbia specializing in stereotactic radiosurgery. After completing a residency in oncology medical physics at the Vancouver Cancer Centre, he moved coasts to join the medical physics team in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2003 and is now the Chief of Medical Physics at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dr. Robar holds an Associate Professorship in Radiation Oncology at Dalhousie University and is cross-appointed to the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science. Since 2004 he has been instrumental in the expansion of medical physics graduate education at Dalhousie, establishing distinct Graduate and Certificate programs in Medical Physics. He serves as the director of MSc and PhD programs, delivers a course on computational methods in medical physics and supervises graduate students. His research interests include development of novel techniques for image guidance of radiation therapy and radiosurgery, dose enhancement using gold nanoparticles and other high-Z media and application of fused deposition modeling to the radiation oncology process. He holds multiple patents in the area of precision radiotherapy and is an active collaborator with industrial partners.
Dr. James Robar earned his undergraduate degree in Physics and Physiology and subsequently an MSc degree in Medical Physics from McGill University. In 2000 he received his Doctorate in Medical Physics at the University of British Columbia specializing in stereotactic radiosurgery. After completing a residency in oncology medical physics at the Vancouver Cancer Centre, he moved coasts to join the medical physics team in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2003 and is now the Chief of Medical Physics at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dr. Robar holds an Associate Professorship in Radiation Oncology at Dalhousie University and is cross-appointed to the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science. Since 2004 he has been instrumental in the expansion of medical physics graduate education at Dalhousie, establishing distinct Graduate and Certificate programs in Medical Physics. He serves as the director of MSc and PhD programs, delivers a course on computational methods in medical physics and supervises graduate students. His research interests include development of novel techniques for image guidance of radiation therapy and radiosurgery, dose enhancement using gold nanoparticles and other high-Z media and application of fused deposition modeling to the radiation oncology process. He holds multiple patents in the area of precision radiotherapy and is an active collaborator with industrial partners.
Advisor: James Talton, Ph.D.
James Talton, Ph.D., President and CEO, NANOTHERAPEUTICS INC
Nanotherapeutics is an integrated biopharmaceutical company with a focus on development and manufacturing. Nanotherapeutics is a product of the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator of Alachua, Florida established in 2000 by Dr. James Talton. The Company has expertise in preclinical and clinical development, formulation optimization, and cGMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products and medical devices. The Company's proprietary platform technologies can be used with all drug types, ranging from small molecules to proteins and vaccines.
Prior to founding Nanotherapeutics, Dr. Talton served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of D&E Management Systems, a leading service organization in Florida. Dr. Talton is a co-inventor of Nanotherapeutics' technologies and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters involved in drug delivery systems with a primary focus in drug analysis and controlled release formulations, pharmacokinetics, and pulmonary drug delivery. Dr. Talton received his B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Florida. Dr. Talton is also a Director of BioFlorida, on the Advisory Council at Keck Graduate Institute, and has been a reviewer for the NIH for over ten years.
Nanotherapeutics is an integrated biopharmaceutical company with a focus on development and manufacturing. Nanotherapeutics is a product of the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator of Alachua, Florida established in 2000 by Dr. James Talton. The Company has expertise in preclinical and clinical development, formulation optimization, and cGMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products and medical devices. The Company's proprietary platform technologies can be used with all drug types, ranging from small molecules to proteins and vaccines.
Prior to founding Nanotherapeutics, Dr. Talton served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of D&E Management Systems, a leading service organization in Florida. Dr. Talton is a co-inventor of Nanotherapeutics' technologies and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters involved in drug delivery systems with a primary focus in drug analysis and controlled release formulations, pharmacokinetics, and pulmonary drug delivery. Dr. Talton received his B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Florida. Dr. Talton is also a Director of BioFlorida, on the Advisory Council at Keck Graduate Institute, and has been a reviewer for the NIH for over ten years.
Judge: Jonathan Franca-Koh, Ph.D., MBA
Jonathan Franca-Koh, Ph.D., MBA, SBIR Program Director, National Cancer Institute
Dr. Jonathan Franca-Koh is a Program Director at the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center. Jonathan manages SBIR & STTR grants and contracts with a focus on cancer therapeutics and novel tools for research and drug discovery. He provides oversight throughout the award period and mentors small business applicants and awardees in developing their technology goals and commercialization strategy. Additionally, he plays an active role in several center initiatives, including recent investor forums, workshops, targeted funding opportunities, and represents the NCI on the trans-NIH REACH program. Prior to joining the SBIR Development Center, Jonathan was a Program Director at the NCI Division of Cancer Biology and Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives, overseeing the Physical Sciences-Oncology Centers (PS-OC) program, a network of interdisciplinary centers that brought together physical scientists and cancer biologists. Jonathan received his PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of London’s Institute of Cancer Research in 2003, and completed post-doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University and the J. Craig Venter Institute. In 2014 he completed his MBA from Johns Hopkins University, focusing on finance and health care innovation.
Dr. Jonathan Franca-Koh is a Program Director at the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center. Jonathan manages SBIR & STTR grants and contracts with a focus on cancer therapeutics and novel tools for research and drug discovery. He provides oversight throughout the award period and mentors small business applicants and awardees in developing their technology goals and commercialization strategy. Additionally, he plays an active role in several center initiatives, including recent investor forums, workshops, targeted funding opportunities, and represents the NCI on the trans-NIH REACH program. Prior to joining the SBIR Development Center, Jonathan was a Program Director at the NCI Division of Cancer Biology and Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives, overseeing the Physical Sciences-Oncology Centers (PS-OC) program, a network of interdisciplinary centers that brought together physical scientists and cancer biologists. Jonathan received his PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of London’s Institute of Cancer Research in 2003, and completed post-doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University and the J. Craig Venter Institute. In 2014 he completed his MBA from Johns Hopkins University, focusing on finance and health care innovation.
Judge: Joya Chandra, Ph.D.
Joya Chandra, Ph.D., Associate Professor, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Joya Chandra, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Translational research in the Chandra laboratory is directed towards leukemia and brain tumor therapeutics with an emphasis on oxidative stress, epigenetics and cell death. Understanding the mechanisms of action of novel therapies and devising therapeutic strategies that promote cell death is a major goal. The relationship between oxidative stress and cancer progression, as driven by oncogenes, is another major focus of the lab. Dr. Chandra also directs the ON (Optimizing Nutrition) to Life Program, a clinical/translational program examining oxidative stress and caloric intake in pediatric cancer patients. She is an active mentor to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and serves on many institutional and extramural education-related committees. She has been recognized for excellence in education by her institutional peers (2009 & 2013 Faculty Educator of the Month Awards) and by graduate students (through the 2012 McGovern Outstanding Teacher Award). She also serves on DOD and NIH study sections that are education and career oriented.
Joya Chandra, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Translational research in the Chandra laboratory is directed towards leukemia and brain tumor therapeutics with an emphasis on oxidative stress, epigenetics and cell death. Understanding the mechanisms of action of novel therapies and devising therapeutic strategies that promote cell death is a major goal. The relationship between oxidative stress and cancer progression, as driven by oncogenes, is another major focus of the lab. Dr. Chandra also directs the ON (Optimizing Nutrition) to Life Program, a clinical/translational program examining oxidative stress and caloric intake in pediatric cancer patients. She is an active mentor to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and serves on many institutional and extramural education-related committees. She has been recognized for excellence in education by her institutional peers (2009 & 2013 Faculty Educator of the Month Awards) and by graduate students (through the 2012 McGovern Outstanding Teacher Award). She also serves on DOD and NIH study sections that are education and career oriented.
Judge: Karen Kharasch
Karen Kharasch, Executive Director, Siteman Cancer Center
Karen Kharasch’s career in the academic medical and research industry spans 34 years with experience in strategic planning, sophisticated and complex research enterprises, business development, and operational management.
In 2011, she joined Siteman Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as the Executive Director whose mission is to integrate and facilitate basic research into the reality of transitional and clinical research for the scientists.
She has partnered with multitudes of scientists at University of Vermont Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In St. Louis, she was in the position of Business Director for the initial submission of the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA).
In 2006, she was Business Director for Research Development and Research Division Operations reporting to the Vice Chair of Research at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Vet/Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Karen Kharasch’s career in the academic medical and research industry spans 34 years with experience in strategic planning, sophisticated and complex research enterprises, business development, and operational management.
In 2011, she joined Siteman Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as the Executive Director whose mission is to integrate and facilitate basic research into the reality of transitional and clinical research for the scientists.
She has partnered with multitudes of scientists at University of Vermont Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In St. Louis, she was in the position of Business Director for the initial submission of the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA).
In 2006, she was Business Director for Research Development and Research Division Operations reporting to the Vice Chair of Research at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Vet/Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Judge and Advisor: Karl T. Butterworth, Ph.D.
Karl T. Butterworth, Ph.D., Lecturer, Queen's University Belfast
Dr Karl Butterworth is a lecturer and group leader in translational Radiation Biology at Queen’s University Belfast. He obtained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of St Andrews before completing his PhD in Cancer Biology at the University of Ulster. His post-doctoral research focussed on understanding the radiobiology of advanced radiotherapy and gold nanoparticle radiosensitizers. His research aims to improve radiotherapy outcomes by understanding the biology of advanced radiotherapy in preclinical models, combining radiation with novel targeted agents and nanoparticle based theranostic platforms.
Dr Karl Butterworth is a lecturer and group leader in translational Radiation Biology at Queen’s University Belfast. He obtained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of St Andrews before completing his PhD in Cancer Biology at the University of Ulster. His post-doctoral research focussed on understanding the radiobiology of advanced radiotherapy and gold nanoparticle radiosensitizers. His research aims to improve radiotherapy outcomes by understanding the biology of advanced radiotherapy in preclinical models, combining radiation with novel targeted agents and nanoparticle based theranostic platforms.
Advisor: Laurence Marton, M.D.
Laurence Marton, M.D., Adjunct Professor, UCSF
Dr. Marton serves as a consultant to industry and to nonprofit, governmental, and academic institutions. In the nonprofit sector, Dr. Marton serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation, and on the Board of Directors of Cancer Commons, Rapid Science, and the Bay Area American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. In the for-profit sector, he serves on the Board of Directors of TOMA Biosciences, RenovoRx, Microsonic Systems and Pathologica, is Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of PharmaJet, is on the Advisory Boards of Gem Pharmaceuticals, Gliimpse, Matternet, and Silicom Ventures, and on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Precision Medicine.
Previously, Dr. Marton was Dean of the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Chaired the Department of Laboratory Medicine at UCSF, where he was a Professor in the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Neurological Surgery. He is an expert in the fields of cell growth and drug development. His research has resulted in more than 195 original publications, 60 scientific reviews and chapters, four books, and numerous patents.
Dr. Marton received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and his BA from Yeshiva University.
Dr. Marton serves as a consultant to industry and to nonprofit, governmental, and academic institutions. In the nonprofit sector, Dr. Marton serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation, and on the Board of Directors of Cancer Commons, Rapid Science, and the Bay Area American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. In the for-profit sector, he serves on the Board of Directors of TOMA Biosciences, RenovoRx, Microsonic Systems and Pathologica, is Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of PharmaJet, is on the Advisory Boards of Gem Pharmaceuticals, Gliimpse, Matternet, and Silicom Ventures, and on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Precision Medicine.
Previously, Dr. Marton was Dean of the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Chaired the Department of Laboratory Medicine at UCSF, where he was a Professor in the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Neurological Surgery. He is an expert in the fields of cell growth and drug development. His research has resulted in more than 195 original publications, 60 scientific reviews and chapters, four books, and numerous patents.
Dr. Marton received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and his BA from Yeshiva University.
Advisor: Leysan Shaydullina, M.D., MBA
Leysan Shaydullina, M.D., MBA, Managing Director, RUSNANO LLC
Since October 2014, Dr. Shaydullina has served as Managing Director of management company RUSNANO LLC. From April 2009 to October 2014, she served as Investment Director of JSC RUSNANO Management Company and then of RUSNANO management company. She also served as an Associate at JSC RUSNANO from 2008 to 2009.
In 2008, Dr. Shaydullina served as a Senior Consultant with Regionatistica LLC, a Russian‑based consulting company. From 2004 to 2008, she was Head of the Investment Department and Manager of Innovative Projects at Innovative Technopark IDEA (Technopark), a Russian‑based business incubator. Prior to Technopark, in 2004, Dr. Shaydullina served as a Senior Health Insurance Expert at ROSNO, now part of Allianz Insurance, a Russian insurance provider, and served as a Surgeon for the Children’s Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health in Russia from 2002 to 2003. Dr. Shaydullina received her M.B A. from the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation and her M.D. from Kazan State Medical University in Kazan, Russia.
Since October 2014, Dr. Shaydullina has served as Managing Director of management company RUSNANO LLC. From April 2009 to October 2014, she served as Investment Director of JSC RUSNANO Management Company and then of RUSNANO management company. She also served as an Associate at JSC RUSNANO from 2008 to 2009.
In 2008, Dr. Shaydullina served as a Senior Consultant with Regionatistica LLC, a Russian‑based consulting company. From 2004 to 2008, she was Head of the Investment Department and Manager of Innovative Projects at Innovative Technopark IDEA (Technopark), a Russian‑based business incubator. Prior to Technopark, in 2004, Dr. Shaydullina served as a Senior Health Insurance Expert at ROSNO, now part of Allianz Insurance, a Russian insurance provider, and served as a Surgeon for the Children’s Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health in Russia from 2002 to 2003. Dr. Shaydullina received her M.B A. from the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation and her M.D. from Kazan State Medical University in Kazan, Russia.
Advisor: Lily Yang, M.D., Ph.D.
Lily Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Emory University
Dr. Lily Yang is Professor and Nancy Panoz Chair of Surgery in Cancer Research at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Yang received her medical training in China at West China University of Medical Sciences and then in the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. She received her PhD degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology Program at Brown University. Dr Yang’s research interests focus on the development of novel cancer nanotechnologies and imaging methods to address the major challenges in clinical oncology of early cancer detection, targeted drug delivery, assessment of therapeutic response using non-invasive imaging, and image-guided surgery.
Dr. Lily Yang is Professor and Nancy Panoz Chair of Surgery in Cancer Research at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Yang received her medical training in China at West China University of Medical Sciences and then in the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. She received her PhD degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology Program at Brown University. Dr Yang’s research interests focus on the development of novel cancer nanotechnologies and imaging methods to address the major challenges in clinical oncology of early cancer detection, targeted drug delivery, assessment of therapeutic response using non-invasive imaging, and image-guided surgery.
Judge: Lisa Rhoads
Lisa Rhoads, Managing Director, Easton Capital Investment Group
Lisa joined Easton Capital in 2010 when she repatriated from Bermuda. Lisa was previously with Celtic Pharma, a Bermuda-based global biotech private equity firm where she was a founding member of the management team. Lisa's spent the last 7 years acquiring and developing a portfolio of later-stage biotech programs where she was involved with all aspects of the development process and managed Intellectual Property portfolio. Lisa has been involved in all aspects of the investment and development process and sits on the board of electroCore, Respiratory Motion, Shimojani, and observer board role for Resolve and Perceptimed. Lisa also sits on the board at America’s Best Home Healthcare, a home healthcare company. Prior to her role with Celtic Pharma, Lisa consulted and helped launched a number of Hedge Funds and has held senior positions in the Pharma industry with Bristol Myers Squibb J&J's McNeil Consumer Products Company and Zeneca's US pharmaceutical division
Lisa joined Easton Capital in 2010 when she repatriated from Bermuda. Lisa was previously with Celtic Pharma, a Bermuda-based global biotech private equity firm where she was a founding member of the management team. Lisa's spent the last 7 years acquiring and developing a portfolio of later-stage biotech programs where she was involved with all aspects of the development process and managed Intellectual Property portfolio. Lisa has been involved in all aspects of the investment and development process and sits on the board of electroCore, Respiratory Motion, Shimojani, and observer board role for Resolve and Perceptimed. Lisa also sits on the board at America’s Best Home Healthcare, a home healthcare company. Prior to her role with Celtic Pharma, Lisa consulted and helped launched a number of Hedge Funds and has held senior positions in the Pharma industry with Bristol Myers Squibb J&J's McNeil Consumer Products Company and Zeneca's US pharmaceutical division
Advisor: Lynn Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.
Lynn Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., CEO, Ensysce Biosciences Inc.
Dr. Kirkpatrick has focused her entire career on cancer drug discovery and development, and is now leading two early stage biotech companies after a successfully acquisition of her first company, ProlX Pharmaceuticals Corp. She is now President and CEO of Ensysce Biosciences Inc. of Houston Texas and of the San Diego biotechnology company, PHusis Therapeutics. Former Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Regina, Canada, Dr. Kirkpatrick co-founded the oncology companies to allow her to take her discoveries into patient trials. As CEO of ProlX she brought three drug candidates from bench to bedside into Phase 2 clinical trials before it was acquired by Biomira Inc. in 2006 (now known as Oncothyreon). For two year she was the Chief Scientific Officer of Oncothyreon prior to co-founding PHusis. As CEO of PHusis she is guiding efforts using a computational platform to speed development of novel small molecule drug candidates targeted to mutations in patients’ tumors that leave them with few therapeutic options. At the same time she became the CEO of Ensysce Biosciences to developing carbon nanotube drug delivery technology that has the potential to transform the delivery of the new CART immunotherapies. Dr. Kirkpatrick received her PhD from the University of Saskatchewan and did post-doctoral research at Yale University School of Medicine. She has published extensively in the area of targeted cancer drug discovery and development and holds numerous patents for novel cancer drugs and technologies.
Dr. Kirkpatrick has focused her entire career on cancer drug discovery and development, and is now leading two early stage biotech companies after a successfully acquisition of her first company, ProlX Pharmaceuticals Corp. She is now President and CEO of Ensysce Biosciences Inc. of Houston Texas and of the San Diego biotechnology company, PHusis Therapeutics. Former Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Regina, Canada, Dr. Kirkpatrick co-founded the oncology companies to allow her to take her discoveries into patient trials. As CEO of ProlX she brought three drug candidates from bench to bedside into Phase 2 clinical trials before it was acquired by Biomira Inc. in 2006 (now known as Oncothyreon). For two year she was the Chief Scientific Officer of Oncothyreon prior to co-founding PHusis. As CEO of PHusis she is guiding efforts using a computational platform to speed development of novel small molecule drug candidates targeted to mutations in patients’ tumors that leave them with few therapeutic options. At the same time she became the CEO of Ensysce Biosciences to developing carbon nanotube drug delivery technology that has the potential to transform the delivery of the new CART immunotherapies. Dr. Kirkpatrick received her PhD from the University of Saskatchewan and did post-doctoral research at Yale University School of Medicine. She has published extensively in the area of targeted cancer drug discovery and development and holds numerous patents for novel cancer drugs and technologies.
Judge and Advisor: M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Ph.D.
M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Ph.D., Professor, Texas A&M Health Science Center
Ravi's research in drug delivery has won him numerous awards including the British Pharmaceutical Conference Science Medal, UK (2009), Tom Gibson Memorial Award by British Society of Plastic Surgeons & the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, UK (2008), Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Medal for Young Scientist, India (2007). He was awarded Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany (2002). He was appointed to Guest Professor/Distinguished Foreign Professor at Seoul National University (South Korea); University of Navarra (Spain); University of Torino (Italy) and Shandong University, (China).
Ravi's research in drug delivery has won him numerous awards including the British Pharmaceutical Conference Science Medal, UK (2009), Tom Gibson Memorial Award by British Society of Plastic Surgeons & the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, UK (2008), Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Medal for Young Scientist, India (2007). He was awarded Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany (2002). He was appointed to Guest Professor/Distinguished Foreign Professor at Seoul National University (South Korea); University of Navarra (Spain); University of Torino (Italy) and Shandong University, (China).
Judge and Advisor: Mansoor M. Amiji, Ph.D.
Mansoor M. Amiji, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Chairman, Northeastern University
Dr. Mansoor Amiji is currently the Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Co-Director of Northeastern University Nanomedicine Education and Research Consortium (NERC) at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. NERC oversees a doctoral training program in Nanomedicine Science and Technology that was co-funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Amiji received his BS degree in pharmacy from Northeastern University in 1988 and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from Purdue University in 1992.
His research is focused on development of biocompatible materials from natural and synthetic polymers, target-specific drug and gene delivery systems for cancer and infectious diseases, and nanotechnology applications for medical diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. His research has received over $18 million in sustained funding from the NIH, NSF, private foundations, and the pharmaceutical/biotech industries.
Dr. Amiji teaches in the professional pharmacy program and in the graduate programs of Pharmaceutical Science, Biotechnology, and Nanomedicine. He has published six books and over 200 book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, and conference proceedings. He has received a number of honors and awards including the Nano Science and Technology Institute’s Award for Outstanding Contributions towards the Advancement of Nanotechnology, Microtechnology, and Biotechnology, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Meritorious Manuscript Award, Controlled Release Society’s (CRS) Nagai Award, and the AAPS and CRS Fellowships.
Dr. Mansoor Amiji is currently the Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Co-Director of Northeastern University Nanomedicine Education and Research Consortium (NERC) at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. NERC oversees a doctoral training program in Nanomedicine Science and Technology that was co-funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Amiji received his BS degree in pharmacy from Northeastern University in 1988 and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from Purdue University in 1992.
His research is focused on development of biocompatible materials from natural and synthetic polymers, target-specific drug and gene delivery systems for cancer and infectious diseases, and nanotechnology applications for medical diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. His research has received over $18 million in sustained funding from the NIH, NSF, private foundations, and the pharmaceutical/biotech industries.
Dr. Amiji teaches in the professional pharmacy program and in the graduate programs of Pharmaceutical Science, Biotechnology, and Nanomedicine. He has published six books and over 200 book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, and conference proceedings. He has received a number of honors and awards including the Nano Science and Technology Institute’s Award for Outstanding Contributions towards the Advancement of Nanotechnology, Microtechnology, and Biotechnology, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Meritorious Manuscript Award, Controlled Release Society’s (CRS) Nagai Award, and the AAPS and CRS Fellowships.
Advisor: Mark Lee
Mark Lee, Director of Operations, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals
Mark Lee has diverse background both in pharmaceuticals and IT hardware businesses including patent management, corporate development, marketing, business development, and project management. He currently serves as Director of Operations at Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, and previously worked as product manager with LG Electronics.
He received his MBA from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University, and also he holds B.S degree in chemistry from POSTECH in Korea.
Mark Lee has diverse background both in pharmaceuticals and IT hardware businesses including patent management, corporate development, marketing, business development, and project management. He currently serves as Director of Operations at Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, and previously worked as product manager with LG Electronics.
He received his MBA from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University, and also he holds B.S degree in chemistry from POSTECH in Korea.
Mentor: Mark Tracy, Ph.D.
Mark Tracy, Ph.D., President, Tracy BioConsulting, LLC
Biopharmaceutical product development executive with 20 years of scientific, managerial, business, and alliance leadership experience focused on transforming advances in scientific research into new medicines. Recognized by peers internationally for accomplishments and leadership in the pharmaceutical development and delivery fields. Proven record of success in developing novel pharmaceuticals spanning research through regulatory filings and clinical development.
Specialties include: Pharmaceutical Development/CMC • Research to Development (RtoD) Transition • Drug Delivery • Nanotechnology • Intracellular Delivery and Targeting • RNAi/RNA • Proteins/Peptides • Polymers • Liposomes • Collaborations and Alliances • Technology Assessment • Program Management • Team Leadership • Business Planning • Entrepreneurship
Biopharmaceutical product development executive with 20 years of scientific, managerial, business, and alliance leadership experience focused on transforming advances in scientific research into new medicines. Recognized by peers internationally for accomplishments and leadership in the pharmaceutical development and delivery fields. Proven record of success in developing novel pharmaceuticals spanning research through regulatory filings and clinical development.
Specialties include: Pharmaceutical Development/CMC • Research to Development (RtoD) Transition • Drug Delivery • Nanotechnology • Intracellular Delivery and Targeting • RNAi/RNA • Proteins/Peptides • Polymers • Liposomes • Collaborations and Alliances • Technology Assessment • Program Management • Team Leadership • Business Planning • Entrepreneurship
Mentor: Michael Lang
Michael Lang, Product Development Officer, CPRIT
Michael Lang leads CPRIT’s product development research program, designed to accelerate the progression of new cancer drugs, diagnostics, and therapies from the laboratory into clinical practice. His multi-state experience includes founding and serving as chief executive officer of a cancer diagnostic company, serial entrepreneurship, and managing a portfolio for an early stage investment
Prior to joining CPRIT in November 2015, Lang was the founder and CEO of NanoVision, a cancer diagnostics company. He headed business development at the venture capital-funded wound healing company Gilatech, where he led its novel biomaterial therapy. Lang oversaw a company restructuring as president of Dallas-based Galt Medical, served as a product manager at Johnson & Johnson, and was vice president of business development at BioEnterprise, where he directed the startup and growth of early stage firms.
Lang has a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in business administration from Arizona State University.
Michael Lang leads CPRIT’s product development research program, designed to accelerate the progression of new cancer drugs, diagnostics, and therapies from the laboratory into clinical practice. His multi-state experience includes founding and serving as chief executive officer of a cancer diagnostic company, serial entrepreneurship, and managing a portfolio for an early stage investment
Prior to joining CPRIT in November 2015, Lang was the founder and CEO of NanoVision, a cancer diagnostics company. He headed business development at the venture capital-funded wound healing company Gilatech, where he led its novel biomaterial therapy. Lang oversaw a company restructuring as president of Dallas-based Galt Medical, served as a product manager at Johnson & Johnson, and was vice president of business development at BioEnterprise, where he directed the startup and growth of early stage firms.
Lang has a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in business administration from Arizona State University.
Judge: Michael Pirrung, Ph.D.
Michael Pirrung, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, UC-Riverside
Michael Pirrung is an organic chemist with research in the areas of chemical biology, synthesis, and nucleic acids. He trained in the labs of Clayton Heathcock at UC-Berkeley and Gilbert Stork at Columbia. He is a pioneer in the field of microarrays, which have important biological applications in genomics. Recent interests have included combinatorial chemistry, focused on solid-phase synthesis and natural products, and biological assays using novel optical methods.
Michael Pirrung is an organic chemist with research in the areas of chemical biology, synthesis, and nucleic acids. He trained in the labs of Clayton Heathcock at UC-Berkeley and Gilbert Stork at Columbia. He is a pioneer in the field of microarrays, which have important biological applications in genomics. Recent interests have included combinatorial chemistry, focused on solid-phase synthesis and natural products, and biological assays using novel optical methods.
Judge: Nader Halim, Ph.D.
Nader Halim, Ph.D., Director, Pfizer's Center for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI)
Nader Halim, Ph.D., is a Director at Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) and CTI’s liaison to the NIH. Prior to joining Pfizer, he was a member of Genentech’s Commercial Assessments team. Nader began his career as a biologist at the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health. He has also worked as a consultant at Quintiles, Avalere Health, and Booz Allen. Nader graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in biology and holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, an M.P.H. in health economics and an M.B.A. in healthcare management from The Johns Hopkins University.
Nader Halim, Ph.D., is a Director at Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) and CTI’s liaison to the NIH. Prior to joining Pfizer, he was a member of Genentech’s Commercial Assessments team. Nader began his career as a biologist at the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health. He has also worked as a consultant at Quintiles, Avalere Health, and Booz Allen. Nader graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in biology and holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, an M.P.H. in health economics and an M.B.A. in healthcare management from The Johns Hopkins University.
Advisor: Nadrian C. Seeman, Ph.D.
Nadrian C. Seeman, Ph.D., Sokol Professor of Chemistry, New York University
Nadrian C. Seeman was born in Chicago in 1945. Following a BS in biochemistry from the University of Chicago, he received his Ph.D. in biological crystallography from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. His postdoctoral training, at Columbia and MIT, emphasized nucleic acid crystallography. He was the first to demonstrate the correctness of Watson-Crick base pairing at atomic resolution. He obtained his first independent position at SUNY/Albany, where his frustrations with the macromolecular crystallization experiment led him to the campus pub one day in the fall of 1980. There, he realized that the similarity between 6-arm DNA branched junctions and the flying fish in the periodic array of Escher's 'Depth' might lead to a rational approach to the organization of matter on the nanometer scale, particularly crystallization. Ever since, he has been trying to implement this approach and its spin-offs, such as nanorobotics and the organization of nanoelectronics; since 1988 he has worked at New York University, where he is the Margaret and Herman Sokol Professor of Chemistry. When told in the mid-1980s that he was doing nanotechnology, his response was similar to that of M. Jourdain, the title character of Moliere's Bourgeois Gentilehomme, who was delighted to discover that he had been speaking prose all his life. He was the founding president of the International Society for Nanoscale Science, Computation and Engineering. He has published over 280 papers, and has won the Sidhu Award, the Feynman Prize, the Emerging Technologies Award, the Rozenberg Tulip Award in DNA Computing, the World Technology Network Award in Biotechnology, the NYACS Nichols Medal, the SCC Frontiers of Science Award, the ISNSCE Nanoscience Prize, the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience, the Einstein Professorship of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Pittsburgh, the Jagadish Chandra Bose Triennial Gold Medal and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry; he is a Thomson-Reuters Citation Laureate and was elected a Fellow of the American Crystallographic Association.
Nadrian C. Seeman was born in Chicago in 1945. Following a BS in biochemistry from the University of Chicago, he received his Ph.D. in biological crystallography from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. His postdoctoral training, at Columbia and MIT, emphasized nucleic acid crystallography. He was the first to demonstrate the correctness of Watson-Crick base pairing at atomic resolution. He obtained his first independent position at SUNY/Albany, where his frustrations with the macromolecular crystallization experiment led him to the campus pub one day in the fall of 1980. There, he realized that the similarity between 6-arm DNA branched junctions and the flying fish in the periodic array of Escher's 'Depth' might lead to a rational approach to the organization of matter on the nanometer scale, particularly crystallization. Ever since, he has been trying to implement this approach and its spin-offs, such as nanorobotics and the organization of nanoelectronics; since 1988 he has worked at New York University, where he is the Margaret and Herman Sokol Professor of Chemistry. When told in the mid-1980s that he was doing nanotechnology, his response was similar to that of M. Jourdain, the title character of Moliere's Bourgeois Gentilehomme, who was delighted to discover that he had been speaking prose all his life. He was the founding president of the International Society for Nanoscale Science, Computation and Engineering. He has published over 280 papers, and has won the Sidhu Award, the Feynman Prize, the Emerging Technologies Award, the Rozenberg Tulip Award in DNA Computing, the World Technology Network Award in Biotechnology, the NYACS Nichols Medal, the SCC Frontiers of Science Award, the ISNSCE Nanoscience Prize, the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience, the Einstein Professorship of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Pittsburgh, the Jagadish Chandra Bose Triennial Gold Medal and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry; he is a Thomson-Reuters Citation Laureate and was elected a Fellow of the American Crystallographic Association.
Mentor and Judge: Omid Farokhzad, M.D.
Omid Farokhzad, M.D., Associate Professor, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Omid Farokhzad is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a physician-scientist in the Department of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). Dr. Farokhzad directs the Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials at BWH. He is a faculty member of the Brigham Research Institute Cancer Research Center. He is additionally a member of the Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Programs in Prostate Cancer and Cancer Cell Biology. Dr. Farokhzad's research is focused on the development of therapeutic nanoparticle technologies; most notably, he pioneered the high throughput combinatorial development and screening of multifunctional nanoparticles for medical applications. Dr. Farokhzad has authored approximately 130 papers (>23,000 citations; H-Index 61) and holds more than 140 issued/pending US and International patents. The technologies that Dr. Farokhzad has developed with collaborators at HMS and MIT formed the basis for the launch of four biotechnology companies: BIND Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BIND), Selecta Biosciences, Tarveda Therapeutics (formerly Blend Therapeutics), and Koan Biotherapeutics, which are translating the aforementioned academic innovations toward commercialization and societal impact. Dr. Farokhzad has served in various capacities on the Board of Directors and the Scientific Advisory Board of these companies. He was a recipient of the 2013 RUSNANOPRIZE, one of the largest international nanotechnology prizes, for the development and industrialization of nanoparticle technologies for medical applications. In 2014, he received the Golden Door Award from the International Institute of New England for his societal and economic impact as a naturalized USA citizen. In 2015, he was named as one of The Worldview 100 by Scientific American, which recognized visionaries who shape biotechnology around the world. In 2016, he was among the recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his scientific, societal and economic contributions to America as an immigrant. Dr. Farokhzad was elected to the College of the Fellows of the American Institute of Medical and biological Engineering. He was selected by Thomson Reuters among the Highly Cited Researchers in 2014 and 2015. The Boston Globe selected him among the top innovators in Massachusetts and the Boston Business Journal selected him among the Health Care Champions for his innovations. In 2012, he was among the regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awardees. Dr. Farokhzad completed his post-graduate clinical and post-doctoral research trainings, respectively, at the BWH/HMS and MIT in the laboratory of Institute Professor Robert Langer. He received his M.D. and M.A. from Boston University School of Medicine and his M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Omid Farokhzad is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a physician-scientist in the Department of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). Dr. Farokhzad directs the Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials at BWH. He is a faculty member of the Brigham Research Institute Cancer Research Center. He is additionally a member of the Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Programs in Prostate Cancer and Cancer Cell Biology. Dr. Farokhzad's research is focused on the development of therapeutic nanoparticle technologies; most notably, he pioneered the high throughput combinatorial development and screening of multifunctional nanoparticles for medical applications. Dr. Farokhzad has authored approximately 130 papers (>23,000 citations; H-Index 61) and holds more than 140 issued/pending US and International patents. The technologies that Dr. Farokhzad has developed with collaborators at HMS and MIT formed the basis for the launch of four biotechnology companies: BIND Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BIND), Selecta Biosciences, Tarveda Therapeutics (formerly Blend Therapeutics), and Koan Biotherapeutics, which are translating the aforementioned academic innovations toward commercialization and societal impact. Dr. Farokhzad has served in various capacities on the Board of Directors and the Scientific Advisory Board of these companies. He was a recipient of the 2013 RUSNANOPRIZE, one of the largest international nanotechnology prizes, for the development and industrialization of nanoparticle technologies for medical applications. In 2014, he received the Golden Door Award from the International Institute of New England for his societal and economic impact as a naturalized USA citizen. In 2015, he was named as one of The Worldview 100 by Scientific American, which recognized visionaries who shape biotechnology around the world. In 2016, he was among the recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his scientific, societal and economic contributions to America as an immigrant. Dr. Farokhzad was elected to the College of the Fellows of the American Institute of Medical and biological Engineering. He was selected by Thomson Reuters among the Highly Cited Researchers in 2014 and 2015. The Boston Globe selected him among the top innovators in Massachusetts and the Boston Business Journal selected him among the Health Care Champions for his innovations. In 2012, he was among the regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awardees. Dr. Farokhzad completed his post-graduate clinical and post-doctoral research trainings, respectively, at the BWH/HMS and MIT in the laboratory of Institute Professor Robert Langer. He received his M.D. and M.A. from Boston University School of Medicine and his M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Advisor: Paul Juniewicz, M.D., MBA
Paul Juniewicz, M.D., MBA, Senior Director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Paul Juniewicz is a Senior Director responsible for oncology search and evaluation within the Takeda Oncology Business Development group located in Cambridge Massachusetts.
Most recently, Paul was North American Head of Oncology Business Opportunities (OBO) for Sanofi Oncology Division. In that role, Paul was responsible for scouting and evaluating external oncology opportunities and possible research collaborations as well as making recommendations on these external opportunities / research collaborations to various senior management committees within Sanofi. The OBO Team worked closely with all groups within the Sanofi Oncology Division and in close collaboration with Business Development and the Strategy, External Innovation & Science Policy Department. Paul and his Team evaluated over 200 external oncology opportunities per year with 5-6 Due Diligences per year. Over this tenure, Paul was involved in 5 oncology projects that were licensed by Sanofi.
Prior to that role, Paul was Vice-President within the External Innovation Department of sanofi-aventis, Research + Development responsible for scouting and evaluating early research opportunities across all therapeutic areas. In this role, Paul helped developed and implemented the strategy within Global Sanofi R+D for External Innovation and Partnering.
Previous to that role was Vice-President Oncology Projects, Project Direction responsible for the development of cancer projects resulting in ~10 INDs and the global registration of the following 3 oncology agents: Eloxatin (oxaliplatin), Elitek (Rasburicase); and Zaltrap (Aflibercept) . In this role, Paul worked closely with various external partners including Debiopharm, Regeneron, Taiho and NCI among others and was responsible for various oncology discovery collaborations with Cephalon and ILEX Oncology/ CTC.
Paul received his BS from Rutgers University, MS and PhD from North Carolina State University and conducted post-doctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. Paul joined Sterling Drug as a research scientist and transitioned to Sanofi, Sanofi-Synthelabo, sanofi-aventis, Sanofi / Genzyme and joined Takeda Oncology as of April 2015.
Paul Juniewicz is a Senior Director responsible for oncology search and evaluation within the Takeda Oncology Business Development group located in Cambridge Massachusetts.
Most recently, Paul was North American Head of Oncology Business Opportunities (OBO) for Sanofi Oncology Division. In that role, Paul was responsible for scouting and evaluating external oncology opportunities and possible research collaborations as well as making recommendations on these external opportunities / research collaborations to various senior management committees within Sanofi. The OBO Team worked closely with all groups within the Sanofi Oncology Division and in close collaboration with Business Development and the Strategy, External Innovation & Science Policy Department. Paul and his Team evaluated over 200 external oncology opportunities per year with 5-6 Due Diligences per year. Over this tenure, Paul was involved in 5 oncology projects that were licensed by Sanofi.
Prior to that role, Paul was Vice-President within the External Innovation Department of sanofi-aventis, Research + Development responsible for scouting and evaluating early research opportunities across all therapeutic areas. In this role, Paul helped developed and implemented the strategy within Global Sanofi R+D for External Innovation and Partnering.
Previous to that role was Vice-President Oncology Projects, Project Direction responsible for the development of cancer projects resulting in ~10 INDs and the global registration of the following 3 oncology agents: Eloxatin (oxaliplatin), Elitek (Rasburicase); and Zaltrap (Aflibercept) . In this role, Paul worked closely with various external partners including Debiopharm, Regeneron, Taiho and NCI among others and was responsible for various oncology discovery collaborations with Cephalon and ILEX Oncology/ CTC.
Paul received his BS from Rutgers University, MS and PhD from North Carolina State University and conducted post-doctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. Paul joined Sterling Drug as a research scientist and transitioned to Sanofi, Sanofi-Synthelabo, sanofi-aventis, Sanofi / Genzyme and joined Takeda Oncology as of April 2015.
Advisor: Polina Goihberg, Ph.D.
Polina Goihberg, Ph.D., Scientist, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Goihberg is an experienced investigator in the field of regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. She has conducted studies on the mechanisms controlling normal and malignant hematopoietic progenitor cell trafficking, with important implications for the bone marrow transplantation in patients. She identified a previously unknown pathway involved in cell translocation in the heart and the alterations in the properties of migrating cells that occur with aging. Most recently, she leads research efforts to uncover the role of lymphatic system in the development of fibrosis in the diseased heart. Her work may facilitate discovery of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of heart failure. Dr. Goihberg authored 40 peer-reviewed publications, her work is frequently selected for presentations in national and international scientific venues. She is a recipient of multiple awards and honors, and an elected fellow of the American Heart Association. She serves as a reviewer for numerous research publications and grant funding committees
Dr. Goihberg is an experienced investigator in the field of regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. She has conducted studies on the mechanisms controlling normal and malignant hematopoietic progenitor cell trafficking, with important implications for the bone marrow transplantation in patients. She identified a previously unknown pathway involved in cell translocation in the heart and the alterations in the properties of migrating cells that occur with aging. Most recently, she leads research efforts to uncover the role of lymphatic system in the development of fibrosis in the diseased heart. Her work may facilitate discovery of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of heart failure. Dr. Goihberg authored 40 peer-reviewed publications, her work is frequently selected for presentations in national and international scientific venues. She is a recipient of multiple awards and honors, and an elected fellow of the American Heart Association. She serves as a reviewer for numerous research publications and grant funding committees
Advisor: Robert Langer, Ph.D.
Robert Langer, Ph.D., David H. Koch Institute Professor, MIT
Bob Langer is Bob Langer is an American biotechnologist, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, inventor and the David H. Koch Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.He was formerly the Germeshausen Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and maintains activity in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT. He is also a faculty member of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology and the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. He is a widely recognized and cited researcher in biotechnology, especially in the fields of drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. As of November 5, 2015, his publications have been cited over 177,000 and his h-index is 214. Langer is recognized as the most cited engineer in history. Langer's research laboratory at MIT is the largest biomedical engineering lab in the world, maintaining over $10 million in annual grants and over 100 researchers. Langer is also currently on the board of directors at Bind Therapeutics and Ocata Therapeutics. In 2015, Langer was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the most influential prize in the world for engineering. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Bob Langer is Bob Langer is an American biotechnologist, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, inventor and the David H. Koch Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.He was formerly the Germeshausen Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and maintains activity in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT. He is also a faculty member of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology and the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. He is a widely recognized and cited researcher in biotechnology, especially in the fields of drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. As of November 5, 2015, his publications have been cited over 177,000 and his h-index is 214. Langer is recognized as the most cited engineer in history. Langer's research laboratory at MIT is the largest biomedical engineering lab in the world, maintaining over $10 million in annual grants and over 100 researchers. Langer is also currently on the board of directors at Bind Therapeutics and Ocata Therapeutics. In 2015, Langer was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the most influential prize in the world for engineering. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Advisor and Judge: Robert Sons, Ph.D.
Robert Sons, Ph.D., Technology Transfer Specialist, National Cancer Institute
Robert works in the areas of technology due diligence, patenting, and licensing. Additionally, he is currently leading a Department of Health and Human Services-recognized team to spur postdoctoral innovation and strengthen the connection between NCI’s scientific and technology transfer communities. While obtaining his PhD in cell biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he co-founded its Science and Business Club to expose colleagues to a variety of perspectives and potential future paths. Robert has additional background in pharmacology from his graduate studies, and holds a B.S. in microbiology from Colorado State University. Contributing to his overall quest to better understand factors affecting the commercialization of health technologies, he is a registered patent agent, and is in the process of completing a certificate in Health Economics and Outcomes Research from the University of Washington.
Robert works in the areas of technology due diligence, patenting, and licensing. Additionally, he is currently leading a Department of Health and Human Services-recognized team to spur postdoctoral innovation and strengthen the connection between NCI’s scientific and technology transfer communities. While obtaining his PhD in cell biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he co-founded its Science and Business Club to expose colleagues to a variety of perspectives and potential future paths. Robert has additional background in pharmacology from his graduate studies, and holds a B.S. in microbiology from Colorado State University. Contributing to his overall quest to better understand factors affecting the commercialization of health technologies, he is a registered patent agent, and is in the process of completing a certificate in Health Economics and Outcomes Research from the University of Washington.
Advisor: Ross Berbeco, Ph.D.
Ross Berbeco, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Ross Berbeco is an ABR-certified medical physicist and Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Department of Radiation Oncology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Originally trained in physics at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan, Dr. Berbeco spent two years at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland participating in the search for the Higgs Boson. Leaving particle physics behind in favor of more practical science, Dr. Berbeco completed a postdoctoral fellowship in medical physics at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. For the past ten years, Dr. Berbeco has been performing clinical and teaching duties in Radiation Oncology and currently serves as a Principal Investigator for industry and federally funded research in preclinical nanotherapeutics and clinical image-guided radiation therapy. He has contributed to over 80 peer-reviewed articles which have been cited more than 2,300 times.
Dr. Ross Berbeco is an ABR-certified medical physicist and Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Department of Radiation Oncology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Originally trained in physics at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan, Dr. Berbeco spent two years at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland participating in the search for the Higgs Boson. Leaving particle physics behind in favor of more practical science, Dr. Berbeco completed a postdoctoral fellowship in medical physics at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. For the past ten years, Dr. Berbeco has been performing clinical and teaching duties in Radiation Oncology and currently serves as a Principal Investigator for industry and federally funded research in preclinical nanotherapeutics and clinical image-guided radiation therapy. He has contributed to over 80 peer-reviewed articles which have been cited more than 2,300 times.
Mentor: Sanjeev Thohan, M.S., Ph.D.
Sanjeev Thohan, M.S., Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Novartis
Sanjeev Thohan is a Senior Research Fellow in Preclinical/Translational Sciences at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research in Cambridge, MA. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Non-Clinical Discovery/Development at Exelixis Inc in South San Francisco, CA. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona and University of Maryland with concentrations in interspecies drug metabolism mechanisms, bioactivation, and systems toxicology. He has a broad background from research small to large research units at Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Covance, AstraZeneca, ViroPharma, Exelixis and Novartis.
In his research activities, he provides in vivo/in vitro ADME-DMPK, mechanistic and systems toxicology, as well as biomarker expertise on oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and antiviral therapeutic areas project teams. Sanjeev not only designs, but also oversees the execution and reporting of ADME/TOX/Safety IND-enabling studies to facilitate Phase I-II clinical study design for both small molecules and antibody drug conjugates (ADC).
During his research career, he has facilitated over 25 compounds into clinical trials in the Anti-viral, Oncology, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases therapeutic areas.
Sanjeev continues to be a contributing member of several national/international scientific societies, has published several articles, book chapters and presented numerous abstracts dealing with various aspects of toxicology, drug metabolism, cytotoxicity and toxicology model development. He is a very active speaker with local and national scientific groups. He actively serves on the advisory boards for several entrepreneurial corporations and is the founder of two internet-based platform companies.
Sanjeev Thohan is a Senior Research Fellow in Preclinical/Translational Sciences at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research in Cambridge, MA. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Non-Clinical Discovery/Development at Exelixis Inc in South San Francisco, CA. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona and University of Maryland with concentrations in interspecies drug metabolism mechanisms, bioactivation, and systems toxicology. He has a broad background from research small to large research units at Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Covance, AstraZeneca, ViroPharma, Exelixis and Novartis.
In his research activities, he provides in vivo/in vitro ADME-DMPK, mechanistic and systems toxicology, as well as biomarker expertise on oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and antiviral therapeutic areas project teams. Sanjeev not only designs, but also oversees the execution and reporting of ADME/TOX/Safety IND-enabling studies to facilitate Phase I-II clinical study design for both small molecules and antibody drug conjugates (ADC).
During his research career, he has facilitated over 25 compounds into clinical trials in the Anti-viral, Oncology, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases therapeutic areas.
Sanjeev continues to be a contributing member of several national/international scientific societies, has published several articles, book chapters and presented numerous abstracts dealing with various aspects of toxicology, drug metabolism, cytotoxicity and toxicology model development. He is a very active speaker with local and national scientific groups. He actively serves on the advisory boards for several entrepreneurial corporations and is the founder of two internet-based platform companies.
Advisor: Scott McPhee, Ph.D., MBA
Scott McPhee, Ph.D., MBA, Vice President, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical
Dr Scott McPhee has over seventeen years of experience in the development of genetic medicines, with roles spanning from CMC through preclinical and clinical development, regulatory, BD, and overall corporate strategy. Scott and two colleagues co-founded Chatham Therapeutics to develop Haemophilia gene therapies, and was involved in the successful acquisition of Chatham by Baxalta (Baxter International) in 2014. Scott joined Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc in 2006 were he is currently a Vice President. Scott obtained his Ph.D. in molecular medicine and pathology from the University of Auckland, and his Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. Scott serves as a Board Member of Aerie Africa, a non-profit supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia.
Dr Scott McPhee has over seventeen years of experience in the development of genetic medicines, with roles spanning from CMC through preclinical and clinical development, regulatory, BD, and overall corporate strategy. Scott and two colleagues co-founded Chatham Therapeutics to develop Haemophilia gene therapies, and was involved in the successful acquisition of Chatham by Baxalta (Baxter International) in 2014. Scott joined Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc in 2006 were he is currently a Vice President. Scott obtained his Ph.D. in molecular medicine and pathology from the University of Auckland, and his Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. Scott serves as a Board Member of Aerie Africa, a non-profit supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia.
Judge: Scott Weiner
Scott Weiner, MBA, Partner, Pappas Ventures
Broad transaction experience and a wide network enable Scott to provide assistance to companies when raising capital, forming strategic partnerships and analyzing exit options.
Prior to joining Pappas Ventures in 2006, Scott was an investment manager and research analyst for Silverback Asset Management’s life sciences fund where he focused on healthcare securities investing. Before joining Silverback, he spent three years at Chicago Growth Partners (formerly William Blair Capital Partners), as a Vice President focusing on healthcare venture capital investments. Previously, he spent three and a half years in investment banking at Lehman Brothers. There, he worked in the healthcare group in New York covering biotechnology, medical devices and drug delivery; the financial sponsors/leveraged finance group in London, and the media/telecom group in Hong Kong.
He previously served as a board observer at LipoScience (NASDAQ: LPDX), and TESARO (NASDAQ: TSRO).
Broad transaction experience and a wide network enable Scott to provide assistance to companies when raising capital, forming strategic partnerships and analyzing exit options.
Prior to joining Pappas Ventures in 2006, Scott was an investment manager and research analyst for Silverback Asset Management’s life sciences fund where he focused on healthcare securities investing. Before joining Silverback, he spent three years at Chicago Growth Partners (formerly William Blair Capital Partners), as a Vice President focusing on healthcare venture capital investments. Previously, he spent three and a half years in investment banking at Lehman Brothers. There, he worked in the healthcare group in New York covering biotechnology, medical devices and drug delivery; the financial sponsors/leveraged finance group in London, and the media/telecom group in Hong Kong.
He previously served as a board observer at LipoScience (NASDAQ: LPDX), and TESARO (NASDAQ: TSRO).
Judge and Mentor: Shyam Mohapatra, Ph.D., MBA, FNAI
Shyam Mohapatra, Ph.D., MBA, FNAI,
Distinguished Health Professor and
Associate Dean of Graduate Programs;
Director, Center for Research and Education in Nanobioengineering, USF
Director, Division of Translational Medicine, MCOM
Res Career Scientist, JAH VA Hospital
Dr. Mohapatra is a Distinguished Health Professor, Associate Dean at the College of Pharmacy, Vice Chair of Research for Internal Medicine, Director of the Translational Medicine-USF Nanomedicine Research Center at the University of South Florida, and a Research Career Scientist at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Mohapatra is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in the field of nanoscale biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics in cancers, asthma, viral infections, and traumatic brain injury. His inventions led to several customized cell-targeted nanoparticles with diverse drug payloads and a nano-HIV detection kit. Mohapatra cofounded TransGenex Nanobiotech Inc. (TGN), which specializes in manufacturing these nanoscale products. TGN is also commercializing products for 3D cancer cell culture technology and services for anti-cancer drug discovery and personalized cancer treatment (PCTx) and is establishing a Reference Lab for PCTx to provide guidance for personalized therapy. Mohapatra has received more than $20 million in extramural funds including funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), DOA, ONR, VA Merit Review Award and Florida Department of Health. He received the Alexander von Humboldt research fellowship (Germany) and Pharmacia Allergy Research Foundation Award (Sweden) and is the recipient of numerous awards in biotechnology, the Sigma XI award, TBTF Technology Leadership Award and Global Corporate Award in Nanotechnology in 2014. He has published more than 160 papers, some in journals such as Nature Medicine, and has 22 U.S. patents, 3 foreign patents, and numerous pending patent applications. He is a Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Mohapatra was (is to be) inducted to the Florida Inventors’ Hall of fame in 2014.
Distinguished Health Professor and
Associate Dean of Graduate Programs;
Director, Center for Research and Education in Nanobioengineering, USF
Director, Division of Translational Medicine, MCOM
Res Career Scientist, JAH VA Hospital
Dr. Mohapatra is a Distinguished Health Professor, Associate Dean at the College of Pharmacy, Vice Chair of Research for Internal Medicine, Director of the Translational Medicine-USF Nanomedicine Research Center at the University of South Florida, and a Research Career Scientist at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Mohapatra is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in the field of nanoscale biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics in cancers, asthma, viral infections, and traumatic brain injury. His inventions led to several customized cell-targeted nanoparticles with diverse drug payloads and a nano-HIV detection kit. Mohapatra cofounded TransGenex Nanobiotech Inc. (TGN), which specializes in manufacturing these nanoscale products. TGN is also commercializing products for 3D cancer cell culture technology and services for anti-cancer drug discovery and personalized cancer treatment (PCTx) and is establishing a Reference Lab for PCTx to provide guidance for personalized therapy. Mohapatra has received more than $20 million in extramural funds including funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), DOA, ONR, VA Merit Review Award and Florida Department of Health. He received the Alexander von Humboldt research fellowship (Germany) and Pharmacia Allergy Research Foundation Award (Sweden) and is the recipient of numerous awards in biotechnology, the Sigma XI award, TBTF Technology Leadership Award and Global Corporate Award in Nanotechnology in 2014. He has published more than 160 papers, some in journals such as Nature Medicine, and has 22 U.S. patents, 3 foreign patents, and numerous pending patent applications. He is a Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Mohapatra was (is to be) inducted to the Florida Inventors’ Hall of fame in 2014.
Mentor: Stan Spence, Ph.D.
Stan Spence, Ph.D., Executive Director Preclinical Safety Assessment (Toxicology), Novartis
I am currently Executive Director of Preclinical Safety Assessment at the Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA. I have more than 24 years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience in Preclinical Safety Assessment (Toxicology), multidisciplinary team leadership, strategic portfolio management, and moderate experience in clinical trial design across several areas including: Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Respiratory and Sepsis through all phases of development. Areas of technical experience include: regulatory and investigative toxicology for small molecules (conventional and covalent) and biologics (monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bi-specific antibodies etc.); developmental and reproductive toxicology; inhalation toxicology; nonclinical representative on product development teams; project team leadership; study director for GLP and Non-GLP studies; author of nonclinical safety sections of IND’s, CTA’s, IB’s and NDA’s; interactions with FDA, EMEA and PDMA etc.; toxicokinetics; pharmacodynamics; toxicogenomics; exposure-response modeling; due-diligence and in-licensing; co-development with partner companies, contract research laboratory evaluation and outsourcing; personnel management and mentoring. In my current role I am principally responsible for preclinical strategy and drug safety evaluation in support of NIBR Oncology programs.
I am currently Executive Director of Preclinical Safety Assessment at the Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA. I have more than 24 years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience in Preclinical Safety Assessment (Toxicology), multidisciplinary team leadership, strategic portfolio management, and moderate experience in clinical trial design across several areas including: Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Respiratory and Sepsis through all phases of development. Areas of technical experience include: regulatory and investigative toxicology for small molecules (conventional and covalent) and biologics (monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bi-specific antibodies etc.); developmental and reproductive toxicology; inhalation toxicology; nonclinical representative on product development teams; project team leadership; study director for GLP and Non-GLP studies; author of nonclinical safety sections of IND’s, CTA’s, IB’s and NDA’s; interactions with FDA, EMEA and PDMA etc.; toxicokinetics; pharmacodynamics; toxicogenomics; exposure-response modeling; due-diligence and in-licensing; co-development with partner companies, contract research laboratory evaluation and outsourcing; personnel management and mentoring. In my current role I am principally responsible for preclinical strategy and drug safety evaluation in support of NIBR Oncology programs.
Judge: Stephen Doberstein, Ph.D.
Stephen Doberstein, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Senior VP, Nektar Therapeutics
Dr. Stephen K. Doberstein, also known as Steve, Ph.D. has been Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Nektar Therapeutics since January 6, 2010. Dr. Doberstein served as Vice President of Research of XOMA Ltd. since October 28, 2008. He has 17 years of experience in biotechnology research and development. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Research at Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc., since July 2004. Prior to his position at Five Prime, he served as Vice President of Research at Xencor, Inc., where he was instrumental in advancing its protein platform technologies and preclinical product candidates. Prior to Vencor, Dr. Doberstein held a variety of positions at Explicit, including Director of Pharmaceutical Target Research and Director, Cell Biology. He began his career as an Engineer at DuPont. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley. Dr. Doberstein earned his B.S.Ch.E. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
Dr. Stephen K. Doberstein, also known as Steve, Ph.D. has been Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Nektar Therapeutics since January 6, 2010. Dr. Doberstein served as Vice President of Research of XOMA Ltd. since October 28, 2008. He has 17 years of experience in biotechnology research and development. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Research at Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc., since July 2004. Prior to his position at Five Prime, he served as Vice President of Research at Xencor, Inc., where he was instrumental in advancing its protein platform technologies and preclinical product candidates. Prior to Vencor, Dr. Doberstein held a variety of positions at Explicit, including Director of Pharmaceutical Target Research and Director, Cell Biology. He began his career as an Engineer at DuPont. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley. Dr. Doberstein earned his B.S.Ch.E. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
Judge: Steve Rannard, Ph.D.
Steve Rannard, Ph.D., Liverpool
Steve graduated from the University of Sussex having completed a first degree and latterly his D.Phil studies (sponsored by BP, Sunbury-on-Thames) with Prof. Norman Billingham on controlled amphiphilic block copolymers for dialysis membranes. After his D.Phil, Steve joined the Cookson Technology Centre in Oxford (Organic Materials Group). After 2 years he moved to the Courtaulds (Coventry) where he worked for 4.5 years in the Strategic Research and the Coatings & Sealants Groups before moving to the Unilever R&D laboratories at Port Sunlight. He had several roles during his 9 years at Unilever but was closely linked to the chemistry groups both in the UK and China (Shanghai) throughout that period. Initially he was Unit Leader but he progressed to Science Area Leader and finally Discovery Platform Director. Steve held a Royal Society Industry Fellowship ( 2005-2009) and an IOTA NanoSolutions Fellowship (2007-2010). He was the first recipient of the joint RSC/Macro Group UK Young Researcher of the Year Medal (1998) for his branched polymer and dendrimer research (Courtaulds). Steve has also co-founded three spin-out companies, Hydra Polymers Limited (purchased by Parogle Technologies), IOTA NanoSolutions Limited and Tandem Nano Ltd. He had roles as CEO and Chief Scientific Officer within IOTA NanoSolutions and was Chief Scientific Advisor and non-Executive Director at Hydra. IOTA was the winner of the NorthWest Regional Science and Technology Business of the Year Award (2007), Merseyside Innovation Award (2007) and the NorthWest Biomedical Startup of the Year Award (2007). It was also highlighted as RSC SME of the Month in September 2007.
After joining Liverpool in September 2007, Steve has developed a Nanomedicine Research Group with very strong interactions with infectious pharmacology (Prof Andrew Owen, UoL). Between 2008-2015, the collective research funding for the collaborative nanomedicine activities has been in excess of £11m, with a strong emphasis on new therapies for HIV treatment. Two nanomedicine programmes have received MHRA approval for human clinical trials. This has been largely supported by UK research councils, US Government funding and international charities. Industrial comntributions and funding have also been important to the group's activities.
Steve was a founding committee member of the Recent Appointees in Polymer Science Group (RAPS), committee member of the High Polymer Research Group (2001-2006), member of the Organic Materials Innovation Centre Management Team (2002-2006), RSC Industrial Lecturer Strathclyde University (2001) and the University of Sussex (2002), visiting Lecturer at University of Sussex (1999-2001), visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool (2003-2007), member of the Applied Polymer Science Committee (Institute of Materials) (1997-2000) and committee member of the Macro Group UK (1998-2002) and acts as an advisor to the Welsh Government in the Ser Cymru (Welsh Stars) academic strategy programme. He has also co-founded the British Society for Nanomedicine and the Journal of Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine where he acts as Co-Editor in Chief.
Steve graduated from the University of Sussex having completed a first degree and latterly his D.Phil studies (sponsored by BP, Sunbury-on-Thames) with Prof. Norman Billingham on controlled amphiphilic block copolymers for dialysis membranes. After his D.Phil, Steve joined the Cookson Technology Centre in Oxford (Organic Materials Group). After 2 years he moved to the Courtaulds (Coventry) where he worked for 4.5 years in the Strategic Research and the Coatings & Sealants Groups before moving to the Unilever R&D laboratories at Port Sunlight. He had several roles during his 9 years at Unilever but was closely linked to the chemistry groups both in the UK and China (Shanghai) throughout that period. Initially he was Unit Leader but he progressed to Science Area Leader and finally Discovery Platform Director. Steve held a Royal Society Industry Fellowship ( 2005-2009) and an IOTA NanoSolutions Fellowship (2007-2010). He was the first recipient of the joint RSC/Macro Group UK Young Researcher of the Year Medal (1998) for his branched polymer and dendrimer research (Courtaulds). Steve has also co-founded three spin-out companies, Hydra Polymers Limited (purchased by Parogle Technologies), IOTA NanoSolutions Limited and Tandem Nano Ltd. He had roles as CEO and Chief Scientific Officer within IOTA NanoSolutions and was Chief Scientific Advisor and non-Executive Director at Hydra. IOTA was the winner of the NorthWest Regional Science and Technology Business of the Year Award (2007), Merseyside Innovation Award (2007) and the NorthWest Biomedical Startup of the Year Award (2007). It was also highlighted as RSC SME of the Month in September 2007.
After joining Liverpool in September 2007, Steve has developed a Nanomedicine Research Group with very strong interactions with infectious pharmacology (Prof Andrew Owen, UoL). Between 2008-2015, the collective research funding for the collaborative nanomedicine activities has been in excess of £11m, with a strong emphasis on new therapies for HIV treatment. Two nanomedicine programmes have received MHRA approval for human clinical trials. This has been largely supported by UK research councils, US Government funding and international charities. Industrial comntributions and funding have also been important to the group's activities.
Steve was a founding committee member of the Recent Appointees in Polymer Science Group (RAPS), committee member of the High Polymer Research Group (2001-2006), member of the Organic Materials Innovation Centre Management Team (2002-2006), RSC Industrial Lecturer Strathclyde University (2001) and the University of Sussex (2002), visiting Lecturer at University of Sussex (1999-2001), visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool (2003-2007), member of the Applied Polymer Science Committee (Institute of Materials) (1997-2000) and committee member of the Macro Group UK (1998-2002) and acts as an advisor to the Welsh Government in the Ser Cymru (Welsh Stars) academic strategy programme. He has also co-founded the British Society for Nanomedicine and the Journal of Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine where he acts as Co-Editor in Chief.
Judge: Steven A. Curley, M.D.
Steven A. Curley, M.D., Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
I am Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Dan L. Duncan NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. My clinical duties involve providing surgical care for patients with hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal malignancies. My research laboratory has been involved in design, bench testing, preclinical testing, and clinical testing of new devices or therapeutic agents which have successfully gone through the full FDA approval process. The laboratory is currently focused on testing a novel noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) field treatment device. This is coupled with targeted delivery of metallic or semiconducting nanoparticles to cancer cells which release heat under RF field induction, thus causing thermal cytotoxicity in cancer cells. We are conjugating the nanoparticles to antibodies, peptides, and pharmacologic agents to target them to cancer cells. The laboratory combines physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and bioengineering to produce a state-of-the-art translational approach to novel cancer treatment. Furthermore, we have discovered that many of the nanoparticles are multifunctional and may be used as optical or radiologic diagnostic materials, in addition to being used as a therapeutic agent in the noninvasive RF field. The RF field can also be used to alter the tumor microenvironment to enhance and improve delivery of cytotoxic drugs, biologic agents, nanomaterials, and activated immune system cells without causing damage to adjacent normal tissues. We are performing preclinical studies with this RF system to obtain data to petition the FDA for human clinical trials.
I am Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Dan L. Duncan NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. My clinical duties involve providing surgical care for patients with hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal malignancies. My research laboratory has been involved in design, bench testing, preclinical testing, and clinical testing of new devices or therapeutic agents which have successfully gone through the full FDA approval process. The laboratory is currently focused on testing a novel noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) field treatment device. This is coupled with targeted delivery of metallic or semiconducting nanoparticles to cancer cells which release heat under RF field induction, thus causing thermal cytotoxicity in cancer cells. We are conjugating the nanoparticles to antibodies, peptides, and pharmacologic agents to target them to cancer cells. The laboratory combines physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and bioengineering to produce a state-of-the-art translational approach to novel cancer treatment. Furthermore, we have discovered that many of the nanoparticles are multifunctional and may be used as optical or radiologic diagnostic materials, in addition to being used as a therapeutic agent in the noninvasive RF field. The RF field can also be used to alter the tumor microenvironment to enhance and improve delivery of cytotoxic drugs, biologic agents, nanomaterials, and activated immune system cells without causing damage to adjacent normal tissues. We are performing preclinical studies with this RF system to obtain data to petition the FDA for human clinical trials.
Judge and Advisor: Sunil Krishnan, M.D., FACP
Sunil Krishnan, M.D., FACP, Professor, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Krishnan is the Director of the Center for Radiation Oncology Research and the John E. and Dorothy J. Harris Professor of Gastrointestinal Cancer in the department of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical degree from Christian Medical College, Vellore, India and completed a radiation oncology residency at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. In the clinic, he treats patients with hepatobiliary, pancreatic and rectal tumors with radiation therapy. His laboratory has developed new strategies and tools to define the roles and mechanisms of radiation sensitization with gold nanoparticles, identified mechanisms to exploit this therapeutically, and developed techniques to facilitate imaging and image-guided therapy of cancers using nanoparticles. He has served as the chair of the gastrointestinal scientific program committee of ASTRO, the co-chair of the gastrointestinal translational research program of RTOG, councilor for the Society for Thermal Medicine, consultant to the IAEA for rectal and liver cancers, member of the NCI steering committee for Intergroup Gastrointestinal Taskforce for Biomarker Research, member of the NCI hepatobiliary taskforce, chair of the NCI pancreatic cancer radiotherapy working group, and Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has co-authored over 125 peer-reviewed scientific publications, co-authored 17 book chapters, co-edited 2 books, served as a co-inventor on 1 published patent and 4 patents in prosecution, served on the editorial board of 13 journals, and served on domestic (NCI, DoD) and international (Canadian, Belgian, Austrian, Indian, and British) grant review study sections.
Dr. Krishnan is the Director of the Center for Radiation Oncology Research and the John E. and Dorothy J. Harris Professor of Gastrointestinal Cancer in the department of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical degree from Christian Medical College, Vellore, India and completed a radiation oncology residency at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. In the clinic, he treats patients with hepatobiliary, pancreatic and rectal tumors with radiation therapy. His laboratory has developed new strategies and tools to define the roles and mechanisms of radiation sensitization with gold nanoparticles, identified mechanisms to exploit this therapeutically, and developed techniques to facilitate imaging and image-guided therapy of cancers using nanoparticles. He has served as the chair of the gastrointestinal scientific program committee of ASTRO, the co-chair of the gastrointestinal translational research program of RTOG, councilor for the Society for Thermal Medicine, consultant to the IAEA for rectal and liver cancers, member of the NCI steering committee for Intergroup Gastrointestinal Taskforce for Biomarker Research, member of the NCI hepatobiliary taskforce, chair of the NCI pancreatic cancer radiotherapy working group, and Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has co-authored over 125 peer-reviewed scientific publications, co-authored 17 book chapters, co-edited 2 books, served as a co-inventor on 1 published patent and 4 patents in prosecution, served on the editorial board of 13 journals, and served on domestic (NCI, DoD) and international (Canadian, Belgian, Austrian, Indian, and British) grant review study sections.
Judge: Susan Fitzpatrick
Susan Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., Vice President, James S. McDonnell Foundation
Susan Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. is Vice President of the James S. McDonnell Foundation. The McDonnell Foundation is one of a limited number of international grant-makers supporting university-based research in the biological and behavioral sciences through foundation-initiated programs via competitive, peer-review proposal processes. As Vice-President, Fitzpatrick serves as JSMF’s Chief Operating Officer.
Fitzpatrick received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Neurology from Cornell University Medical College (1984) and pursued post-doctoral training with in vivo NMR spectroscopic studies of brain metabolism in the Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics at Yale University.
Fitzpatrick served as the Associate Executive Director of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (1989-1992), a comprehensive basic science and applied science research center focused on restoring neurological function to persons with spinal cord injury. Her responsibilities included all public outreach and educational efforts and she served as the scientific liaison to the development, fundraising, and public relations staff. As Executive Director of the Brain Trauma Foundation (1992-1993), Fitzpatrick guided the Foundation through a re-organization. BTF is now a leader in advancing the acute care of patients with traumatic brain injury. Fitzpatrick joined the James S. McDonnell Foundation in 1993 as the Foundation’s first Program Officer. She was promoted to Program Director in 1997 and to Vice President in 2000. Fitzpatrick is an adjunct associate professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Occupational Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis), teaching neuroscience. Fitzpatrick lectures and writes on issues concerning applications of neuroscience to clinical problems, the role of private philanthropy in the support of scientific research, and on issues related to the public dissemination of and understanding of science. Fitzpatrick serves on the boards of the Association for Women in Science, the Ontario Brain Institute, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, and she is a past member of the board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Susan Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. is Vice President of the James S. McDonnell Foundation. The McDonnell Foundation is one of a limited number of international grant-makers supporting university-based research in the biological and behavioral sciences through foundation-initiated programs via competitive, peer-review proposal processes. As Vice-President, Fitzpatrick serves as JSMF’s Chief Operating Officer.
Fitzpatrick received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Neurology from Cornell University Medical College (1984) and pursued post-doctoral training with in vivo NMR spectroscopic studies of brain metabolism in the Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics at Yale University.
Fitzpatrick served as the Associate Executive Director of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (1989-1992), a comprehensive basic science and applied science research center focused on restoring neurological function to persons with spinal cord injury. Her responsibilities included all public outreach and educational efforts and she served as the scientific liaison to the development, fundraising, and public relations staff. As Executive Director of the Brain Trauma Foundation (1992-1993), Fitzpatrick guided the Foundation through a re-organization. BTF is now a leader in advancing the acute care of patients with traumatic brain injury. Fitzpatrick joined the James S. McDonnell Foundation in 1993 as the Foundation’s first Program Officer. She was promoted to Program Director in 1997 and to Vice President in 2000. Fitzpatrick is an adjunct associate professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Occupational Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis), teaching neuroscience. Fitzpatrick lectures and writes on issues concerning applications of neuroscience to clinical problems, the role of private philanthropy in the support of scientific research, and on issues related to the public dissemination of and understanding of science. Fitzpatrick serves on the boards of the Association for Women in Science, the Ontario Brain Institute, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, and she is a past member of the board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Judge: Thomas Webster, Ph.D.
Thomas Webster, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor, Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University
Thomas J. Webster’s (H index: 70, Google Scholar) degrees are in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S., 1995) and in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.S., 1997; Ph.D., 2000). In his 15 years in academics, Prof. Webster has graduated/supervised over 109 visiting faculty, clinical fellows, post-doctoral students, and thesis completing B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. students. To date, his lab group has generated over 9 textbooks, 48 book chapters, 306 invited presentations, at least 403 peer-reviewed literature articles (222) and/or conference proceedings (181), at least 567 conference presentations, and 32 provisional or full patents. Some of these patents led to the formation of 9 companies. His research on nanomedicine has received attention in recent media publications including MSNBC (October 10, 2005), NBC Nightly News (May 14, 2007), PBS DragonFly TV (covered across the US during the winter, 2008), ABC Nightly News via the Ivanhoe Medical Breakthrough Segment (covered across the US during the winters of 2008 and separate research segments in 2010 and 2011), Fox News (Dec. 5, 2014), and the Weather Channel (March 18, 2014). His work has been on display at the London and Boston Science Museums. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Nanomedicine (the first international journal in nanomedicine which in five years has achieved an impact factor of 4.97), has helped to organize 22 conferences emphasizing nanotechnology in medicine, and has organized over 53 symposia at numerous conferences emphasizing biological interactions with nanomaterials. He also recently chaired the 2011 Annual Biomedical Engineering Society Meeting and has organized numerous symposia for MRS, AIChE, and ASME conferences. Prof. Webster has received numerous honors including, but not limited to: 2002, Biomedical Engineering Society Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award; 2003, Outstanding Young Investigator Award Purdue University College of Engineering; 2005, American Association of Nanomedicine Young Investigator Award; 2005, Coulter Foundation Young Investigator Award; 2006, Fellow, American Association of Nanomedicine; 2010, Distinguished Lecturer in Nanomedicine, University of South Florida; 2011, Oustanding Leadership Award for the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES); 2012, Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE, representing the top 2% of all medical and biological engineers); 2013, Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society; and 2014, Fellow, Ernst Strugmann. He currently serves as the director of the Indo-U.S. Center for Biomaterials for Healthcare which serves to catalyze research between the U.S. and India in the area of biomaterial science with over 20 participating universities and industries. He was also recently elected President of the U.S. Society for Biomaterials.
Thomas J. Webster’s (H index: 70, Google Scholar) degrees are in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S., 1995) and in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.S., 1997; Ph.D., 2000). In his 15 years in academics, Prof. Webster has graduated/supervised over 109 visiting faculty, clinical fellows, post-doctoral students, and thesis completing B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. students. To date, his lab group has generated over 9 textbooks, 48 book chapters, 306 invited presentations, at least 403 peer-reviewed literature articles (222) and/or conference proceedings (181), at least 567 conference presentations, and 32 provisional or full patents. Some of these patents led to the formation of 9 companies. His research on nanomedicine has received attention in recent media publications including MSNBC (October 10, 2005), NBC Nightly News (May 14, 2007), PBS DragonFly TV (covered across the US during the winter, 2008), ABC Nightly News via the Ivanhoe Medical Breakthrough Segment (covered across the US during the winters of 2008 and separate research segments in 2010 and 2011), Fox News (Dec. 5, 2014), and the Weather Channel (March 18, 2014). His work has been on display at the London and Boston Science Museums. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Nanomedicine (the first international journal in nanomedicine which in five years has achieved an impact factor of 4.97), has helped to organize 22 conferences emphasizing nanotechnology in medicine, and has organized over 53 symposia at numerous conferences emphasizing biological interactions with nanomaterials. He also recently chaired the 2011 Annual Biomedical Engineering Society Meeting and has organized numerous symposia for MRS, AIChE, and ASME conferences. Prof. Webster has received numerous honors including, but not limited to: 2002, Biomedical Engineering Society Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award; 2003, Outstanding Young Investigator Award Purdue University College of Engineering; 2005, American Association of Nanomedicine Young Investigator Award; 2005, Coulter Foundation Young Investigator Award; 2006, Fellow, American Association of Nanomedicine; 2010, Distinguished Lecturer in Nanomedicine, University of South Florida; 2011, Oustanding Leadership Award for the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES); 2012, Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE, representing the top 2% of all medical and biological engineers); 2013, Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society; and 2014, Fellow, Ernst Strugmann. He currently serves as the director of the Indo-U.S. Center for Biomaterials for Healthcare which serves to catalyze research between the U.S. and India in the area of biomaterial science with over 20 participating universities and industries. He was also recently elected President of the U.S. Society for Biomaterials.
Judge and Advisor: Tom McDonald, Ph.D.
Tom McDonald, Ph.D., University of Liverpool
Dr. Tom McDonald is a Lecturer in Nanomedicine in the department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. He is a material scientist whose research is focussed on the design of nanomedicines, specifically solid drug nanoparticles and developing novel sustained release drug delivery platforms. He has developed a novel process for producing solid drug nanoparticles of poorly soluble drugs; this method has underpinned research leading to the first global example of a clinical trial aiming to produce orally-dosed nanomedicines for HIV. Additionally, Tom led pioneering work demonstrating the first example of dual-component solid drug nanoparticles. This study revealed that it was possible to incorporate two compounds into the same nanoparticle, and that these particles are internalised into cells as intact particles. Such a discovery facilitates the delivery of two synergist drugs to the same location in a cell at the same time, offering extensive potential therapeutic benefits. Tom enjoys multidisciplinary research and collaborates widely with chemists, clinicians, pharmacologists, biologists and engineers. He has been an investigator on projects with over $9 million in research council and charitable funding.
He has published 30 peer reviewed papers, is an inventor on 4 patents and has presented his work at numerous international conferences. He also is communications editor for the British Society for Nanomedicine.
Dr. Tom McDonald is a Lecturer in Nanomedicine in the department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. He is a material scientist whose research is focussed on the design of nanomedicines, specifically solid drug nanoparticles and developing novel sustained release drug delivery platforms. He has developed a novel process for producing solid drug nanoparticles of poorly soluble drugs; this method has underpinned research leading to the first global example of a clinical trial aiming to produce orally-dosed nanomedicines for HIV. Additionally, Tom led pioneering work demonstrating the first example of dual-component solid drug nanoparticles. This study revealed that it was possible to incorporate two compounds into the same nanoparticle, and that these particles are internalised into cells as intact particles. Such a discovery facilitates the delivery of two synergist drugs to the same location in a cell at the same time, offering extensive potential therapeutic benefits. Tom enjoys multidisciplinary research and collaborates widely with chemists, clinicians, pharmacologists, biologists and engineers. He has been an investigator on projects with over $9 million in research council and charitable funding.
He has published 30 peer reviewed papers, is an inventor on 4 patents and has presented his work at numerous international conferences. He also is communications editor for the British Society for Nanomedicine.
Advisor: Venkata Battula, Ph.D.
Venkata Battula, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
My research is focused on understanding the role of stem-like cells in cancer. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential reside in several parts of human body including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord blood etc. In solid tumors, MSCs support tumor growth by forming stroma and help cancer cells to metastasize. MSCs also induce chemo-resistance in leukemia cells which is the primary cause of relapse in most leukemia patients. My research is focused on understanding tumor-stroma interactions and identification of novel targets in development of therapeutic strategies for cancer patients. Our group is interested in cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are a rare population of cells present in the primary tumor. These cells are slow-dividing, self-replicating and are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We have discovered GD2 and GD3S as unique marker to identify CSCs form breast tumors (Battula et al., JCI, 2012) and potentially applicable to other solid tumors. These markers give us the opportunity to purify CSCs from primary tumors, cancer cell lines and identify genomic and proteomic signatures that are unique for them. We are interested in developing tools for targeting these unique markers which could be used for therapy in future. In addition, I am also interested in understanding the origin of CSCs in primary tumor as processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induces non-CSCs to CSCs. Over all, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms contributing cancer cell growth chemo-resistance, self-renewal and metastasis of cancer and role of tumor-stroma interaction that influence stem cell characteristics of cancer cells.
My research is focused on understanding the role of stem-like cells in cancer. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential reside in several parts of human body including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord blood etc. In solid tumors, MSCs support tumor growth by forming stroma and help cancer cells to metastasize. MSCs also induce chemo-resistance in leukemia cells which is the primary cause of relapse in most leukemia patients. My research is focused on understanding tumor-stroma interactions and identification of novel targets in development of therapeutic strategies for cancer patients. Our group is interested in cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are a rare population of cells present in the primary tumor. These cells are slow-dividing, self-replicating and are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We have discovered GD2 and GD3S as unique marker to identify CSCs form breast tumors (Battula et al., JCI, 2012) and potentially applicable to other solid tumors. These markers give us the opportunity to purify CSCs from primary tumors, cancer cell lines and identify genomic and proteomic signatures that are unique for them. We are interested in developing tools for targeting these unique markers which could be used for therapy in future. In addition, I am also interested in understanding the origin of CSCs in primary tumor as processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induces non-CSCs to CSCs. Over all, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms contributing cancer cell growth chemo-resistance, self-renewal and metastasis of cancer and role of tumor-stroma interaction that influence stem cell characteristics of cancer cells.
Judge and Mentor: Vinit Nijhawan
Vinit Nijhawan, Lecturer, Boston University
Vinit Nijhawan was Managing Director, Office of Technology Development at Boston University. Vinit teaches MBA courses on Entrepreneurship at BU Questrom School of Business, over 300 students have taken his courses. Vinit has over 30 years experience building five startups: as CEO of three, five were acquired. Vinit was Venture Partner at Key Venture Partners and over two years sourced over 200 deals and made one investment that was acquired for $430M. Vinit is an advisor and board member to several technology startups and was a Mass High Tech All-Star in 2005. Vinit has participated in over 240 panel discussions and paper presentations, and is a Board Member of Mass Ventures, an early stage, quasi-public Massachusetts venture capital firm, a co-founder of EdTech Accelerator/Incubator LearnLaunch, President of Massachusetts Association of Technology Transfer Offices and on the Advisory Board of Walker Innovation (OTC QB: PPRO). Vinit is also on the board of the National Academy of Inventors. Vinit earned a B.A.Sc in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
Vinit Nijhawan was Managing Director, Office of Technology Development at Boston University. Vinit teaches MBA courses on Entrepreneurship at BU Questrom School of Business, over 300 students have taken his courses. Vinit has over 30 years experience building five startups: as CEO of three, five were acquired. Vinit was Venture Partner at Key Venture Partners and over two years sourced over 200 deals and made one investment that was acquired for $430M. Vinit is an advisor and board member to several technology startups and was a Mass High Tech All-Star in 2005. Vinit has participated in over 240 panel discussions and paper presentations, and is a Board Member of Mass Ventures, an early stage, quasi-public Massachusetts venture capital firm, a co-founder of EdTech Accelerator/Incubator LearnLaunch, President of Massachusetts Association of Technology Transfer Offices and on the Advisory Board of Walker Innovation (OTC QB: PPRO). Vinit is also on the board of the National Academy of Inventors. Vinit earned a B.A.Sc in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
Judge: Yalia Jayalakshmi (Jaya), Ph.D.
Yalia Jayalakshmi (Jaya), Ph.D., Senior Director, Drug Delivery, Independent (Previous)
Yalia Jayalakshmi (Jaya), Ph.D. brings over 20 years of product development experience involving therapeutic drugs, nanotechnology/ drug delivery systems and medical device products. She was a senior director and functional head of drug delivery /nanotechnology unit at Onyx Pharmaceutical (acquired by Amgen Inc.) with responsibilities to identify technologies and execute product proof of concepts. She co-founded and led product development at StemPar Sciences, a cancer therapeutics start-up venture. At Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical, Alza Corporation, Genentech Inc. and Cygnus Inc., she has contributed as R&D scientist, program manager and product team leader to the advancement of multiple new chemical entities from lead selection through early stage development in oncology, cardiovascular and gastroenterology (liposomes, polymeric micelles, peptide and small molecule drugs) as well as late stage development and life cycle management of some of today’s first in class biologic products such as Lucentisâ. She was involved in the development, approval and launch of GlucoWatchâ, a minimally-invasive glucose monitoring diagnostic device. Her expertise and interests are in building startup companies and entrepreneurial collaborative networks and executing early stage product R&D. Her doctoral degree is in Physics from Indian Institute of Science, India and advanced training from institutions in Paris.
Yalia Jayalakshmi (Jaya), Ph.D. brings over 20 years of product development experience involving therapeutic drugs, nanotechnology/ drug delivery systems and medical device products. She was a senior director and functional head of drug delivery /nanotechnology unit at Onyx Pharmaceutical (acquired by Amgen Inc.) with responsibilities to identify technologies and execute product proof of concepts. She co-founded and led product development at StemPar Sciences, a cancer therapeutics start-up venture. At Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical, Alza Corporation, Genentech Inc. and Cygnus Inc., she has contributed as R&D scientist, program manager and product team leader to the advancement of multiple new chemical entities from lead selection through early stage development in oncology, cardiovascular and gastroenterology (liposomes, polymeric micelles, peptide and small molecule drugs) as well as late stage development and life cycle management of some of today’s first in class biologic products such as Lucentisâ. She was involved in the development, approval and launch of GlucoWatchâ, a minimally-invasive glucose monitoring diagnostic device. Her expertise and interests are in building startup companies and entrepreneurial collaborative networks and executing early stage product R&D. Her doctoral degree is in Physics from Indian Institute of Science, India and advanced training from institutions in Paris.
Judges from Previous Challenges
Judge: Rob Abrams
Rob Abrams, Partner, Sanderling Ventures
San Mateo, CA
Rob Abrams has over twenty-seven years of experience in biomedical device product development, research, operational management, new business development and strategic investments. Rob joined Sanderling as an Operating Partner in April 2008. Prior to joining Sanderling, Rob served twelve years at Boston Scientific Corp. as Group Vice President of New Business Development for BSC’s Cardiovascular Group Divisions, which included Neurovascular, Cardiac Surgery, Neuromodulation, Electrophysiology, and Peripheral Interventional Divisions. In this role, he also served on executive management boards, and patent and legal review boards. During his tenure at BSC, Rob completed acquisition of Smart Therapeutics, Inc. for intracranial stents, and other minimally invasive access devices, Precision Vascular Systems, Inc. a steerable guidewire/catheter company, and several neuromodulation companies, including acquisition of Advanced Bionics Corp. He also led the corporate program to explore technology for acute ischemic stroke therapy, and transacted several investments in that realm. Rob had become a part of BSC via their acquisition of Target Therapeutics, where he was Director of New Business Development from July 1996.
Prior to joining Target, Rob was Director of Product Development for LocalMed, Inc., a start-up dedicated to devices for catheter-based local drug delivery in cardiac vasculature.
From 1988 through 1995, Rob served various roles at Guidant Corporation in their Cardiovascular Business. He served as Director of R&D for the intrapreneurial Guidant Division, Heart Rhythm Technologies, developing devices for EP cardiac arrhythmias. Earlier, at Guidant’s Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (ACS) Division, he contributed to the product development and launch of guidewires, balloon catheters and stent technologies for interventional cardiology. At ACS, he was a prolific inventor, pioneering the fabrication and use of Nitinol superelastic alloy in many novel medical technologies. Overall, Rob has 65 patents in medical devices.
Prior to ACS, Rob’s entry into medical technology began at Howmedica Orthopedics, where he contributed to new bone in-growth technologies for hip and knee replacement prosthetic devices.
Rob received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
San Mateo, CA
Rob Abrams has over twenty-seven years of experience in biomedical device product development, research, operational management, new business development and strategic investments. Rob joined Sanderling as an Operating Partner in April 2008. Prior to joining Sanderling, Rob served twelve years at Boston Scientific Corp. as Group Vice President of New Business Development for BSC’s Cardiovascular Group Divisions, which included Neurovascular, Cardiac Surgery, Neuromodulation, Electrophysiology, and Peripheral Interventional Divisions. In this role, he also served on executive management boards, and patent and legal review boards. During his tenure at BSC, Rob completed acquisition of Smart Therapeutics, Inc. for intracranial stents, and other minimally invasive access devices, Precision Vascular Systems, Inc. a steerable guidewire/catheter company, and several neuromodulation companies, including acquisition of Advanced Bionics Corp. He also led the corporate program to explore technology for acute ischemic stroke therapy, and transacted several investments in that realm. Rob had become a part of BSC via their acquisition of Target Therapeutics, where he was Director of New Business Development from July 1996.
Prior to joining Target, Rob was Director of Product Development for LocalMed, Inc., a start-up dedicated to devices for catheter-based local drug delivery in cardiac vasculature.
From 1988 through 1995, Rob served various roles at Guidant Corporation in their Cardiovascular Business. He served as Director of R&D for the intrapreneurial Guidant Division, Heart Rhythm Technologies, developing devices for EP cardiac arrhythmias. Earlier, at Guidant’s Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (ACS) Division, he contributed to the product development and launch of guidewires, balloon catheters and stent technologies for interventional cardiology. At ACS, he was a prolific inventor, pioneering the fabrication and use of Nitinol superelastic alloy in many novel medical technologies. Overall, Rob has 65 patents in medical devices.
Prior to ACS, Rob’s entry into medical technology began at Howmedica Orthopedics, where he contributed to new bone in-growth technologies for hip and knee replacement prosthetic devices.
Rob received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Judge: Reinhard Ambros, Ph.D.
Reinhard Ambros, Ph.D., Head Novartis Venture Funds
Basel, Switzerland
Previously, he was Managing Director of the Novartis BioVenture Fund in the USA. He also worked with Novartis Corporate Finance where he held the position of Head of Group Strategic Planning for several years. He was responsible for post merger integrations at Novartis Corporate M&A and was global head BD&L cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at Novartis Pharma. Earlier in his career he had global leadership positions for key drug development projects at Novartis and Roche. He trained as a pharmacist, has a PhD in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology and focused postdoctoral training in clinical pharmacology. Board seats include Cylene, Forma, Genedata, Symetis and Tokai.
Basel, Switzerland
Previously, he was Managing Director of the Novartis BioVenture Fund in the USA. He also worked with Novartis Corporate Finance where he held the position of Head of Group Strategic Planning for several years. He was responsible for post merger integrations at Novartis Corporate M&A and was global head BD&L cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at Novartis Pharma. Earlier in his career he had global leadership positions for key drug development projects at Novartis and Roche. He trained as a pharmacist, has a PhD in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology and focused postdoctoral training in clinical pharmacology. Board seats include Cylene, Forma, Genedata, Symetis and Tokai.
Advisor: Mark Ashley, Sc.D.
Mark Ashley, Sc.D., Co-founder and President/CEO of Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS)
Bakersfield, CA
Mark Ashley is co-founder and president/CEO of Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), which has operated post-acute brain injury rehabilitation programs at facilities in Bakersfield, Calif., Encino, Calif., and Irving, Texas, since 1978. In addition to his responsibilities with CNS, Dr. Ashley serves as past chairman of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. He also the past-chairman of the Corporate Advisory Committee of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists. Dr. Ashley participated in the preparation of the Traumatic Brain Injury Medical Treatment Guidelines for the State of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and served on the grant review committee for the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. He founded the Centre for Neuro Skills Clinical Research and Education Foundation, a nonprofit research organization. His work has been published in numerous professional and research publications and he has written two books - one entitled "Working with Behavior Disorders: Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation" and the other entitled "Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation," now in its third edition.
Bakersfield, CA
Mark Ashley is co-founder and president/CEO of Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), which has operated post-acute brain injury rehabilitation programs at facilities in Bakersfield, Calif., Encino, Calif., and Irving, Texas, since 1978. In addition to his responsibilities with CNS, Dr. Ashley serves as past chairman of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. He also the past-chairman of the Corporate Advisory Committee of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists. Dr. Ashley participated in the preparation of the Traumatic Brain Injury Medical Treatment Guidelines for the State of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and served on the grant review committee for the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. He founded the Centre for Neuro Skills Clinical Research and Education Foundation, a nonprofit research organization. His work has been published in numerous professional and research publications and he has written two books - one entitled "Working with Behavior Disorders: Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation" and the other entitled "Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation," now in its third edition.
Judge and Advisor: Krystof Bankiewicz, M.D., Ph.D.
Krystof Bankiewicz, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Kinetics Foundation Chair in Translational Research,
Vice Chairman, Neurological Surgery, Director, Interventional Neurology Center, University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Bankiewicz's research focus is restorative interventions, specifically drug delivery and gene transfer, in models of Parkinson's disease and brain tumors. His laboratory studies delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system through automated cell-implantation, convection-enhanced and gene transfer-based delivery methods, as well as in vivo applications of MRI and PET to detect in-vivo changes in brain and their correlation with functional outcome.
For the past 12 years, Dr. Bankiewicz has managed his own research group, comprising laboratory technicians, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate students, and sabbatical visitors. He has trained over 15 postdoctoral fellows and has been involved in many fruitful collaborative projects. His academic teaching has been devoted to training of residents, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. He holds several patents, including those for use of neuro-derived fetal cell lines for transplantation therapy, convection-enhanced delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and convection-enhanced delivery of AAV viral vector with AADC for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Vice Chairman, Neurological Surgery, Director, Interventional Neurology Center, University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Bankiewicz's research focus is restorative interventions, specifically drug delivery and gene transfer, in models of Parkinson's disease and brain tumors. His laboratory studies delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system through automated cell-implantation, convection-enhanced and gene transfer-based delivery methods, as well as in vivo applications of MRI and PET to detect in-vivo changes in brain and their correlation with functional outcome.
For the past 12 years, Dr. Bankiewicz has managed his own research group, comprising laboratory technicians, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate students, and sabbatical visitors. He has trained over 15 postdoctoral fellows and has been involved in many fruitful collaborative projects. His academic teaching has been devoted to training of residents, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. He holds several patents, including those for use of neuro-derived fetal cell lines for transplantation therapy, convection-enhanced delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and convection-enhanced delivery of AAV viral vector with AADC for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Judge: Paolo Baroldi, M.D., Ph.D.
Paolo Baroldi, M.D.,Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Washington, DC
Paolo Baroldi, M.D., Ph.D. has served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Vanda Pharmaceuticals since April 2013. He assumed the role of acting Chief Medical Officer with Vanda in October 2012. Dr. Baroldi previously served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of Vanda from July 2006 through January 2009. Dr. Baroldi has over 30 years of clinical development experience in many therapeutic areas, including neurology and psychiatry. He has served in senior clinical development positions at Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Novartis AG, and Abbott Labs.
Dr. Baroldi holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Milan, Italy and is a member of the board of directors of Galileo Research.
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Washington, DC
Paolo Baroldi, M.D., Ph.D. has served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Vanda Pharmaceuticals since April 2013. He assumed the role of acting Chief Medical Officer with Vanda in October 2012. Dr. Baroldi previously served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of Vanda from July 2006 through January 2009. Dr. Baroldi has over 30 years of clinical development experience in many therapeutic areas, including neurology and psychiatry. He has served in senior clinical development positions at Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Novartis AG, and Abbott Labs.
Dr. Baroldi holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Milan, Italy and is a member of the board of directors of Galileo Research.
Judge and Advisor: Eyal Baror
Eyal Baror, CEO and Director, Neuronix
Yoqneam, Israel
Eyal brings over a decade of experience in R&D and in executive-level positions in several medical device companies. A graduate of the prestigious Israel Defense Force’s Talpiot program, he holds a B.Sc. in Physics (cum-laude) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a M.Sc. in Physics (summa cum laude) from the Tel-Aviv University.
Yoqneam, Israel
Eyal brings over a decade of experience in R&D and in executive-level positions in several medical device companies. A graduate of the prestigious Israel Defense Force’s Talpiot program, he holds a B.Sc. in Physics (cum-laude) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a M.Sc. in Physics (summa cum laude) from the Tel-Aviv University.
Judge: Peter J. Basser, Ph.D.
Peter J. Basser, Ph.D., Senior Investigator, NICHD
Bethesda, MD
Peter Basser received his A.B., S.M., and Ph.D. degrees in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University, and then received his postdoctoral training in Bioengineering as a Staff Fellow within the Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation Branch (BEIP), NIH. In 1997, Dr. Basser became Chief of the Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics (STBB), NICHD and is currently the Director
of the Program on Pediatric Imaging and Tissue Sciences, NICHD. Dr. Basser's group is primarily known for its invention, development, and clinical implementation of MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and for explaining the physical basis of magnetic stimulation of nerve fibers. More recently, STBB has been developing a wide array of quantitative in vivo MRI methods, including AxCaliber MRI for measuring the axon diameter distribution within nerve fascicles, and double Pulsed-Field Gradient (dPFG) MRI for studying microstructural features of both gray and white matter.
Bethesda, MD
Peter Basser received his A.B., S.M., and Ph.D. degrees in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University, and then received his postdoctoral training in Bioengineering as a Staff Fellow within the Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation Branch (BEIP), NIH. In 1997, Dr. Basser became Chief of the Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics (STBB), NICHD and is currently the Director
of the Program on Pediatric Imaging and Tissue Sciences, NICHD. Dr. Basser's group is primarily known for its invention, development, and clinical implementation of MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and for explaining the physical basis of magnetic stimulation of nerve fibers. More recently, STBB has been developing a wide array of quantitative in vivo MRI methods, including AxCaliber MRI for measuring the axon diameter distribution within nerve fascicles, and double Pulsed-Field Gradient (dPFG) MRI for studying microstructural features of both gray and white matter.
Judge: Dirk Beher, Ph.D.
Dirk Beher, Ph.D., CEO, Asceneuron
Switzerland, Lausanne
Dirk Beher is a founder, the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Asceneuron SA (www.asceneuron.com). He led the successful spin-off proposal for Merck Serono’s Alzheimer’s disease portfolio and raised EUR 5 million in seed funding, both of which led to the incorporation of the company in October 2012.
Dirk has over two decades of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease & neurodegeneration and spent over 16 years in CNS drug discovery. Prior to Asceneuron he has held various positions with increasing responsibilities at major pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies such as Merck & Co. (Merck Sharp & Dohme), Amgen and Merck Serono in locations around the globe.
Dirk holds a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Biology from the Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Germany. He is an inventor of seven submitted patents and currently authors 49 peer-reviewed publications and reviews.
Switzerland, Lausanne
Dirk Beher is a founder, the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Asceneuron SA (www.asceneuron.com). He led the successful spin-off proposal for Merck Serono’s Alzheimer’s disease portfolio and raised EUR 5 million in seed funding, both of which led to the incorporation of the company in October 2012.
Dirk has over two decades of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease & neurodegeneration and spent over 16 years in CNS drug discovery. Prior to Asceneuron he has held various positions with increasing responsibilities at major pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies such as Merck & Co. (Merck Sharp & Dohme), Amgen and Merck Serono in locations around the globe.
Dirk holds a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Biology from the Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Germany. He is an inventor of seven submitted patents and currently authors 49 peer-reviewed publications and reviews.
Judge: Perry Berg, M.D.
Perry Berg, M.D., Retired
New York, NY
Dr. Berg has been in practicing medicine for over 60 years before retiring in 2012. Dr. Berg has served as a Board of Directors, NY County Society of Internal Medicine; Clinical Professor of Medicine, Associate and Assistant Professors of Clinical Medicine, NYU Medical Center 1995 -2002; Member of the Medical Peer Review Subcommittee, NYU Medical Center. Dr. Berg has published 25 articles over a 28 year span, ranging from neurology to infectious diseases. Dr. Berg has served as an expert witness for the Manhattan and Bronx District Attorney.
Dr. Berg has mentored numerous medical professionals in the New York area and has been an investor in several limited partnerships. Dr. Berg is particular proud that he many of those that he has mentored over the years have maintained close personal relationships and still actively seek his advise. Dr. Berg continues to conduct his own research into complex medical issues.
New York, NY
Dr. Berg has been in practicing medicine for over 60 years before retiring in 2012. Dr. Berg has served as a Board of Directors, NY County Society of Internal Medicine; Clinical Professor of Medicine, Associate and Assistant Professors of Clinical Medicine, NYU Medical Center 1995 -2002; Member of the Medical Peer Review Subcommittee, NYU Medical Center. Dr. Berg has published 25 articles over a 28 year span, ranging from neurology to infectious diseases. Dr. Berg has served as an expert witness for the Manhattan and Bronx District Attorney.
Dr. Berg has mentored numerous medical professionals in the New York area and has been an investor in several limited partnerships. Dr. Berg is particular proud that he many of those that he has mentored over the years have maintained close personal relationships and still actively seek his advise. Dr. Berg continues to conduct his own research into complex medical issues.
Judge: Robert Berg
Robert Berg, Senior Vice President and Principal, IRI
New York, NY
Robert is currently a senior vice president and principal at IRI, a global market information company. Robert is responsible for commercializing three new consumer and shopper marketing solutions for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail companies. Robert has more than 30 years of experience in the CPG and retail/foodservice industries. Prior to IRI, he worked in the Strategy Group of IBM, PwC Consulting and Coopers & Lybrand Consulting focusing on post merger integration where he learned firsthand how to integrate and improve processes, data, technology and other resources that CPG and Retail companies deploy to inform Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance. Prior to consulting, Robert launched three companies and consulted on the start-up of 20+ more. Robert has served as a Consultant for the Wharton Small Business Development Center and has written a review of 3 Business Incubators in West Philadelphia. Robert has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an AB from the University of Michigan.
New York, NY
Robert is currently a senior vice president and principal at IRI, a global market information company. Robert is responsible for commercializing three new consumer and shopper marketing solutions for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail companies. Robert has more than 30 years of experience in the CPG and retail/foodservice industries. Prior to IRI, he worked in the Strategy Group of IBM, PwC Consulting and Coopers & Lybrand Consulting focusing on post merger integration where he learned firsthand how to integrate and improve processes, data, technology and other resources that CPG and Retail companies deploy to inform Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance. Prior to consulting, Robert launched three companies and consulted on the start-up of 20+ more. Robert has served as a Consultant for the Wharton Small Business Development Center and has written a review of 3 Business Incubators in West Philadelphia. Robert has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an AB from the University of Michigan.
Judge: Michael Berens, Ph.D.
Michael E. Berens, Ph.D., Deputy Director, TGen Research
Resources Director, Cancer & Cell Biology Division
Professor, Brain Tumor Unit
Phoenix, AZ
Michael E. Berens, Ph.D. (Translational Genomics Research Institute, TGen, Phoenix, AZ) is Deputy Director of Research Resources as well as Director of the Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Professor in the Brain Tumor Unit. His long-standing research interest is in cancer invasion. In addressing his translational research on malignant brain tumors, Dr. Berens pursues new target discovery, mechanisms of drug delivery to the brain, and optimal correlative laboratory research to support early stage clinical trials in patients with brain tumors. He is inventor on 4 patents, has started 2 biotechnology companies, and was instrumental in founding TGen - Arizona’s premier private, non-profit biomedical research institute. He was founding co-director of Arizona’s Bioindustry Association (>100 companies); served on the board of directors (2 years as chairman) of the Arizona Technology Council (>500 corporations); was founding CEO of the International Genomics Consortium (IGC) that served as the tissue biospecimen processing site for The Cancer Genomc Atlas (TCGA). He was Associate Research Director of the Van Andel Research Institute (Grand Rapids, MI) during its alliance and affiliation with TGen; he was Principal Investigator of an inter-institutional award from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Southwest Comprehensive Center for Drug Discovery and Development. Mike has been married to Patty for 38 years; they have two children.
Resources Director, Cancer & Cell Biology Division
Professor, Brain Tumor Unit
Phoenix, AZ
Michael E. Berens, Ph.D. (Translational Genomics Research Institute, TGen, Phoenix, AZ) is Deputy Director of Research Resources as well as Director of the Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Professor in the Brain Tumor Unit. His long-standing research interest is in cancer invasion. In addressing his translational research on malignant brain tumors, Dr. Berens pursues new target discovery, mechanisms of drug delivery to the brain, and optimal correlative laboratory research to support early stage clinical trials in patients with brain tumors. He is inventor on 4 patents, has started 2 biotechnology companies, and was instrumental in founding TGen - Arizona’s premier private, non-profit biomedical research institute. He was founding co-director of Arizona’s Bioindustry Association (>100 companies); served on the board of directors (2 years as chairman) of the Arizona Technology Council (>500 corporations); was founding CEO of the International Genomics Consortium (IGC) that served as the tissue biospecimen processing site for The Cancer Genomc Atlas (TCGA). He was Associate Research Director of the Van Andel Research Institute (Grand Rapids, MI) during its alliance and affiliation with TGen; he was Principal Investigator of an inter-institutional award from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Southwest Comprehensive Center for Drug Discovery and Development. Mike has been married to Patty for 38 years; they have two children.
Judge: Olaf Blanke, M.D., Ph.D.
Olaf Blanke, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Geneva
Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics
Director, Center for Neuroprosthetics
Professor, Brain-Mind Institute, EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Olaf Blanke is founding director of the Center for Neuroprosthetics, Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL). He also directs the Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience at EPFL and is Professor of Neurology at the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Geneva. Blanke’s research is dedicated to the neuroscientific study of multisensory body perception and its relevance for self-consciousness by using a broad range of methods such as the neuropsychology, invasive and non-invasive electrophysiology, and brain imaging in healthy subjects, neurological and psychiatric patients. Most recently he has pioneered the joint use of engineering techniques such as robotics and virtual reality with techniques from cognitive neuroscience and their application to systems and cognitive neuroprosthetics and neuro-rehabilitation.
Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics
Director, Center for Neuroprosthetics
Professor, Brain-Mind Institute, EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Olaf Blanke is founding director of the Center for Neuroprosthetics, Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL). He also directs the Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience at EPFL and is Professor of Neurology at the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Geneva. Blanke’s research is dedicated to the neuroscientific study of multisensory body perception and its relevance for self-consciousness by using a broad range of methods such as the neuropsychology, invasive and non-invasive electrophysiology, and brain imaging in healthy subjects, neurological and psychiatric patients. Most recently he has pioneered the joint use of engineering techniques such as robotics and virtual reality with techniques from cognitive neuroscience and their application to systems and cognitive neuroprosthetics and neuro-rehabilitation.
Judge and Advisor: David Bleakman, Ph.D.
David Bleakman, Ph.D., Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer - Neuroscience Research, Eli Lilly and Company
Indianapolis, IN
David Bleakman received his PhD in Physiology from King’s College, University of London. As a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Chicago, he studied neuropeptide modulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels and the role of glutamate receptors in neuronal function. He joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1993 in the U.K. as a scientist in the Neuroscience Division where his work focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In, 1998, he moved to Lilly in Indianapolis where he is currently an Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the psychiatric disorders research team.
Indianapolis, IN
David Bleakman received his PhD in Physiology from King’s College, University of London. As a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Chicago, he studied neuropeptide modulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels and the role of glutamate receptors in neuronal function. He joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1993 in the U.K. as a scientist in the Neuroscience Division where his work focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In, 1998, he moved to Lilly in Indianapolis where he is currently an Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the psychiatric disorders research team.
Advisor: Edward Boyden, Ph.D.
Edward Boyden, Associate Professor Synthetic Neurology, MIT
Boston, MA
Professor Boyden leads the MIT Media Lab’s Synthetic Neurobiology research group, which develops tools for mapping, controlling, observing, and building dynamic circuits of the brain, and uses these neurotechnologies to understand how cognition and emotion arise from brain network operation, as well as to enable systematic repair of intractable brain disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. His research group has invented a suite of “optogenetic” tools that are now in use by thousands of research groups around the world for activating and silencing neurons with light.
Boyden was named to the "Top 35 Innovators Under the Age of 35" by Technology Review in 2006, and to the "Top 20 Brains Under Age 40" by Discover magazine in 2008. He has received the Gabbay Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Award and Transformative Research Award, the Society for Neuroscience Research Award for Innovation in Neuroscience, the NSF CAREER Award, the Paul Allen Distinguished Investigator Award, and the New York Stem Cell Robertson Investigator Award. In 2010, his work was recognized as the "Method of the Year" by the journal Nature Methods. Most recently he shared the 2013 Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize for outstanding contributions to European neuroscience–the largest neuroscience prize in the world.
Boston, MA
Professor Boyden leads the MIT Media Lab’s Synthetic Neurobiology research group, which develops tools for mapping, controlling, observing, and building dynamic circuits of the brain, and uses these neurotechnologies to understand how cognition and emotion arise from brain network operation, as well as to enable systematic repair of intractable brain disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. His research group has invented a suite of “optogenetic” tools that are now in use by thousands of research groups around the world for activating and silencing neurons with light.
Boyden was named to the "Top 35 Innovators Under the Age of 35" by Technology Review in 2006, and to the "Top 20 Brains Under Age 40" by Discover magazine in 2008. He has received the Gabbay Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Award and Transformative Research Award, the Society for Neuroscience Research Award for Innovation in Neuroscience, the NSF CAREER Award, the Paul Allen Distinguished Investigator Award, and the New York Stem Cell Robertson Investigator Award. In 2010, his work was recognized as the "Method of the Year" by the journal Nature Methods. Most recently he shared the 2013 Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize for outstanding contributions to European neuroscience–the largest neuroscience prize in the world.
Judge and Advisor: György Buzsáki, M.D., Ph.D.
György Buzsáki, M.D., Ph.D., Biggs Professor of Neural Sciences, NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University, Langone Medical Center
New York, NY
Dr. György Buzsáki was born in Kaposvár, Hungary, growing up in a communist regime. He completed his M.D in 1974 at the University of Pecs in Hungary, and obtained his PhD. in neuroscience under the supervision of Endre Grastyan from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest. He then held postdoctoral positions at the University of Texas in San Antonio and at the University of Western Ontario. He was appointed Assistant/Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Physiology, University of Pecs, until becoming Associate Professor in residence at UC San Diego in 1988. He then moved to the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University in Newark, where is he is currently a Board of Governors Professor.
New York, NY
Dr. György Buzsáki was born in Kaposvár, Hungary, growing up in a communist regime. He completed his M.D in 1974 at the University of Pecs in Hungary, and obtained his PhD. in neuroscience under the supervision of Endre Grastyan from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest. He then held postdoctoral positions at the University of Texas in San Antonio and at the University of Western Ontario. He was appointed Assistant/Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Physiology, University of Pecs, until becoming Associate Professor in residence at UC San Diego in 1988. He then moved to the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University in Newark, where is he is currently a Board of Governors Professor.
Advisor: Eamon Brady
Eamon Brady, CEO and Cofounder, Neuravi Ltd.
Galway, Ireland
With over two decades of experience in the medical device industry, Eamon previously led international teams as both Global Director of R&D and Director of New Ventures at Abbott Vascular. In these roles, he led the global R&D team to multiple product launches and was responsible for worldwide business development activities within the neurovascular, stenting, embolic protection, endo-AAA, and venous fields. He was a member of the founding team of MedNova Ltd., a company that pioneered embolic protection for carotid stenting, and helped lead the company to a $100M acquisition by Abbott Vascular. Eamon is an inventor on over 150 US patents, granted or pending.
Galway, Ireland
With over two decades of experience in the medical device industry, Eamon previously led international teams as both Global Director of R&D and Director of New Ventures at Abbott Vascular. In these roles, he led the global R&D team to multiple product launches and was responsible for worldwide business development activities within the neurovascular, stenting, embolic protection, endo-AAA, and venous fields. He was a member of the founding team of MedNova Ltd., a company that pioneered embolic protection for carotid stenting, and helped lead the company to a $100M acquisition by Abbott Vascular. Eamon is an inventor on over 150 US patents, granted or pending.
Judge: Daniel S. Chamberlain, Esq.
Daniel Chamberlain, Partner of Doehrman & Chamberlain
Indianapolis, IN
Dan Chamberlain is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate and partner in the Indianapolis-based law firm of Doehrman & Chamberlain. The firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death. He is the author of several professional articles and is a sought-after public speaker. Along with his professional experience as an attorney dealing with the aftermath of traumatic brain injury and the protection of the financial futures of those affected, Mr. Chamberlain is a champion of brain injury and other patient protection issues by advocating tirelessly within the Indiana state legislature on behalf of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. He has also worked closely with the Brain Injury Association of Indiana to procure a Health Resources and Services Administration state grant and to assist state agencies in developing the necessary resource facilitation and systems coordination to help fulfill funding goals.
Indianapolis, IN
Dan Chamberlain is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate and partner in the Indianapolis-based law firm of Doehrman & Chamberlain. The firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death. He is the author of several professional articles and is a sought-after public speaker. Along with his professional experience as an attorney dealing with the aftermath of traumatic brain injury and the protection of the financial futures of those affected, Mr. Chamberlain is a champion of brain injury and other patient protection issues by advocating tirelessly within the Indiana state legislature on behalf of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. He has also worked closely with the Brain Injury Association of Indiana to procure a Health Resources and Services Administration state grant and to assist state agencies in developing the necessary resource facilitation and systems coordination to help fulfill funding goals.
Judge and Advisor: Hung-Chun Chang, Ph.D.
Dr. Hung-Chun Chang, head of the Laboratory of Circadian Control and Age-Related Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, China
Dr. Chang received his Ph. D. from Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry/Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in 2007, where he studied the chaperone-assisted protein folding pathways and the consequences if misfolding occurs. He then pursued his post-doctoral training at MIT from 2007 to 2013, with the focus on central circadian impacts to metabolic controls. He joined Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2013, and became the head of the Laboratory of Circadian Control and Age-Related Disorders in Institute of Neuroscience in 2014.
His is interested in finding active modulators for circadian control from rodent longevity models. He is also interested in following the mechanism of how circadian rhythm is regulated, and the impacts to aging process or even neurodegenerative progression.
Shanghai, China
Dr. Chang received his Ph. D. from Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry/Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in 2007, where he studied the chaperone-assisted protein folding pathways and the consequences if misfolding occurs. He then pursued his post-doctoral training at MIT from 2007 to 2013, with the focus on central circadian impacts to metabolic controls. He joined Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2013, and became the head of the Laboratory of Circadian Control and Age-Related Disorders in Institute of Neuroscience in 2014.
His is interested in finding active modulators for circadian control from rodent longevity models. He is also interested in following the mechanism of how circadian rhythm is regulated, and the impacts to aging process or even neurodegenerative progression.
Judge and Advisor: David Chapman, Ph.D.
David Chapman, Ph.D., Senior Director, Business Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals
Philadelphia, PA
David has nearly 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been a member of Shire’s Business Development team since 2010 and, in his current role, is responsible for the identification and evaluation of new product and technology opportunities for in-licensing or acquisition with a particular focus on Neuroscience and GI. David also represents Shire on the Boards of several CNS companies.
David joined Shire in the UK in 2001 as International Project Leader in R&D with responsibility for early development projects. In 2004, David moved to the US with Shire as Product General Manager with responsibility for the development and commercialization of two products in the Neuroscience Business Unit. More recently, David was a member of the Global Strategic Planning and Program Management group with strategic & operational responsibility for a number of early development programs in Shire’s Emerging Business Unit.
Before joining Shire, David served in a variety of roles based in the UK, Belgium and the US in R&D strategy and operations including project leadership, clinical development and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetics at Ipsen, Janssen, Quintiles and SmithKline Beecham.
David completed his education in the UK and received his B.Sc (Honours) degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the University of Southampton and his Ph.D in Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics from the University of Surrey.
Philadelphia, PA
David has nearly 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been a member of Shire’s Business Development team since 2010 and, in his current role, is responsible for the identification and evaluation of new product and technology opportunities for in-licensing or acquisition with a particular focus on Neuroscience and GI. David also represents Shire on the Boards of several CNS companies.
David joined Shire in the UK in 2001 as International Project Leader in R&D with responsibility for early development projects. In 2004, David moved to the US with Shire as Product General Manager with responsibility for the development and commercialization of two products in the Neuroscience Business Unit. More recently, David was a member of the Global Strategic Planning and Program Management group with strategic & operational responsibility for a number of early development programs in Shire’s Emerging Business Unit.
Before joining Shire, David served in a variety of roles based in the UK, Belgium and the US in R&D strategy and operations including project leadership, clinical development and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetics at Ipsen, Janssen, Quintiles and SmithKline Beecham.
David completed his education in the UK and received his B.Sc (Honours) degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the University of Southampton and his Ph.D in Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics from the University of Surrey.
Advisor: Sohini Chowdhury
Sohini Chowdhury, Senior Vice President, Research Partnerships, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
New York, NY
Sohini Chowdhury joined the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2005. In her current role at MJFF, Sohini oversees a team that focuses on three areas: 1) increasing engagement and developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including industry (pharma and biotech), insurance companies, and academic networks/medical groups; 2) developing and implementing strategies to improve recruitment for Parkinson's disease trials; and 3) managing the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a $45-50 million clinical biomarker study.
Prior to joining MJFF, Sohini worked at the World Economic Forum for five years. As the Senior Community Manager of the Forum's Technology Pioneers program, she was responsible for annually selecting and integrating innovative biotech, energy and IT technology companies into Forum activities. Sohini also worked directly for the Forum's CEO, acting as his liaison with key Forum stakeholders and overseeing several in-house projects.
Sohini graduated with an MA from Georgetown University, and holds a BA in International Studies from Vassar College.
New York, NY
Sohini Chowdhury joined the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2005. In her current role at MJFF, Sohini oversees a team that focuses on three areas: 1) increasing engagement and developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including industry (pharma and biotech), insurance companies, and academic networks/medical groups; 2) developing and implementing strategies to improve recruitment for Parkinson's disease trials; and 3) managing the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a $45-50 million clinical biomarker study.
Prior to joining MJFF, Sohini worked at the World Economic Forum for five years. As the Senior Community Manager of the Forum's Technology Pioneers program, she was responsible for annually selecting and integrating innovative biotech, energy and IT technology companies into Forum activities. Sohini also worked directly for the Forum's CEO, acting as his liaison with key Forum stakeholders and overseeing several in-house projects.
Sohini graduated with an MA from Georgetown University, and holds a BA in International Studies from Vassar College.
Judge and Advisor: Miyoung Chun, Ph.D.
Miyoung Chun, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Science Programs, The Kavli Foundation
Oxnard, CA
She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University in 1990 and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT’s Whitehead Institute studying the cell and molecular biology of receptors. Her academic career began as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and a member of Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute at Boston University School of Medicine in 1995. There she taught in the areas of cell biology and molecular medicine, and conducted research in signal transduction of G-protein coupled receptors. From 1999 to 2004 she worked for Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. as a scientist and project leader, where her research focused on genomics/functional genomics and on molecular imaging in drug discovery and development. She discovered and characterized novel genes that are important to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, and has over 30 U.S. and International issued/published patents. In 2004 she moved back to academia as Assistant Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), in particular serving the California Nanosystems Institute. She was also appointed Director of International Research Advancement at UCSB. In this role she was active in building partnerships among academia, government and industry around the globe. Dr. Chun was Vice President of Science Programs at The Kavli Foundation since 2007 and became Executive Vice President of Science Programs in 2013.
Oxnard, CA
She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University in 1990 and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT’s Whitehead Institute studying the cell and molecular biology of receptors. Her academic career began as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and a member of Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute at Boston University School of Medicine in 1995. There she taught in the areas of cell biology and molecular medicine, and conducted research in signal transduction of G-protein coupled receptors. From 1999 to 2004 she worked for Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. as a scientist and project leader, where her research focused on genomics/functional genomics and on molecular imaging in drug discovery and development. She discovered and characterized novel genes that are important to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, and has over 30 U.S. and International issued/published patents. In 2004 she moved back to academia as Assistant Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), in particular serving the California Nanosystems Institute. She was also appointed Director of International Research Advancement at UCSB. In this role she was active in building partnerships among academia, government and industry around the globe. Dr. Chun was Vice President of Science Programs at The Kavli Foundation since 2007 and became Executive Vice President of Science Programs in 2013.
Judge and Advisor: Fred Colen
Fred Colen , CEO and President, BeneChill
Miami, FL
Fred Colen is a medical device executive leading early stage, medium and multi-billion dollar global medical device businesses. Known for ability to build strong organizations that effectively develop and commercialize new Medical Technology. Reputation for setting high standards with focus on finding new solutions, value creation, business ethics, patient safety, innovation and quality, resulting in sustained business success. Fluent in English, German and Dutch. Worked and lived in the U.S. and Europe. Citizen of the Netherlands, permanent resident status in the U.S.
Fred is currently the CEO and President of Benechill, a start-up medical device company, focused on Brain protection through easy to use, non-invasive, targeted brain cooling for patients who suffer cardiac arrest, stroke, traumatic brain injury or undergo Surgery. Previous to Benechill, he worked at Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Lewicki Microelectronic, and Cardiac Pacemakers.
Fred has a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Aachen in Germany.
Miami, FL
Fred Colen is a medical device executive leading early stage, medium and multi-billion dollar global medical device businesses. Known for ability to build strong organizations that effectively develop and commercialize new Medical Technology. Reputation for setting high standards with focus on finding new solutions, value creation, business ethics, patient safety, innovation and quality, resulting in sustained business success. Fluent in English, German and Dutch. Worked and lived in the U.S. and Europe. Citizen of the Netherlands, permanent resident status in the U.S.
Fred is currently the CEO and President of Benechill, a start-up medical device company, focused on Brain protection through easy to use, non-invasive, targeted brain cooling for patients who suffer cardiac arrest, stroke, traumatic brain injury or undergo Surgery. Previous to Benechill, he worked at Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Lewicki Microelectronic, and Cardiac Pacemakers.
Fred has a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Aachen in Germany.
Judge and Advisor: Gerald Commissiong
Gerald E. Commissiong, President & CEO, Amarantus
San Francisco, CA
Mr. Commissiong is President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of Amarantus, the company he co-founded with John Commissiong, PhD in 2008. From the inception of the Company, Mr. Commissiong attracted seed capital, acquired the intellectual property rights to MANF and recruited scientific and executive talent to Amarantus to allow for the further development of the technologies. Prior to becoming CEO in October 2011, Mr. Commissiong was the Chief Operating Officer where his duties included strategic transactions, licensing, research collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and fund raising. From August 2009 until March 2011, he served as Chief Business Officer where he was responsible for business and corporate development. Prior to co-founding Amarantus, Mr. Commissiong played professional football for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Mr. Commissiong received a B.Sc. in Management Science and Engineering with a focus on Financial Decisions from Stanford University.
San Francisco, CA
Mr. Commissiong is President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of Amarantus, the company he co-founded with John Commissiong, PhD in 2008. From the inception of the Company, Mr. Commissiong attracted seed capital, acquired the intellectual property rights to MANF and recruited scientific and executive talent to Amarantus to allow for the further development of the technologies. Prior to becoming CEO in October 2011, Mr. Commissiong was the Chief Operating Officer where his duties included strategic transactions, licensing, research collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and fund raising. From August 2009 until March 2011, he served as Chief Business Officer where he was responsible for business and corporate development. Prior to co-founding Amarantus, Mr. Commissiong played professional football for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Mr. Commissiong received a B.Sc. in Management Science and Engineering with a focus on Financial Decisions from Stanford University.
Judge and Advisor: Javier DeFelipe, Ph.D.
Javier DeFelipe, Ph.D., Professor, Cajal Institute
Spanish Project leader for the NASA Neurolab project
Director of the Cajal Blue Brain Project
Spanish partner of the Blue Brain Project initiative from EPFL
Co-director of Subproject 1-Strategic Mouse Brain Data of the Human Brain Project
Madrid, Spain
I began my research career in 1976 at the Cajal Institute, under the supervision of Dr. J. Rodrigo, experimentally and morphologically studying the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the mammalian oesophagus. Having presented my doctoral thesis in 1980, I joined the laboratory of Drs F. Valverde and A. Fairén at the same Institute. It was in this period that I began to study the microorganization of the cerebral cortex, using the combined method of Golgi-electron microscopy, a subject that has remained the focal point for my research since then. During this period, we developed a very simple and effective method for correlative light and electron microscopic studies to analysis the connections between identified neurons at the electron microscopy level. This method allowed us to identify unequivocally every part of the axon and the dendrites of the cell under study. In 1983, I obtained a Fogarty Fellowship (NIH) to work with Dr. Edward Jones at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (USA). This allowed me to extend my studies on cortical organization through the use of additional methods, such as high resolution immunocytochemistry and the use of anatomical tracers. One of the most important scientific achievements was the demonstration of the coexistence of neuropeptides (somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and cholecystokinin) with a classical neurotransmitter (GABA) in the cerebral cortex. From 1984 to 1985 I was appointed as a Visiting Scientist, in the laboratory of Dr. Jones at the University of California (Irvine). After this period in the laboratory of the Dr. Jones (1983-1986), I obtained a Tenured in Neuroscience at the Cajal Institute to continue my research on the cerebral cortex. Between 1989 and 1991, I returned to Dr. Jones’ laboratory to study the microorganization of the monkey cerebral cortex. In 1991 I returned to the Cajal Institute to establish a research group that principally focuses on the microorganization of the normal cerebral cortex (including hippocampus) in various species (particularly humans) and on the alterations of cortical circuits in epilepsy and Alzheimer disease. In 2000, I was appointed as Research Scientist, and in 2004 as Full Professor in the same institution. I was the Spanish Project leader for the NASA Neurolab project (1998) and the Director of the Cajal Blue Brain Project (2009-actual), Spanish partner of the Blue Brain Project initiative from EPFL (Switzerland). In addition, I am the co-director of Subproject 1-Strategic Mouse Brain Data of the Human Brain Project. Finally, another of my principal interest is the study of the history of our current understanding of cortical organization and function. In particular, I am interested in the roots of cortical histology and circuitry.
Spanish Project leader for the NASA Neurolab project
Director of the Cajal Blue Brain Project
Spanish partner of the Blue Brain Project initiative from EPFL
Co-director of Subproject 1-Strategic Mouse Brain Data of the Human Brain Project
Madrid, Spain
I began my research career in 1976 at the Cajal Institute, under the supervision of Dr. J. Rodrigo, experimentally and morphologically studying the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the mammalian oesophagus. Having presented my doctoral thesis in 1980, I joined the laboratory of Drs F. Valverde and A. Fairén at the same Institute. It was in this period that I began to study the microorganization of the cerebral cortex, using the combined method of Golgi-electron microscopy, a subject that has remained the focal point for my research since then. During this period, we developed a very simple and effective method for correlative light and electron microscopic studies to analysis the connections between identified neurons at the electron microscopy level. This method allowed us to identify unequivocally every part of the axon and the dendrites of the cell under study. In 1983, I obtained a Fogarty Fellowship (NIH) to work with Dr. Edward Jones at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (USA). This allowed me to extend my studies on cortical organization through the use of additional methods, such as high resolution immunocytochemistry and the use of anatomical tracers. One of the most important scientific achievements was the demonstration of the coexistence of neuropeptides (somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and cholecystokinin) with a classical neurotransmitter (GABA) in the cerebral cortex. From 1984 to 1985 I was appointed as a Visiting Scientist, in the laboratory of Dr. Jones at the University of California (Irvine). After this period in the laboratory of the Dr. Jones (1983-1986), I obtained a Tenured in Neuroscience at the Cajal Institute to continue my research on the cerebral cortex. Between 1989 and 1991, I returned to Dr. Jones’ laboratory to study the microorganization of the monkey cerebral cortex. In 1991 I returned to the Cajal Institute to establish a research group that principally focuses on the microorganization of the normal cerebral cortex (including hippocampus) in various species (particularly humans) and on the alterations of cortical circuits in epilepsy and Alzheimer disease. In 2000, I was appointed as Research Scientist, and in 2004 as Full Professor in the same institution. I was the Spanish Project leader for the NASA Neurolab project (1998) and the Director of the Cajal Blue Brain Project (2009-actual), Spanish partner of the Blue Brain Project initiative from EPFL (Switzerland). In addition, I am the co-director of Subproject 1-Strategic Mouse Brain Data of the Human Brain Project. Finally, another of my principal interest is the study of the history of our current understanding of cortical organization and function. In particular, I am interested in the roots of cortical histology and circuitry.
Judge and Advisor: Tim Denison, Ph.D.
Tim Denison, Ph.D., Engineering Director, Technical Fellow Neuromodulation
Minneapolis, MN
Tim Denison is a Technical Fellow at Medtronic and Director of Core Technology in Neuromodulation, where he helps oversee the design of next generation neural interface and algorithm technologies for the treatment of neurological disease. In 2012, he was awarded membership to the Bakken Society. Tim received an A.B. in Physics from The University of Chicago, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. Tim’s extracurricular pursuits include serving as an adjunct professor at Brown University [Providence, RI], serving as an assistant editor for the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems and on the editorial board of the Journal of Neural Engineering, and exploring artistic design as a board member and treasurer of FOCI glass studio, Minnesota’s center for glass arts.
Minneapolis, MN
Tim Denison is a Technical Fellow at Medtronic and Director of Core Technology in Neuromodulation, where he helps oversee the design of next generation neural interface and algorithm technologies for the treatment of neurological disease. In 2012, he was awarded membership to the Bakken Society. Tim received an A.B. in Physics from The University of Chicago, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. Tim’s extracurricular pursuits include serving as an adjunct professor at Brown University [Providence, RI], serving as an assistant editor for the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems and on the editorial board of the Journal of Neural Engineering, and exploring artistic design as a board member and treasurer of FOCI glass studio, Minnesota’s center for glass arts.
Judge and Advisor: Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, M.D., Ph.D.
Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, MD, PhD, Director of Clinical Research, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine
Professor of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Rockville, MD
Dr. Diaz-Arrastia is professor of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and director of the North Texas TBI Research Center. Dr. Diaz-Arrastia received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Baylor College of Medicine in 1988, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha. After a one-year medicine internship at Beth Israel Hospital and the Harvard Medical School, he completed his neurology residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. In 1993, he accepted an appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern, where he has risen through the ranks and promoted to Professor in 2006. Dr. Diaz-Arrastia heads the North Texas TBI Research Center, a collaboration between the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR). Dr. Diaz-Arrastia has served on several national committees related to TBI research and practice, including expert panels convened by the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Institute of Aging. He has also served on two Scientific Review Committees for the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, Alzheimer’s Association, and Victoria (Australia) Neurotrauma Fund, among others. He is also a peer reviewer for the leading journals in neurology, neuroscience, neurotrauma, and neurorehabilitation.
Professor of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Rockville, MD
Dr. Diaz-Arrastia is professor of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and director of the North Texas TBI Research Center. Dr. Diaz-Arrastia received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Baylor College of Medicine in 1988, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha. After a one-year medicine internship at Beth Israel Hospital and the Harvard Medical School, he completed his neurology residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. In 1993, he accepted an appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern, where he has risen through the ranks and promoted to Professor in 2006. Dr. Diaz-Arrastia heads the North Texas TBI Research Center, a collaboration between the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR). Dr. Diaz-Arrastia has served on several national committees related to TBI research and practice, including expert panels convened by the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Institute of Aging. He has also served on two Scientific Review Committees for the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, Alzheimer’s Association, and Victoria (Australia) Neurotrauma Fund, among others. He is also a peer reviewer for the leading journals in neurology, neuroscience, neurotrauma, and neurorehabilitation.
Judge and Advisor: Ken Duckworth, M.D.
Ken Duckworth, M.D., Medical Director, National Alliance on Mental Health
New York, NY
Ken Duckworth, M.D., serves as the medical director for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He is double board certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. He has also completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship.
Dr. Duckworth is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Harvard University Medical School, and has served as a board member of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. Dr. Duckworth has held clinical and leadership positions in community mental health, school psychiatry and now also works as Associate Medical Director for Behavioral Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
Prior to joining NAMI in 2003, Dr. Duckworth served as Acting Commissioner of Mental Health and the Medical Director for Department of Mental Health of Massachusetts, as a psychiatrist on a Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) team, and Medical Director of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center.
Dr. Duckworth attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with honors and Temple University School of Medicine where he was named to the medical honor society, AOA. While at Temple, he won awards for his work in psychiatry and neurology.
New York, NY
Ken Duckworth, M.D., serves as the medical director for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He is double board certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. He has also completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship.
Dr. Duckworth is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Harvard University Medical School, and has served as a board member of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. Dr. Duckworth has held clinical and leadership positions in community mental health, school psychiatry and now also works as Associate Medical Director for Behavioral Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
Prior to joining NAMI in 2003, Dr. Duckworth served as Acting Commissioner of Mental Health and the Medical Director for Department of Mental Health of Massachusetts, as a psychiatrist on a Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) team, and Medical Director of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center.
Dr. Duckworth attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with honors and Temple University School of Medicine where he was named to the medical honor society, AOA. While at Temple, he won awards for his work in psychiatry and neurology.
Judge : Don DuRousseau
Don DuRousseau, MBA, Director, Research Technology Services, George Washington University
Purcellville, VA
Don has more than 25 years of research and development experience as a technology maker, principal investigator and entrepreneur. He is an active contributor to the fields of high performance computing, systems engineering and adaptive networking. He's working to improve the cyberinfrastructure fabric needed for Big Data projects as the Director of the Capital Area Advanced Research and Education Network (CAAREN); a high performance networking collaboration located at GW's Ashburn campus. CAAREN was recently launched by The George Washington University to provide the high speed connectivity that R&E centers need to drive innovations in education, bioinformatics, genomics, digital health, finance, business intelligence, social networking and politics.
Don has more than 40 publications on topics including real time signal processing, adaptive systems and performance engineering. His work involves the broad dissemination of HPC/SDN technologies working with Internet2 and a backbone of regional connectors delivering high speed fiber to communities across the country.
Specialties: big data analytics, bioinformatics, signal processing and adaptive computing.
Purcellville, VA
Don has more than 25 years of research and development experience as a technology maker, principal investigator and entrepreneur. He is an active contributor to the fields of high performance computing, systems engineering and adaptive networking. He's working to improve the cyberinfrastructure fabric needed for Big Data projects as the Director of the Capital Area Advanced Research and Education Network (CAAREN); a high performance networking collaboration located at GW's Ashburn campus. CAAREN was recently launched by The George Washington University to provide the high speed connectivity that R&E centers need to drive innovations in education, bioinformatics, genomics, digital health, finance, business intelligence, social networking and politics.
Don has more than 40 publications on topics including real time signal processing, adaptive systems and performance engineering. His work involves the broad dissemination of HPC/SDN technologies working with Internet2 and a backbone of regional connectors delivering high speed fiber to communities across the country.
Specialties: big data analytics, bioinformatics, signal processing and adaptive computing.
Advisor: Florian Engert, Ph.D.
Florian Engert, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Boston, MA
My lab's interest lies in studying the development and circuitry of visual processing in vertebrates. We use in-vivo preparations of tadpole and zebrafish as model systems to examine retinotectal connections as they arise and mature in the developing animal. Our tools are in-vivo patch clamp recordings, two-photon laser scanning microscopy and reverse correlation techniques for extracting receptive field properties.
Boston, MA
My lab's interest lies in studying the development and circuitry of visual processing in vertebrates. We use in-vivo preparations of tadpole and zebrafish as model systems to examine retinotectal connections as they arise and mature in the developing animal. Our tools are in-vivo patch clamp recordings, two-photon laser scanning microscopy and reverse correlation techniques for extracting receptive field properties.
Judge and Advisor: Neal Farber, Ph.D.
Neal Farber, Ph.D., CEO, NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boston, MA
Neal Farber has over 30 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in research, product development and senior management. He is currently CEO of NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage company developing innovative drug treatments for specialty indications based on neurologically active compounds. Previously, as CEO of Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, he completed a series A financing, a corporate deal with a major medical device company, multiple development agreements, and initiated clinical trials in autoimmune and cancer programs. Neal has held senior corporate development positions at Biogen, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, and T Cell Sciences. He has been a consultant to early stage biotech, university start-ups, major life science-based companies and patent firms in matters encompassing strategy, drug development, due diligence, and business development. Dr. Farber was a Helen Hay Whitney Research Fellow in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology at Harvard University, received his PhD (Hammett Award) in Biophysical Chemistry from Columbia University, and a BSc (honors) in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Boston, MA
Neal Farber has over 30 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in research, product development and senior management. He is currently CEO of NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage company developing innovative drug treatments for specialty indications based on neurologically active compounds. Previously, as CEO of Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, he completed a series A financing, a corporate deal with a major medical device company, multiple development agreements, and initiated clinical trials in autoimmune and cancer programs. Neal has held senior corporate development positions at Biogen, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, and T Cell Sciences. He has been a consultant to early stage biotech, university start-ups, major life science-based companies and patent firms in matters encompassing strategy, drug development, due diligence, and business development. Dr. Farber was a Helen Hay Whitney Research Fellow in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology at Harvard University, received his PhD (Hammett Award) in Biophysical Chemistry from Columbia University, and a BSc (honors) in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Judge and Advisor: Olivier Faugeras
Olivier Faugeras, Research Director at INRIA in the Sophia Antipolis
Rocquencourt, France
A graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and the ENST, Olivier Faugeras obtained a PhD from the University of Utah in 1976. With a doctorate in sciences from Paris VI University, he joined Inria (Sophia Antipolis) as a senior research scientist in 1981. From 1989 to 2002, Olivier Faugeras was responsible for the Robotvis project-team, working on computer vision and robotics. A professor at MIT from 1996 to 2001, he became head scientist of the Odyssée project-team in 2002 (algorithmic and biological vision). Since 2008, he has led the NeuroMathComp project-team, working on the modelling of neurons and neuron systems. Considered to be one of the world's leading specialists in computer vision, he has written a seminal book on the subject: Three-dimensional Computer Vision : A Geometric Viewpoint (MIT Press, 1993). Today, Olivier Faugeras is working on the 3D reconstruction of human brain activity within the framework of computational neuroscience. A member of the institute's mechanics and computer science section since 1998, he has served on the French Petroleum Institute's scientific council since 2004. He has also been a member of the EADS business foundation (2004-2008) and the board of directors of the French National Research Agency, the ANR (2007-2008).
Rocquencourt, France
A graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and the ENST, Olivier Faugeras obtained a PhD from the University of Utah in 1976. With a doctorate in sciences from Paris VI University, he joined Inria (Sophia Antipolis) as a senior research scientist in 1981. From 1989 to 2002, Olivier Faugeras was responsible for the Robotvis project-team, working on computer vision and robotics. A professor at MIT from 1996 to 2001, he became head scientist of the Odyssée project-team in 2002 (algorithmic and biological vision). Since 2008, he has led the NeuroMathComp project-team, working on the modelling of neurons and neuron systems. Considered to be one of the world's leading specialists in computer vision, he has written a seminal book on the subject: Three-dimensional Computer Vision : A Geometric Viewpoint (MIT Press, 1993). Today, Olivier Faugeras is working on the 3D reconstruction of human brain activity within the framework of computational neuroscience. A member of the institute's mechanics and computer science section since 1998, he has served on the French Petroleum Institute's scientific council since 2004. He has also been a member of the EADS business foundation (2004-2008) and the board of directors of the French National Research Agency, the ANR (2007-2008).
Judge: Carlos Forray, M.D.
Carlos Forray, M.D., Senior Medical Advisor, Lundbeck
Paramus, NJ
Carlos Forray is the senior medical advisor and director of Lundbeck. He specializes in Clinical Research, Drug Discovery, Safety & Pharmacovigilance, Translational Research, Drug Discovery, and Molecular Pharmacology.
Paramus, NJ
Carlos Forray is the senior medical advisor and director of Lundbeck. He specializes in Clinical Research, Drug Discovery, Safety & Pharmacovigilance, Translational Research, Drug Discovery, and Molecular Pharmacology.
Judge and Advisor: Richard Frackowiak, M.D., Ph.D.
Richard Frackowiak, M.D., Ph.D., Co-director Human Brain Project, Medical Informatics
Lausanne, Switzerland
Formerly he served as Foundation Professor of Cognitive Neurology at University College London (UCL), Director of the Department of Cognitive Studies (DEC) at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, Wellcome Trust Principal Clinical Research Fellow and Vice-Provost of UCL after a period as Dean-Director of its Institute of Neurology. He founded the Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience and its Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL) in 1994.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Formerly he served as Foundation Professor of Cognitive Neurology at University College London (UCL), Director of the Department of Cognitive Studies (DEC) at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, Wellcome Trust Principal Clinical Research Fellow and Vice-Provost of UCL after a period as Dean-Director of its Institute of Neurology. He founded the Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience and its Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL) in 1994.
Judge and Advisor: Stephen Freedman, Ph.D.
Stephen B. Freedman, PhD , Vice President for Corporate Liaison and Ventures Director of the Gladstone Center for Translational Research, The J. David Gladstone Institutes
San Francisco, CA
The Gladstone Center for Translational Research (GCTR) was established in 2006 to provide expertise and translational research support for the Gladstone Investigators and research programs. As Vice President for Corporate Liaison and Ventures, and Director of the GCTR, Dr. Freedman is responsible for Gladstone activities in relationship with for-profit entities (venture capital, biotech, pharma companies) and contracts with other not-for-profit organizations. The GCTR sponsors new initiatives to attract participation from Investigators and has the objective to generate a variety of positive outcomes. These include acceleration of scientific programs as well as financial support, additional resources, publicity, partnering opportunities, and scientific technology access for Gladstone.
Dr. Freedman has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including senior positions at Merck and Co., where he was a member of their CNS research group and Elan Pharmaceuticals, where he was Senior Vice President, Head of Worldwide Research. He has interests in therapies in neurology, psychiatry, pain, and inflammation and autoimmune diseases and helped advance over 15 small molecules and biologics into clinical development. He is an author on over 100 research publications and is an inventor on a number of patents in these therapeutic areas.
Dr Freedman helped with the successful initial fundraising of a startup company in the field of epilepsy and with the formation and operation of the Merck-Gladstone strategic alliance in the field of apoE. As an advisor to Gladstone, he worked on several multi-year collaborations with major biotech and venture capital companies. As a consultant he has also worked with the Myelin Repair Foundation, the Consortium for Frontotemporal Dementia Research, the Gallo Institutes, UCSF, and numerous other US and European organizations and biotechnology companies.
Dr. Freedman received a BSc in physiology and biochemistry and a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Southampton. He received the G. Kerkut Prize for Physiology in 1978. He completed postdoctoral studies with Professor Richard Miller at the University of Chicago. He joined the neuroscience group at Merck and Co. in 1984 and moved to the United States in 1995 as director of pharmacology for Athena Neurociences in San Francisco. After its acquisition by Elan Pharmaceuticals, he held senior positions within the research division, including as senior vice president, head of global research, from 2003–2005. In 2005 Dr. Freedman formed SBF Consulting, LLC, serving as its owner and manager until 2010. SBF supported translational research in the pharmaceutical industry and academia, including early technology platforms, drug discovery and optimization projects, clinical development programs, and in-licensing/out-licensing opportunities. Dr. Freedman served as an advisor to the president of Gladstone from 2005 through 2010. He became the vice president for corporate liaison and ventures in January 2011.
San Francisco, CA
The Gladstone Center for Translational Research (GCTR) was established in 2006 to provide expertise and translational research support for the Gladstone Investigators and research programs. As Vice President for Corporate Liaison and Ventures, and Director of the GCTR, Dr. Freedman is responsible for Gladstone activities in relationship with for-profit entities (venture capital, biotech, pharma companies) and contracts with other not-for-profit organizations. The GCTR sponsors new initiatives to attract participation from Investigators and has the objective to generate a variety of positive outcomes. These include acceleration of scientific programs as well as financial support, additional resources, publicity, partnering opportunities, and scientific technology access for Gladstone.
Dr. Freedman has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including senior positions at Merck and Co., where he was a member of their CNS research group and Elan Pharmaceuticals, where he was Senior Vice President, Head of Worldwide Research. He has interests in therapies in neurology, psychiatry, pain, and inflammation and autoimmune diseases and helped advance over 15 small molecules and biologics into clinical development. He is an author on over 100 research publications and is an inventor on a number of patents in these therapeutic areas.
Dr Freedman helped with the successful initial fundraising of a startup company in the field of epilepsy and with the formation and operation of the Merck-Gladstone strategic alliance in the field of apoE. As an advisor to Gladstone, he worked on several multi-year collaborations with major biotech and venture capital companies. As a consultant he has also worked with the Myelin Repair Foundation, the Consortium for Frontotemporal Dementia Research, the Gallo Institutes, UCSF, and numerous other US and European organizations and biotechnology companies.
Dr. Freedman received a BSc in physiology and biochemistry and a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Southampton. He received the G. Kerkut Prize for Physiology in 1978. He completed postdoctoral studies with Professor Richard Miller at the University of Chicago. He joined the neuroscience group at Merck and Co. in 1984 and moved to the United States in 1995 as director of pharmacology for Athena Neurociences in San Francisco. After its acquisition by Elan Pharmaceuticals, he held senior positions within the research division, including as senior vice president, head of global research, from 2003–2005. In 2005 Dr. Freedman formed SBF Consulting, LLC, serving as its owner and manager until 2010. SBF supported translational research in the pharmaceutical industry and academia, including early technology platforms, drug discovery and optimization projects, clinical development programs, and in-licensing/out-licensing opportunities. Dr. Freedman served as an advisor to the president of Gladstone from 2005 through 2010. He became the vice president for corporate liaison and ventures in January 2011.
Judge and Advisor: Giovanni Frisoni, M.D., Ph.D.
Giovani Frisoni, M.D. Ph. D., Clinical neurologist, Full Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Head of the Memory Clinic of the Geneva University Hospital. Scientific Director at the National Alzheimer’s Centre in Brescia, Italy and Head of the local Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Translational Care Unit.
Brecia, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland
Author of over 400 scientific papers listed in PubMed, imaging editor for Neurobiology of Aging, and founding editorial board member of The Lancet Neurology. Principal Investigator of European Commission funded projects FP6 ENIR in 2006-7, FP7 neuGRID in 2008-10, FP7 outGRID in 2009-12, and FP7 neuGRID for users in 2011-14, aiming to develop an innovative working environment for imaging neuroscientists based on cloud computing. Has brought ADNI to Europe with Alzheimer’s Association grant Pilot European
ADNI in 2005-6 and IMI Pharmacog WP5/EADNI in 2010-ongoing, and ADNI and DIAN to Italy with Italian Ministry of Health-funded Italian ADNI (2010-12) and Italian DIAN (2012-ongoing). He is leading the international Alzheimer’s Association grant Harmonized Protocol for Hippocampal Volumetry (2010-ongoing) aiming to standardize the manual segmentation of the hippocampus globally. Chairman of Alzheimer’s Imaging Consortium at ICAD 2010 and 2011. Has brought amyloid imaging to Italy with ISS with florbetapir, flutemetamol, and florbetaben.
Brecia, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland
Author of over 400 scientific papers listed in PubMed, imaging editor for Neurobiology of Aging, and founding editorial board member of The Lancet Neurology. Principal Investigator of European Commission funded projects FP6 ENIR in 2006-7, FP7 neuGRID in 2008-10, FP7 outGRID in 2009-12, and FP7 neuGRID for users in 2011-14, aiming to develop an innovative working environment for imaging neuroscientists based on cloud computing. Has brought ADNI to Europe with Alzheimer’s Association grant Pilot European
ADNI in 2005-6 and IMI Pharmacog WP5/EADNI in 2010-ongoing, and ADNI and DIAN to Italy with Italian Ministry of Health-funded Italian ADNI (2010-12) and Italian DIAN (2012-ongoing). He is leading the international Alzheimer’s Association grant Harmonized Protocol for Hippocampal Volumetry (2010-ongoing) aiming to standardize the manual segmentation of the hippocampus globally. Chairman of Alzheimer’s Imaging Consortium at ICAD 2010 and 2011. Has brought amyloid imaging to Italy with ISS with florbetapir, flutemetamol, and florbetaben.
Judge: Juan Fueyo-Margareto, M.D.
Juan Fueyo-Margareto, M.D., Director of Neuro-Oncology Experimental Research, Department of Neuro-Oncology - Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology - Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Director Brain Tumor Program-Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
My laboratory's projects primarily focus on the development of novel gene therapy strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas. Specifically, I have been examining the mechanisms of cell- cycle control and cell death that are abrogated in brain tumors. Though working mostly on the P16/Rb (retinoblastoma)/E2F-1 pathway, we are also studying the role of p16, Rb, and E2F-1 as tumor suppressor genes in gliomas. In addition, I am in the process of determining whether conventional chemotherapeutics for gliomas can be enhanced when combined with gene therapy. Another related project involves the determination of proficient means of gene delivery using oncolytic viruses. In this regard, we have identified a replication-competent adenovirus (Delta- 24) that cannot bind the Rb protein, has a potent anticancer effect, and low toxicity in quiescent normal cells. The Delta-24 adenoviral construct is currently the target of a provisional patent and is being further realized into a future clinical trial for patients with malignant brain tumors. The focus of my laboratory over the next two years will be on improving the anticancer effect of oncolytic adenoviruses and the translation of those pre-clinical findings to the clinic setting.
Professor, Department of Neuro-Oncology - Research, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Director Brain Tumor Program-Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
My laboratory's projects primarily focus on the development of novel gene therapy strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas. Specifically, I have been examining the mechanisms of cell- cycle control and cell death that are abrogated in brain tumors. Though working mostly on the P16/Rb (retinoblastoma)/E2F-1 pathway, we are also studying the role of p16, Rb, and E2F-1 as tumor suppressor genes in gliomas. In addition, I am in the process of determining whether conventional chemotherapeutics for gliomas can be enhanced when combined with gene therapy. Another related project involves the determination of proficient means of gene delivery using oncolytic viruses. In this regard, we have identified a replication-competent adenovirus (Delta- 24) that cannot bind the Rb protein, has a potent anticancer effect, and low toxicity in quiescent normal cells. The Delta-24 adenoviral construct is currently the target of a provisional patent and is being further realized into a future clinical trial for patients with malignant brain tumors. The focus of my laboratory over the next two years will be on improving the anticancer effect of oncolytic adenoviruses and the translation of those pre-clinical findings to the clinic setting.
Judge and Advisor: Douglas Galasko, M.D.
Douglas Galasko, M.D., Professor, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA
Dr. Galasko is a clinician-researcher who focuses on Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other disorders resulting in cognitive impairment and dementia. He currently serves as Director of the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, a NIH-funded consortium of medical Centers that conducts clinical trials in Alzheimer’s Disease.
In clinical practice, he provides expert evaluation and comprehensive care for patients with memory and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Progressive Aphasia, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, at the UCSD Perlman Neurology Clinic.
He also is a Staff Physician in the Neurology Service of the VA Medical Center, La Jolla, where he sees patients with a variety of neurological disorders.
Dr. Galasko has made significant original research contributions in the area of Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and other disorders associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. He has authored 250 journal articles, over 30 book chapters, and serves as Co-Editor of the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. He has served on committees to develop diagnostic criteria for Dementia with Lewy Bodies and to standardize biological sample collection for multicenter research studies.
He has received research funding from the National Institute on Aging, the State of California, the Alzheimer Association, the Michael J Fox Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery Foundation. He also has conducted clinical trials with funding from Pfizer, Elan, and Eli Lilly, Inc.
He serves as a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans Administration, and Foundations that include the Michael J Fox Foundation, the Bright Focus Foundation, and the American Federation for Aging Research. He serves on advisory boards for academic research groups and pharmaceutical companies.
San Diego, CA
Dr. Galasko is a clinician-researcher who focuses on Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other disorders resulting in cognitive impairment and dementia. He currently serves as Director of the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, a NIH-funded consortium of medical Centers that conducts clinical trials in Alzheimer’s Disease.
In clinical practice, he provides expert evaluation and comprehensive care for patients with memory and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Progressive Aphasia, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, at the UCSD Perlman Neurology Clinic.
He also is a Staff Physician in the Neurology Service of the VA Medical Center, La Jolla, where he sees patients with a variety of neurological disorders.
Dr. Galasko has made significant original research contributions in the area of Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and other disorders associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. He has authored 250 journal articles, over 30 book chapters, and serves as Co-Editor of the journal Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. He has served on committees to develop diagnostic criteria for Dementia with Lewy Bodies and to standardize biological sample collection for multicenter research studies.
He has received research funding from the National Institute on Aging, the State of California, the Alzheimer Association, the Michael J Fox Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery Foundation. He also has conducted clinical trials with funding from Pfizer, Elan, and Eli Lilly, Inc.
He serves as a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans Administration, and Foundations that include the Michael J Fox Foundation, the Bright Focus Foundation, and the American Federation for Aging Research. He serves on advisory boards for academic research groups and pharmaceutical companies.
Judge and Advisor: Jack Gallant, Ph.D.
Jack Gallant, Ph.D., Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience, University of California at Berkeley
Programs in Bioengineering, Biophysics & Vision Science, University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
The focus of research in my laboratory is on understanding the structure and function of the visual system. Vision is the most important sense for humans, and damage to vision through disease or stroke is a serious problem affecting millions of people. The human visual system is quite complicated, consisting of several dozen distinct modules (visual areas) arranged in a highly interconnected, hierarchical and parallel network. The visual system is also tightly integrated with other sensory subsystems and systems for memory and language. Because of this interconnectivity, and because the brain is build on modular principles, vision research also has important implications for understanding other brain systems. - See more at: http://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/jack-l-gallant#sthash.rM4gUCB7.dpuf
Programs in Bioengineering, Biophysics & Vision Science, University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
The focus of research in my laboratory is on understanding the structure and function of the visual system. Vision is the most important sense for humans, and damage to vision through disease or stroke is a serious problem affecting millions of people. The human visual system is quite complicated, consisting of several dozen distinct modules (visual areas) arranged in a highly interconnected, hierarchical and parallel network. The visual system is also tightly integrated with other sensory subsystems and systems for memory and language. Because of this interconnectivity, and because the brain is build on modular principles, vision research also has important implications for understanding other brain systems. - See more at: http://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/jack-l-gallant#sthash.rM4gUCB7.dpuf
Judge and Advisor: Jonathan Garen
Jonathan Garen, Assistant Vice President Business Development, Forest Laboratories
New York, NY
Jonathan Garen is an Executive Director of Business Development at Forest Laboratories, Inc., where he has worked since 2003. His responsibilities include the identification, evaluation, and negotiation of transactions for new business opportunities in a wide range of therapeutic areas and stages of development, including licensing and acquisitions in the fields of neurology, inflammation, oncology and metabolic diseases. Prior to Forest, Jonathan was a Director in the Global Licensing department at Pharmacia Corporation. Jonathan was a founder and Vice President of TechEx, an online licensing exchange for early stage opportunities, and was a Licensing Associate at the technology licensing office of Yale University. Jonathan earned his Master of Environmental Sciences from Yale University and his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
New York, NY
Jonathan Garen is an Executive Director of Business Development at Forest Laboratories, Inc., where he has worked since 2003. His responsibilities include the identification, evaluation, and negotiation of transactions for new business opportunities in a wide range of therapeutic areas and stages of development, including licensing and acquisitions in the fields of neurology, inflammation, oncology and metabolic diseases. Prior to Forest, Jonathan was a Director in the Global Licensing department at Pharmacia Corporation. Jonathan was a founder and Vice President of TechEx, an online licensing exchange for early stage opportunities, and was a Licensing Associate at the technology licensing office of Yale University. Jonathan earned his Master of Environmental Sciences from Yale University and his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Judge and Advisor: Gary W. Goldstein, M.D.
Gary W. Goldstein, M.D., President & CEO, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, MD
Gary Goldstein is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is also a Professor of neurology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a Professor of environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.
Dr. Goldstein received his medical degree from the University of Chicago. He completed residencies in pediatrics (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), neurology (Stanford, Palo Alto) and child neurology (Johns Hopkins) and was Director of the pediatric neurology program at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) before returning to Baltimore to lead Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Past research activities focused on the role of brain capillaries in the formation of the blood brain barrier and the mechanisms of capillary injury in toxic brain disorders.
Baltimore, MD
Gary Goldstein is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is also a Professor of neurology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a Professor of environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.
Dr. Goldstein received his medical degree from the University of Chicago. He completed residencies in pediatrics (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), neurology (Stanford, Palo Alto) and child neurology (Johns Hopkins) and was Director of the pediatric neurology program at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) before returning to Baltimore to lead Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Past research activities focused on the role of brain capillaries in the formation of the blood brain barrier and the mechanisms of capillary injury in toxic brain disorders.
Judge and Advisor: Vikas Goyal, MBA
Vikas Goyal, MBA, Senior Associate, SR One
Cambridge, MA
Vikas joined SR One in January 2011, after interning with SR One since 2009. Prior to joining SR One, Vikas was a consultant at McKinsey and Co, a co-founder of Extera Partners, and a business development manager at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Over his career, Vikas has supported business and corporate development activities for nearly 50 large and small public, venture-backed, and angel funded life science companies.
Vikas received his BA in Neurobiology from Harvard University, and his MBA in Health Care Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of Class 17 of the Kauffman Fellows Society.
Cambridge, MA
Vikas joined SR One in January 2011, after interning with SR One since 2009. Prior to joining SR One, Vikas was a consultant at McKinsey and Co, a co-founder of Extera Partners, and a business development manager at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Over his career, Vikas has supported business and corporate development activities for nearly 50 large and small public, venture-backed, and angel funded life science companies.
Vikas received his BA in Neurobiology from Harvard University, and his MBA in Health Care Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of Class 17 of the Kauffman Fellows Society.
Judge: Seth G.N. Grant
Seth G.N. Grant, Professor of Molecular Neuroscience Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Centre for Neuroregeneration
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburg, Scotland
Seth Grant graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Science (Medicine) degree based on research in respiratory
neurophysiology with Dr. D.J.C. Read in 1980. He graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with First Class Honours in 1994 and also conducted respiratory physiology research at the Royal Free Hospital London with Dr. S.W. Clarke in 1981 and 1983. From 1985-1989 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (New York) with Dr. D.Hanahan studying transgenic mouse models of cancer and diabetes. As a research associate at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (1989-1994) and Centre for Neurobiology and Behavior at Columbia University (New York) he studied mouse genetic models of learning and memory with Dr. E.R. Kandel (Nobel Laureate in Medicine and Physiology, 2000). He established his laboratory at the Centre for Genome Research at
Edinburgh University in 1994 and in 2000 was appointed Professor of Molecular Neuroscience in the Division of Neuroscience. In 2003 he was appointed Principal Investigator at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge and remained there until 2011, when he returned to Edinburgh University. He has held additional appointments including the John Cade Visiting Professor at Melbourne University (2005), Honorary Professorship at Cambridge University (2007 onward) and elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2011).
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburg, Scotland
Seth Grant graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Science (Medicine) degree based on research in respiratory
neurophysiology with Dr. D.J.C. Read in 1980. He graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with First Class Honours in 1994 and also conducted respiratory physiology research at the Royal Free Hospital London with Dr. S.W. Clarke in 1981 and 1983. From 1985-1989 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (New York) with Dr. D.Hanahan studying transgenic mouse models of cancer and diabetes. As a research associate at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (1989-1994) and Centre for Neurobiology and Behavior at Columbia University (New York) he studied mouse genetic models of learning and memory with Dr. E.R. Kandel (Nobel Laureate in Medicine and Physiology, 2000). He established his laboratory at the Centre for Genome Research at
Edinburgh University in 1994 and in 2000 was appointed Professor of Molecular Neuroscience in the Division of Neuroscience. In 2003 he was appointed Principal Investigator at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge and remained there until 2011, when he returned to Edinburgh University. He has held additional appointments including the John Cade Visiting Professor at Melbourne University (2005), Honorary Professorship at Cambridge University (2007 onward) and elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2011).
Judge and Advisor: Anthony Green, Ph.D.
Anthony Green, Ph.D., Vice President, Technology Commercialization: Life Sciences, BenFranklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA
Philadelphia, PA
Anthony P. Green, Ph.D. is Vice President of Technology Commercialization Group for Ben Franklin. Dr. Green has over thirty years of experience in the biotechnology industry, with a specialization in the research, development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The Technology Commercialization Group creates pathways to commercialization for companies and researchers by building consortia with universities, government and private partners.
Dr. Green leads Ben Franklin’s region-wide technology partnerships and major initiatives, including the Nanotechnology Institute™, the Energy Commercialization Institute, various life sciences related initiatives, and efforts around the development of new commercialization models.
Dr. Green earned a Sc.B in Immunology with Honors from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at Temple University School of Medicine.
Philadelphia, PA
Anthony P. Green, Ph.D. is Vice President of Technology Commercialization Group for Ben Franklin. Dr. Green has over thirty years of experience in the biotechnology industry, with a specialization in the research, development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The Technology Commercialization Group creates pathways to commercialization for companies and researchers by building consortia with universities, government and private partners.
Dr. Green leads Ben Franklin’s region-wide technology partnerships and major initiatives, including the Nanotechnology Institute™, the Energy Commercialization Institute, various life sciences related initiatives, and efforts around the development of new commercialization models.
Dr. Green earned a Sc.B in Immunology with Honors from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at Temple University School of Medicine.
Judge and Advisor: Yasar Gurbuz, Ph.D.
Yasar Gurbuz, Ph.D., Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci Univ
Tuzla, Istanbul
Dr. Yasar Gurbuz was born in Ankara, Turkey in 1968. He received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Erciyes University in 1990, the M.S. degree in 1993 and Ph. D. degree in 1997 in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University in the USA. He worked as a senior research associate at Vanderbilt between 1997 and 1999. From 1999 to 2000 he worked at Aselsan Inc. He joined Sabanci University as a faculty member in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences in 2000.
Tuzla, Istanbul
Dr. Yasar Gurbuz was born in Ankara, Turkey in 1968. He received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Erciyes University in 1990, the M.S. degree in 1993 and Ph. D. degree in 1997 in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University in the USA. He worked as a senior research associate at Vanderbilt between 1997 and 1999. From 1999 to 2000 he worked at Aselsan Inc. He joined Sabanci University as a faculty member in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences in 2000.
Judge and Advisor: Dave Hagedorn, Ph.D.
Dave Hagedorn, Ph.D., CEO and Founder, Evoke Neuroscience
New York, NY
Dr. David Hagedorn has worked in various clinical and private practice settings for over 20 years. He is experienced in clinical health psychology and neuropsychology and serves as an international neuroscience and biofeedback research consultant and instructor for Biofeedback Foundation of Europe. Dr. Hagedorn is an Assistant Professor of Military and Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - School of Medicine.
Dr. Hagedorn consults with brain injury and posttraumatic stress research experts to facilitate improved and advanced assessment and treatment capabilities and also consults with providers of transcranial magnetic stimulation, direct current stimulation, and anti-aging medicine.
Dr. Hagedorn has Masters degrees in both Applied Behavior Analysis and in Clinical Psychology with a Graduate Specialty in Gerontology. He also has a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an additional Health Psychology Doctoral Certificate and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. Dr. Hagedorn is Board Certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance as an electroencephalography biofeedback practitioner. He is a master clinician world recognized as a leader in the field with expertise in applications for EEG and ERP acquisition, QEEG analysis, and brain computer interface (BCI) and portable peripheral biofeedback methods. He is an approved BCIA mentor and holds several neuroscience committee positions.
Dr. Hagedorn has been an award winner and invited international speaker for two decades on the topics of EEG, applied neuroscience, peak performance, neurodegenerative conditions, biofeedback, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury/concussions.
New York, NY
Dr. David Hagedorn has worked in various clinical and private practice settings for over 20 years. He is experienced in clinical health psychology and neuropsychology and serves as an international neuroscience and biofeedback research consultant and instructor for Biofeedback Foundation of Europe. Dr. Hagedorn is an Assistant Professor of Military and Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - School of Medicine.
Dr. Hagedorn consults with brain injury and posttraumatic stress research experts to facilitate improved and advanced assessment and treatment capabilities and also consults with providers of transcranial magnetic stimulation, direct current stimulation, and anti-aging medicine.
Dr. Hagedorn has Masters degrees in both Applied Behavior Analysis and in Clinical Psychology with a Graduate Specialty in Gerontology. He also has a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an additional Health Psychology Doctoral Certificate and postdoctoral training in neuropsychology. Dr. Hagedorn is Board Certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance as an electroencephalography biofeedback practitioner. He is a master clinician world recognized as a leader in the field with expertise in applications for EEG and ERP acquisition, QEEG analysis, and brain computer interface (BCI) and portable peripheral biofeedback methods. He is an approved BCIA mentor and holds several neuroscience committee positions.
Dr. Hagedorn has been an award winner and invited international speaker for two decades on the topics of EEG, applied neuroscience, peak performance, neurodegenerative conditions, biofeedback, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury/concussions.
Judge: Mark Hansan
Mark Hansan, Chief Executive Officer and President of CareMetx
Bethesda, MD
Mr. Mark Hansan serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of CareMetx, LLC. For over the years, Mr. Hansan has helped life science manufacturers launch some of the most complex and high cost biologics and medical devices. He began his career at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ascending to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, where he helped to launch CF Services, Inc., one of the nation’s first specialty pharmacies. He co-founded TheraCom, Inc. in 1996 and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer. From 2004 to 2011, he co-founded and led Bethesda Partners, LLC, where he created, consulted and managed a range of health and medical technology companies. He is a Member of Board of Directors of Elderlife Financial Services, LLC. He is a Member of Board of Trustees of Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation.
Bethesda, MD
Mr. Mark Hansan serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of CareMetx, LLC. For over the years, Mr. Hansan has helped life science manufacturers launch some of the most complex and high cost biologics and medical devices. He began his career at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ascending to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, where he helped to launch CF Services, Inc., one of the nation’s first specialty pharmacies. He co-founded TheraCom, Inc. in 1996 and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer. From 2004 to 2011, he co-founded and led Bethesda Partners, LLC, where he created, consulted and managed a range of health and medical technology companies. He is a Member of Board of Directors of Elderlife Financial Services, LLC. He is a Member of Board of Trustees of Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation.
Judge and Advisor: Jennifer Hartt
Jennifer Hartt, Director, Life Sciences Investments, BenFranklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA
Philadelphia, PA
Jennifer Hartt is Director of Investments, Life Sciences, for Ben Franklin. Hartt directs all of Ben Franklin’s life sciences investments in companies with technologies ranging from medical devices and diagnostics to therapeutics. Hartt has invested in over thirty companies for Ben Franklin since arriving in 2005. Hartt holds a Bachelor’s degree, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, as well as a Master’s in Biology, both from the University of Pennsylvania. She has prior experience in lab research, clinical settings, business consulting for small and large companies, technology evaluation, licensing and equity management. Prior to joining Ben Franklin, Hartt was Associate Director of Business Development & Equity at the University of Pennsylvania. Hartt is involved in regional activities in technology development education and commercialization programs such as in being on a science curriculum audit committee, evaluating business plans, judging entrants in the Eastern Technology Council Enterprise Awards, mentoring students and representing her organization on the oversight committee for Coulter funding of translational research at Drexel University.
Philadelphia, PA
Jennifer Hartt is Director of Investments, Life Sciences, for Ben Franklin. Hartt directs all of Ben Franklin’s life sciences investments in companies with technologies ranging from medical devices and diagnostics to therapeutics. Hartt has invested in over thirty companies for Ben Franklin since arriving in 2005. Hartt holds a Bachelor’s degree, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, as well as a Master’s in Biology, both from the University of Pennsylvania. She has prior experience in lab research, clinical settings, business consulting for small and large companies, technology evaluation, licensing and equity management. Prior to joining Ben Franklin, Hartt was Associate Director of Business Development & Equity at the University of Pennsylvania. Hartt is involved in regional activities in technology development education and commercialization programs such as in being on a science curriculum audit committee, evaluating business plans, judging entrants in the Eastern Technology Council Enterprise Awards, mentoring students and representing her organization on the oversight committee for Coulter funding of translational research at Drexel University.
Judge and Advisor: Paul Hartung
Paul Hartung, CEO and Director, Cognoptix
Acton, MA
Paul is a longtime life sciences executive with a proven track record in launching successful startup businesses and leading Fortune 500 organizations. He has extensive experience in the laser and medical device industries, including managing manufacturing for Summit Technology, Inc., a leading developer of the LASIK procedure and other laser eye correction procedures.
Prior to Cognoptix, Paul was Vice President of Operations at Winphoria Networks, a successful mobile communications startup acquired by Motorola. Before that he was Senior Director at 3Com Corporation, where he was involved in a number of mergers and acquisitions, and directed global operations and new product introductions. At Trumpf, he developed high power automated laser systems for industrial applications. As Director of R&D at Laser Fare Ltd., he developed new laser processing techniques for the medical device industry and other applications. Paul started his career as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at General Electric Company. He graduated from MIT with an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received the FW Taylor Award of the CIRP for his research.
Acton, MA
Paul is a longtime life sciences executive with a proven track record in launching successful startup businesses and leading Fortune 500 organizations. He has extensive experience in the laser and medical device industries, including managing manufacturing for Summit Technology, Inc., a leading developer of the LASIK procedure and other laser eye correction procedures.
Prior to Cognoptix, Paul was Vice President of Operations at Winphoria Networks, a successful mobile communications startup acquired by Motorola. Before that he was Senior Director at 3Com Corporation, where he was involved in a number of mergers and acquisitions, and directed global operations and new product introductions. At Trumpf, he developed high power automated laser systems for industrial applications. As Director of R&D at Laser Fare Ltd., he developed new laser processing techniques for the medical device industry and other applications. Paul started his career as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at General Electric Company. He graduated from MIT with an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received the FW Taylor Award of the CIRP for his research.
Advisor: Franz Hefti, Ph.D.
Franz Hefti, Ph.D., President and CEO, Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Livermore, CA
Franz Hefti, Ph.D. is Acumen’s President and CEO. Dr. Hefti has served as a Director of Acumen since 2008 and has a distinguished record in drug development and biotechnology ventures. Dr. Hefti served as Chief Science Officer for Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, which Eli Lilly & Co. acquired in 2010 for its Alzheimer’s imaging product, Amyvid™. Prior to Avid, Dr. Hefti was Executive Vice President of Drug Development for Rinat Neuroscience Corporation where he led preclinical and clinical drug development efforts for three antibody drug candidates. The success of these programs led to Pfizer’s 2006 acquisition of Rinat. Previously, Dr. Hefti was Senior Vice President of Neuroscience Research at Merck, Director of Neuroscience Research at Genentech, and a Professor at the University of Southern California and Associate Professor at the University of Miami.
Livermore, CA
Franz Hefti, Ph.D. is Acumen’s President and CEO. Dr. Hefti has served as a Director of Acumen since 2008 and has a distinguished record in drug development and biotechnology ventures. Dr. Hefti served as Chief Science Officer for Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, which Eli Lilly & Co. acquired in 2010 for its Alzheimer’s imaging product, Amyvid™. Prior to Avid, Dr. Hefti was Executive Vice President of Drug Development for Rinat Neuroscience Corporation where he led preclinical and clinical drug development efforts for three antibody drug candidates. The success of these programs led to Pfizer’s 2006 acquisition of Rinat. Previously, Dr. Hefti was Senior Vice President of Neuroscience Research at Merck, Director of Neuroscience Research at Genentech, and a Professor at the University of Southern California and Associate Professor at the University of Miami.
Judge and Advisor: Hope Heller
Hope Heller, Clinical Social Worker and Coordinator at the Huntington’s Disease Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
Bethesda, MD
Hope Heller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the Program Coordinator and Clinical Social Worker for the Huntington’s Disease Care, Education, and Research Center (HD CERC) at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition to her work at the HD CERC, she is the HDSA DC Metro Chapter Social Worker, where she provides ongoing support and resources to the local Huntington’s Disease Community. She is also active in HD advocacy, often finding herself on Capitol Hill lobbying for the HD Community.
Prior to holding these positions, Hope worked on the Acute Rehab Unit at Virginia Hospital Center, as well as the Neuroscience Unit at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition, she served as Director of Social Services at a local long-term Care facility and has conducted clinical diagnostic research work with the military. During her graduate training, Hope worked on the spinal cord unit at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. She also completed training at The University of Pennsylvania’s Treatment Research Center where she conducted research and therapy with individuals struggling with addiction. Hope received her Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Pennsylvania.
Bethesda, MD
Hope Heller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the Program Coordinator and Clinical Social Worker for the Huntington’s Disease Care, Education, and Research Center (HD CERC) at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition to her work at the HD CERC, she is the HDSA DC Metro Chapter Social Worker, where she provides ongoing support and resources to the local Huntington’s Disease Community. She is also active in HD advocacy, often finding herself on Capitol Hill lobbying for the HD Community.
Prior to holding these positions, Hope worked on the Acute Rehab Unit at Virginia Hospital Center, as well as the Neuroscience Unit at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition, she served as Director of Social Services at a local long-term Care facility and has conducted clinical diagnostic research work with the military. During her graduate training, Hope worked on the spinal cord unit at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. She also completed training at The University of Pennsylvania’s Treatment Research Center where she conducted research and therapy with individuals struggling with addiction. Hope received her Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Pennsylvania.
Judge and Advisor: Seth I. Heller
Seth I. Heller, Associate, Intellectual Property, Arnold and Porter LLP
Washington, DC
Seth Heller is an associate in the Washington, DC office of Arnold & Porter LLP, where he is a member of the firm's Intellectual Property group. Mr. Heller's practice focuses on US district court patent litigation and appeals, with a particular emphasis in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and the life sciences. Mr. Heller also handles pre-litigation client counseling and transactional matters including patent license and settlement agreements.
Mr. Heller has experience with complex litigation, including Hatch-Waxman litigation and patent infringement litigation.
Before joining the firm, from 2010-2011, Mr. Heller served as law clerk to the Honorable Randall R. Rader of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and, from 2008-2009, served as law clerk to the Honorable Christine O.C. Miller of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Mr. Heller served as foreign law clerk to Justice Asher D. Grunis of the Supreme Court of Israel. Mr. Heller is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he was an executive editor for the Washington University Journal of Law and Policy.
Washington, DC
Seth Heller is an associate in the Washington, DC office of Arnold & Porter LLP, where he is a member of the firm's Intellectual Property group. Mr. Heller's practice focuses on US district court patent litigation and appeals, with a particular emphasis in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and the life sciences. Mr. Heller also handles pre-litigation client counseling and transactional matters including patent license and settlement agreements.
Mr. Heller has experience with complex litigation, including Hatch-Waxman litigation and patent infringement litigation.
Before joining the firm, from 2010-2011, Mr. Heller served as law clerk to the Honorable Randall R. Rader of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and, from 2008-2009, served as law clerk to the Honorable Christine O.C. Miller of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Mr. Heller served as foreign law clerk to Justice Asher D. Grunis of the Supreme Court of Israel. Mr. Heller is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he was an executive editor for the Washington University Journal of Law and Policy.
Judge and Advisor: Samuel Henderson, Ph.D.
Samuel Henderson, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Accera, Inc.
Bloomfield, CO
Dr. Henderson is the scientific founder of Accera, and his research has defined new pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, Dr. Henderson investigated the genetics of aging at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, and directed research in antiaging technologies at GenoPlex. Dr. Henderson has coauthored numerous scientific publications and reviews, including fundamental discoveries in aging research, and holds several patents. He received his BA in biology from Washington University, St. Louis, MO, and his PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Henderson received extensive postdoctoral training in developmental biology at the University of Wisconsin.
Bloomfield, CO
Dr. Henderson is the scientific founder of Accera, and his research has defined new pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, Dr. Henderson investigated the genetics of aging at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, and directed research in antiaging technologies at GenoPlex. Dr. Henderson has coauthored numerous scientific publications and reviews, including fundamental discoveries in aging research, and holds several patents. He received his BA in biology from Washington University, St. Louis, MO, and his PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Henderson received extensive postdoctoral training in developmental biology at the University of Wisconsin.
Judge and Advisor: Paulina Hill, Ph.D.
Paulina Hill, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Polaris Partners.
Waltham, MA
Paulina joined Polaris in 2011 and focuses on investments in healthcare.
Prior to joining Polaris, Paulina completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Chemical Engineering department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the laboratory of Bob Langer, Paulina worked on developing novel biomaterial scaffolds and drug delivery systems for neural applications. Paulina is the founding president of the MIT Postdoctoral Association, was nominated to and serves on the MIT Intellectual Property Presidential Committee, and is on the fundraising committee of the nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology.
Paulina completed her PhD in Molecular Medicine with a Tissue Engineering focus at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Her graduate school work resulted in over 40 published abstracts, awards and peer reviewed manuscripts. Her research contributed to numerous patents and the formation of the startup KeraNetics to commercialize the platform technology. Paulina graduated magna cum laude from East Carolina University with a quadruple major in biochemistry, neuroscience, biology and chemistry.
Waltham, MA
Paulina joined Polaris in 2011 and focuses on investments in healthcare.
Prior to joining Polaris, Paulina completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Chemical Engineering department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the laboratory of Bob Langer, Paulina worked on developing novel biomaterial scaffolds and drug delivery systems for neural applications. Paulina is the founding president of the MIT Postdoctoral Association, was nominated to and serves on the MIT Intellectual Property Presidential Committee, and is on the fundraising committee of the nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology.
Paulina completed her PhD in Molecular Medicine with a Tissue Engineering focus at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Her graduate school work resulted in over 40 published abstracts, awards and peer reviewed manuscripts. Her research contributed to numerous patents and the formation of the startup KeraNetics to commercialize the platform technology. Paulina graduated magna cum laude from East Carolina University with a quadruple major in biochemistry, neuroscience, biology and chemistry.
Advisor: Hapmus Hillerstorm, MBA
Hampus Hillerstrom, MBA, Executive VP and Chief Business Officer, NeuroPhage
Cambridge, MA
Mr. Hillerstrom is a co-founder of NeuroPhage and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer. He spent 3 years as an associate at leading European biotech venture capital firm HealthCap where he participated in a large number of investment transactions including several IPOs. More recently Mr. Hillerstrom spearheaded a project at AstraZeneca to evaluate decision-making leading to Phase III clinical trials. Previously Mr. Hillerstrom was a partner in the Zurich-based consulting boutique Venture Valuation specialized in the assessment and valuation of biotech companies. For a year prior to that he worked in mergers and acquisitions at the investment bank Lazard in the pharmaceutical and chemicals industry teams. Mr. Hillerstrom holds a Masters in Economics and Finance from the University of St. Gallen, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an MSc in Health Sciences and Technology from MIT/Harvard Medical School (HST).
Cambridge, MA
Mr. Hillerstrom is a co-founder of NeuroPhage and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer. He spent 3 years as an associate at leading European biotech venture capital firm HealthCap where he participated in a large number of investment transactions including several IPOs. More recently Mr. Hillerstrom spearheaded a project at AstraZeneca to evaluate decision-making leading to Phase III clinical trials. Previously Mr. Hillerstrom was a partner in the Zurich-based consulting boutique Venture Valuation specialized in the assessment and valuation of biotech companies. For a year prior to that he worked in mergers and acquisitions at the investment bank Lazard in the pharmaceutical and chemicals industry teams. Mr. Hillerstrom holds a Masters in Economics and Finance from the University of St. Gallen, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an MSc in Health Sciences and Technology from MIT/Harvard Medical School (HST).
Judge and Advisor: Janne Huhtala
Janne Huhtala, CEO, Nexstim Oy
Helsinki, Finland
Janne Huhtala has acted as the CEO of Nexstim since 2013 and been a member of the management team of Nexstim since 2008. Before this, Mr. Huhtala was the CFO of Nexstim since December 2008 and acted as a financial advisor to the Nexstim in a financing round in 2007. From 2004 to 2008 he was employed as manager by Gutta Oy, a provider of financial consulting services to mid-sized and large companies. At Gutta Oy Mr. Huhtala was responsible for the consulting business. Before Gutta Oy, he worked as CFO and CEO at Viola Systems Oy, a provider of wireless M2M network services, from 2002 to 2004. Mr. Huhtala holds a master's degree in economics from Turku School of Economics, which he obtained in 2001
Helsinki, Finland
Janne Huhtala has acted as the CEO of Nexstim since 2013 and been a member of the management team of Nexstim since 2008. Before this, Mr. Huhtala was the CFO of Nexstim since December 2008 and acted as a financial advisor to the Nexstim in a financing round in 2007. From 2004 to 2008 he was employed as manager by Gutta Oy, a provider of financial consulting services to mid-sized and large companies. At Gutta Oy Mr. Huhtala was responsible for the consulting business. Before Gutta Oy, he worked as CFO and CEO at Viola Systems Oy, a provider of wireless M2M network services, from 2002 to 2004. Mr. Huhtala holds a master's degree in economics from Turku School of Economics, which he obtained in 2001
Judge: Wende Hutton, MBA
Wende Hutton, MBA, General Partner, Canaan Partners
San Francisco, CA
Healthcare investor Wende Hutton brings 20 years of experience to identifying, investing in and building companies that are changing the practice of medicine. She has facilitated bringing over a dozen medical devices and drugs to market, and currently sits on the boards of Aldea Pharmaceuticals, Butterfly Health, Chrono Therapeutics, Dermira, Labrys Biologics, ReVision Optics, Theraclone Sciences and Transcend Medical.
Wende joined Canaan in 2004, and her life sciences track record includes six IPOs and four acquisitions. She began her venture career at Mayfield Fund in 1993, where she worked closely with the founding teams of Heartstream (HPQ) and Northstar Neuroscience (NSTR). Earlier in her career, Wende held senior operational management positions at GenPharm International and Nellcor in business development and marketing.
Wende holds an AB in human biology from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar. She is active with several community service groups including serving on the board of FACE AIDS.
San Francisco, CA
Healthcare investor Wende Hutton brings 20 years of experience to identifying, investing in and building companies that are changing the practice of medicine. She has facilitated bringing over a dozen medical devices and drugs to market, and currently sits on the boards of Aldea Pharmaceuticals, Butterfly Health, Chrono Therapeutics, Dermira, Labrys Biologics, ReVision Optics, Theraclone Sciences and Transcend Medical.
Wende joined Canaan in 2004, and her life sciences track record includes six IPOs and four acquisitions. She began her venture career at Mayfield Fund in 1993, where she worked closely with the founding teams of Heartstream (HPQ) and Northstar Neuroscience (NSTR). Earlier in her career, Wende held senior operational management positions at GenPharm International and Nellcor in business development and marketing.
Wende holds an AB in human biology from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar. She is active with several community service groups including serving on the board of FACE AIDS.
Judge and Advisor: Sven Jacobson
Sven Jacobson, CEO, Remedy Pharmaceuticals
New York, NY
Sven has been CEO of Remedy Pharmaceuticals since 2007 and has lead the company since conception through the development of Remedy’s lead drug, RP-1127 (now in Phase 2 studies for Stroke and TBI). He has co-founded five healthcare startups (St. Camillus Medical, Cure Therapeutics, Access Scientific, Critical Diagnostics, and Remedy Pharmaceuticals) and has served as CEO and CFO of each at various times during their development. Sven is an expert in running highly capital efficient companies, i.e. businesses that outsource the majority of their development work in order to compress timelines, reduce costs, and access specialist talent that is not generally available (or needed) on a full time basis. He has experience in neurological, cardiovascular, and orthopedic therapeutic, device and diagnostic development.
New York, NY
Sven has been CEO of Remedy Pharmaceuticals since 2007 and has lead the company since conception through the development of Remedy’s lead drug, RP-1127 (now in Phase 2 studies for Stroke and TBI). He has co-founded five healthcare startups (St. Camillus Medical, Cure Therapeutics, Access Scientific, Critical Diagnostics, and Remedy Pharmaceuticals) and has served as CEO and CFO of each at various times during their development. Sven is an expert in running highly capital efficient companies, i.e. businesses that outsource the majority of their development work in order to compress timelines, reduce costs, and access specialist talent that is not generally available (or needed) on a full time basis. He has experience in neurological, cardiovascular, and orthopedic therapeutic, device and diagnostic development.
Advisor: Tianzi Jiang, Ph.D.
Tianzi Jiang, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroimaging and Brain Disorders; Founder Brainnetome Center and National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Beijing, China
Tianzi Jiang is Professor at Institute Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASIA), and Professor at Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is also an adjunct professor at University of Electronic Sciences and Technology of China, Chengdu. He received his BSc degree at Lanzhou University in 1984 and PhD degree in computational mathematics from Zhejiang University in 1994. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow (1994-1996) and an Associate Professor (1996-1999), and full professor (1999-present) at CASIA. During that time, he worked as a Vice-Chancellor's postdoctoral fellow at the University of New South Wales, a visiting scientist at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, a research fellow at the Queen’s University of Belfast, and a visiting professor at University of Houston. His research interests include neuroimaging, brainnetome, imaging genetics and their clinical applications in brain disorders, development and aging. He is the author or co-author of over 200 reviewed journal papers in these fields and the co-editor of six issues of the Lecture Notes in Computer Sciences.
Tianzi Jiang is the founder director of the Brainnetome Center at CASIA. He is also the Chinese Director of the Sino-French Laboratory in Computer Science, Automation and Applied Mathematics (LIAMA), one National Center for International Research, since 2006. He is Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development, Neuroscience Bulletin and an Academic Editor of PLoS One. He was/is also on editorial boards of several international journals. He served and is serving as the Chairs and Program Committee members of a number of international conferences, including General Chair of MICCAI’2010. He was awarded the National Distinguished Youth Foundations by Chinese Government (2004), the Natural Science Award of China (2004), and the Natural Science Award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1996).
Beijing, China
Tianzi Jiang is Professor at Institute Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASIA), and Professor at Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is also an adjunct professor at University of Electronic Sciences and Technology of China, Chengdu. He received his BSc degree at Lanzhou University in 1984 and PhD degree in computational mathematics from Zhejiang University in 1994. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow (1994-1996) and an Associate Professor (1996-1999), and full professor (1999-present) at CASIA. During that time, he worked as a Vice-Chancellor's postdoctoral fellow at the University of New South Wales, a visiting scientist at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, a research fellow at the Queen’s University of Belfast, and a visiting professor at University of Houston. His research interests include neuroimaging, brainnetome, imaging genetics and their clinical applications in brain disorders, development and aging. He is the author or co-author of over 200 reviewed journal papers in these fields and the co-editor of six issues of the Lecture Notes in Computer Sciences.
Tianzi Jiang is the founder director of the Brainnetome Center at CASIA. He is also the Chinese Director of the Sino-French Laboratory in Computer Science, Automation and Applied Mathematics (LIAMA), one National Center for International Research, since 2006. He is Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development, Neuroscience Bulletin and an Academic Editor of PLoS One. He was/is also on editorial boards of several international journals. He served and is serving as the Chairs and Program Committee members of a number of international conferences, including General Chair of MICCAI’2010. He was awarded the National Distinguished Youth Foundations by Chinese Government (2004), the Natural Science Award of China (2004), and the Natural Science Award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1996).
Advisor: Kevin Johnson, Ph.D.
Kevin Johnson, Ph.D., Partner, Index Venture Management LLP
London, UK
Kevin has been working with Index since 2003. He focuses on life sciences, especially drug development companies, and including Acutus Inc., B3NGF, Levicept Ltd and PanGenetics (acquired by Abbott). Prior to joining Index, Kevin was CEO of PanGenetics, a Netherlands-based antibody development company and Index investment. He was part of the team at Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT), becoming head of research in 1994. In 1997 he was appointed to the board as Research Director and Chief Technology Officer. He led development of CAT's platform technologies and their application in the discovery of a number of human antibodies currently in clinical development. Two of these, Humira (Abbott Pharmaceutical) and Benlysta (HGS, GSK), are now on the market. He was part of the management team that floated CAT on the London Stock Exchange. Kevin graduated in Molecular Biology from Edinburgh University and has a PhD in Pathology from Cambridge University.
London, UK
Kevin has been working with Index since 2003. He focuses on life sciences, especially drug development companies, and including Acutus Inc., B3NGF, Levicept Ltd and PanGenetics (acquired by Abbott). Prior to joining Index, Kevin was CEO of PanGenetics, a Netherlands-based antibody development company and Index investment. He was part of the team at Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT), becoming head of research in 1994. In 1997 he was appointed to the board as Research Director and Chief Technology Officer. He led development of CAT's platform technologies and their application in the discovery of a number of human antibodies currently in clinical development. Two of these, Humira (Abbott Pharmaceutical) and Benlysta (HGS, GSK), are now on the market. He was part of the management team that floated CAT on the London Stock Exchange. Kevin graduated in Molecular Biology from Edinburgh University and has a PhD in Pathology from Cambridge University.
Judge and Advisor: Elaine V. Jones, Ph.D.
Elaine V. Jones, Ph.D., Executive Director, Venture Capital, Pfizer
New York, NY
Elaine V. Jones, Ph.D. joined Pfizer Venture Investments as Executive Director, Venture Capital. She is responsible for making and managing venture investments for Pfizer and currently manages the PVI investments in Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (Vancouver, British Columbia), Flexion Therapeutics (Boston, MA), Merus B.V. (Utrecht, The Netherlands), and NeuroTherapeutics Pharma (Chicago, IL). Elaine brings 10 years of venture capital experience and a strong background in research and product assessment, built on her significant experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery and business development to the PVI team.
Most recently, Elaine was a General Partner with the venture fund, EuclidSR Partners. There, she was responsible for the fund's investments in Acurian, Fluidigm, InnaPhase and Targacept.
Prior to joining ESR, Dr. Jones began her private equity career in 1999 at S.R. One, GlaxoSmithKline's venture fund, where she managed investments including Adolor, Avantium, Nucleonics, Scynexis and Vicuron. Previously, she served as Director of Scientific Licensing for SmithKline Beecham and was a research scientist in SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceutical R&D.
Dr. Jones is a graduate of Juniata College and received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
New York, NY
Elaine V. Jones, Ph.D. joined Pfizer Venture Investments as Executive Director, Venture Capital. She is responsible for making and managing venture investments for Pfizer and currently manages the PVI investments in Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (Vancouver, British Columbia), Flexion Therapeutics (Boston, MA), Merus B.V. (Utrecht, The Netherlands), and NeuroTherapeutics Pharma (Chicago, IL). Elaine brings 10 years of venture capital experience and a strong background in research and product assessment, built on her significant experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery and business development to the PVI team.
Most recently, Elaine was a General Partner with the venture fund, EuclidSR Partners. There, she was responsible for the fund's investments in Acurian, Fluidigm, InnaPhase and Targacept.
Prior to joining ESR, Dr. Jones began her private equity career in 1999 at S.R. One, GlaxoSmithKline's venture fund, where she managed investments including Adolor, Avantium, Nucleonics, Scynexis and Vicuron. Previously, she served as Director of Scientific Licensing for SmithKline Beecham and was a research scientist in SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceutical R&D.
Dr. Jones is a graduate of Juniata College and received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Judge and Advisor: Stephanie Jones, Ph.D.
Stephanie R. Jones, PhD, Brown University
Providence, RI
Dr. Stephanie Jones is a Computational Neuroscientist who develops biophysically principled models of neural circuits to study mechanisms of neocortical dynamics and their meaning for information processing in humans.
Dr Jones received her PhD in Mathematics with a focus on Dynamical Systems Theory applications to study neural dynamics, under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Kopell at Boston University. She then pursued post-doctoral training in experimental neuroscience at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Mass. General Hospital (MGH). At MGH, she became become expert in human magneto- and eletro-encephalography (MEG/EEG), receiving training in electromagnetic physics, data acquisition, and analysis and under the direction of Dr. Matti Hamalainen.
Dr. Jones applies her inter-disciplinary training to develop computational modellng methods that bridge macroscopic measures of human brain imaging signals to a cellular and circuit level interpretation. She developed the first of its kind biophysically principled laminar model of primary sensory cortex that accurately reproduces recorded MEG signals based on their electromagnetic physics. This work led to novel predictions on the origin of low frequency neocortical rhythms in humans and their impact on sensory evoked responses, with many publications applying these results to correlates of perception, attention, learning, and healthy aging in adults.
Currently, Dr. Jones is an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Neuroscience Department at Brown University leading a computational neuroscience group. She collaborates extensively with animal neurophysiologists, cognitive neuroscientists and clinicians. She maintains affiliate positions at MGH and Boston Children’s Hospital to facilitate clinical relevance. Her current research focus includes applications of her methods to study healthy brain processes and neuropathologies, including Parkinson’s Disease.
Providence, RI
Dr. Stephanie Jones is a Computational Neuroscientist who develops biophysically principled models of neural circuits to study mechanisms of neocortical dynamics and their meaning for information processing in humans.
Dr Jones received her PhD in Mathematics with a focus on Dynamical Systems Theory applications to study neural dynamics, under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Kopell at Boston University. She then pursued post-doctoral training in experimental neuroscience at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Mass. General Hospital (MGH). At MGH, she became become expert in human magneto- and eletro-encephalography (MEG/EEG), receiving training in electromagnetic physics, data acquisition, and analysis and under the direction of Dr. Matti Hamalainen.
Dr. Jones applies her inter-disciplinary training to develop computational modellng methods that bridge macroscopic measures of human brain imaging signals to a cellular and circuit level interpretation. She developed the first of its kind biophysically principled laminar model of primary sensory cortex that accurately reproduces recorded MEG signals based on their electromagnetic physics. This work led to novel predictions on the origin of low frequency neocortical rhythms in humans and their impact on sensory evoked responses, with many publications applying these results to correlates of perception, attention, learning, and healthy aging in adults.
Currently, Dr. Jones is an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Neuroscience Department at Brown University leading a computational neuroscience group. She collaborates extensively with animal neurophysiologists, cognitive neuroscientists and clinicians. She maintains affiliate positions at MGH and Boston Children’s Hospital to facilitate clinical relevance. Her current research focus includes applications of her methods to study healthy brain processes and neuropathologies, including Parkinson’s Disease.
Judge and Advisor: Kim Kamdar, Ph.D.
Kim Kamdar, Ph.D., Partner, Domain Associates
San Diego, CA
Kim joined Domain in 2005 and became a partner in 2011. With a background in small molecule drug discovery, Kim has been involved in cutting-edge therapeutic start-ups and has been a major part of identifying companies with promising molecular and companion diagnostics to support personalized medicine.
Present board memberships include Ariosa Diagnostics, Epic Sciences, Lithera, Obalon Therapeutics, ROX Medical, Sera Prognostics, Syndax Pharmaceuticals and Tragara Pharmaceuticals. She was also involved with Corthera until the company was sold to Novartis in February 2010 and BiPar Sciences until that company was sold to sanofi-aventis in April 2009.
Prior to Domain, Kim was a Kauffman Fellow with MPM Capital. Prior to joining MPM, she was a research director at Novartis, where she built and led a research team that focused on the biology, genetics and genomics of model organisms to uncover small molecules that modulated signaling pathway networks. Kim is a founder of Aryzun Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company utilizing protein-protein interaction mapping for small molecule discovery with an initial focus on anti-infectives and oncology. Kim is the author of ten papers as well as the inventor on seven patents. She received her B.A. from Northwestern University and her Ph.D. in biochemistry and genetics from Emory University.
Kim serves as an advisory board member of Eric Topol’s NIH-supported Clinical and Translational Science Award for Scripps Medicine and of Evolvence India Life Sciences Fund, a private equity fund providing growth capital to Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She is also a board member of San Diego's CONNECT Foundation and the Hastings Center, a nonpartisan bioethics research institution.
San Diego, CA
Kim joined Domain in 2005 and became a partner in 2011. With a background in small molecule drug discovery, Kim has been involved in cutting-edge therapeutic start-ups and has been a major part of identifying companies with promising molecular and companion diagnostics to support personalized medicine.
Present board memberships include Ariosa Diagnostics, Epic Sciences, Lithera, Obalon Therapeutics, ROX Medical, Sera Prognostics, Syndax Pharmaceuticals and Tragara Pharmaceuticals. She was also involved with Corthera until the company was sold to Novartis in February 2010 and BiPar Sciences until that company was sold to sanofi-aventis in April 2009.
Prior to Domain, Kim was a Kauffman Fellow with MPM Capital. Prior to joining MPM, she was a research director at Novartis, where she built and led a research team that focused on the biology, genetics and genomics of model organisms to uncover small molecules that modulated signaling pathway networks. Kim is a founder of Aryzun Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company utilizing protein-protein interaction mapping for small molecule discovery with an initial focus on anti-infectives and oncology. Kim is the author of ten papers as well as the inventor on seven patents. She received her B.A. from Northwestern University and her Ph.D. in biochemistry and genetics from Emory University.
Kim serves as an advisory board member of Eric Topol’s NIH-supported Clinical and Translational Science Award for Scripps Medicine and of Evolvence India Life Sciences Fund, a private equity fund providing growth capital to Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She is also a board member of San Diego's CONNECT Foundation and the Hastings Center, a nonpartisan bioethics research institution.
Judge and Advisor: Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., MBA
Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Senior Medical Director, Neurology Clinical Development, Biogen Idec
Baltimore, MD
Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. servers as Senior Medical Director of Neurology Research and Development at Biogen-Idec, where Dr. Kerr is responsible for late stage neurodegenerative programs, focusing on motor neuron disorders ALS and SMA. Prior to joining Biogen Idec in 2009, Dr. Kerr served on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where was an Associate Professor of Neurology with joint appointments in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine. There he specialized in autoimmune transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis as well as SMA and ALS. D.r Kerr also worked on stem cells as a therapeutic tool for functional recovery in patients with TM and motor neuron diseases. Dr. Kerr also established the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center which was the only such center at the time.
Baltimore, MD
Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. servers as Senior Medical Director of Neurology Research and Development at Biogen-Idec, where Dr. Kerr is responsible for late stage neurodegenerative programs, focusing on motor neuron disorders ALS and SMA. Prior to joining Biogen Idec in 2009, Dr. Kerr served on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where was an Associate Professor of Neurology with joint appointments in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine. There he specialized in autoimmune transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis as well as SMA and ALS. D.r Kerr also worked on stem cells as a therapeutic tool for functional recovery in patients with TM and motor neuron diseases. Dr. Kerr also established the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center which was the only such center at the time.
Judge and Advisor: Jason Kralic, Ph.D.
Jason Kralic, Ph.D., Head of Business Development for the Neurosciences Therapy Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Jason Kralic, Ph.D., is Head of Business Development for the Neurosciences Therapy Area Unit at GlaxoSmithKline. His responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of the BD strategy for Neurosciences R&D, coordination and prioritization of licensing/M&A opportunities and facilitating relationships with alliance partners. Jason joined GSK in 2009 as Director, Scientific Licensing in Worldwide Business Development covering late stage development and was promoted in 2011 to cover all Neurosciences R&D BD. Prior to GSK, Jason served in scientific licensing roles at UCB and Schwarz Biosciences. Jason holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich.
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Jason Kralic, Ph.D., is Head of Business Development for the Neurosciences Therapy Area Unit at GlaxoSmithKline. His responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of the BD strategy for Neurosciences R&D, coordination and prioritization of licensing/M&A opportunities and facilitating relationships with alliance partners. Jason joined GSK in 2009 as Director, Scientific Licensing in Worldwide Business Development covering late stage development and was promoted in 2011 to cover all Neurosciences R&D BD. Prior to GSK, Jason served in scientific licensing roles at UCB and Schwarz Biosciences. Jason holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich.
Judge and Advisor: Jay Kranzler, M.D., Ph.D.
Jay Kranzler, M.D. Ph.D., Global Head of External R&D Innovation, Pfizer
Cambridge, MA
Training:
Cambridge, MA
Training:
- MD/PhD in Psychiatry / Pharmacology, Yale University
- MS, MPhil, Pharmacology, Yale University
- BA, pre-medical studies, Yeshiva University, Summa Cum Laude
- Psychiatry, schizophrenia, neurotechnology, rheumatology, fibromyalgia, drug development, entrepreneurship, biotech start-up management, financing
- Cypress Biosciences, Inc, Chairman & CEO
- Cytel Corporation, President & CEO
- McKinsey & Co, Management Consultant
- More than 17 full –length publications and over 30 patents
- Responsible for strengthening Pfizer’s R&D portfolio addressing CNS disorders by identifying external acquisitions, licenses, or collaborations;
- NYU, Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Management
Judge and Advisor: Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, founder and director of Kennedy Krieger's Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Baltimore, MD
Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the founder and director of Kennedy Krieger's Center for Autism and Related Disorders. She is a professor of Psychiatry in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed post-doctoral training in Psychiatric Genetics at Johns Hopkins. She is the recipient of the NIMH Shannon Award for excellent and innovative research, as well as the Rita Rudel Prize for Developmental Neuropsychology. Dr. Landa is the recipient of the 2009 Alumni Recognition Award from the College of Human Health and Development of the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Landa’s research has focused on neuropsychological, learning, and communication processes in autism across the lifespan. A major emphasis of her current research is very early detection of risk for autism, and very early intervention for autism.
Baltimore, MD
Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the founder and director of Kennedy Krieger's Center for Autism and Related Disorders. She is a professor of Psychiatry in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed post-doctoral training in Psychiatric Genetics at Johns Hopkins. She is the recipient of the NIMH Shannon Award for excellent and innovative research, as well as the Rita Rudel Prize for Developmental Neuropsychology. Dr. Landa is the recipient of the 2009 Alumni Recognition Award from the College of Human Health and Development of the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Landa’s research has focused on neuropsychological, learning, and communication processes in autism across the lifespan. A major emphasis of her current research is very early detection of risk for autism, and very early intervention for autism.
Judge: Manoja Ratnayake Lecamwasam, MBA, MSc
Manoja Ratnayake Lecamwasam is the Director of the Dignity Health Intellectual Property Office.
Phoenix, AZ
As the Director, she provides leadership and guidance for the development of IP-related strategic and operational initiatives for Dignity Health, manages the evaluation, protection and commercialization functions of the organization's IP and manages a team of IP management professionals. Specific duties include: 1) providing leadership to policy issues and other system-wide initiatives related to the management and leverage of its intellectual assets; 2) supervising and managing technology transfer activities, including the evaluation, protection and management of Dignity Health IP and negotiating commercially viable deals with industry and non-industry partners; 3) staffing the IP team as appropriate, and direct supervision of office members and consultants, including performance assessments and; 4) managing the office workload so as to meet office-wide performance goals, including assignment of responsibilities, cases and agreement workload.
Dr. Lecamwasam holds a PhD degree in molecular microbiology from Tufts University School of Medicine, a MBA from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, a MSc degree in molecular biology from Northeastern University, MA and a BA with honors in biology from Mills College in Oakland, CA. Prior to joining Dignity Health, Dr. Lecamwasam served as a senior licensing associate/licensing associate in the Office of Corporate Sponsored Research and Licensing at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Lecamwasam also has extensive hands-on research and instructor experience in molecular biology, microbiology, bacterial genetics and biochemistry and is an active member of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and the Licensing Executives Society (LES).
Phoenix, AZ
As the Director, she provides leadership and guidance for the development of IP-related strategic and operational initiatives for Dignity Health, manages the evaluation, protection and commercialization functions of the organization's IP and manages a team of IP management professionals. Specific duties include: 1) providing leadership to policy issues and other system-wide initiatives related to the management and leverage of its intellectual assets; 2) supervising and managing technology transfer activities, including the evaluation, protection and management of Dignity Health IP and negotiating commercially viable deals with industry and non-industry partners; 3) staffing the IP team as appropriate, and direct supervision of office members and consultants, including performance assessments and; 4) managing the office workload so as to meet office-wide performance goals, including assignment of responsibilities, cases and agreement workload.
Dr. Lecamwasam holds a PhD degree in molecular microbiology from Tufts University School of Medicine, a MBA from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, a MSc degree in molecular biology from Northeastern University, MA and a BA with honors in biology from Mills College in Oakland, CA. Prior to joining Dignity Health, Dr. Lecamwasam served as a senior licensing associate/licensing associate in the Office of Corporate Sponsored Research and Licensing at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Lecamwasam also has extensive hands-on research and instructor experience in molecular biology, microbiology, bacterial genetics and biochemistry and is an active member of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and the Licensing Executives Society (LES).
Judge: Steve Liguori, MBA
Steve Liguori, MBA, Executive Director - Global Innovation and New Models, General Electric
Fairfield, CT
Steve was named GE’s executive director, global marketing in November 2008. Steve leads marketing transformation and customer-centric efforts across GE. He is driving marketing skills development GE-wide and embedding new capabilities and talent. He led the creation of GE’s “Gold Standard” Marketing vision that leverages best-in-class marketing Principals, People and Process across the firm. He guides marketing functional curriculum, is a sponsor of GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program and the GE Marketing Council, comprised of GE's top marketers. Steve recently co-authored a Harvard Business Review article titled “Unleashing the Power of Marketing” featuring GE’s Gold Standard Marketing framework and journey. He has been recognized as a top marketer by leading industry publications such as Brand Week and Advertising Age and has been quoted in various business publications.
Steve was in GE Capital as senior vice president, marketing, GE Money - Americas and CEO, GE Money Services. He developed GE’s Consumer Finance Go-To-Market strategy for more than 50 million consumers across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.Steve joined GE in 2005 with significant experience in senior
marketing and general management roles for premier organizations such as Citigroup, PepsiCo and Kraft Foods. He served as chief retail marketing officer for Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management division just prior to joining GE. Steve holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. He is married with three children.
Fairfield, CT
Steve was named GE’s executive director, global marketing in November 2008. Steve leads marketing transformation and customer-centric efforts across GE. He is driving marketing skills development GE-wide and embedding new capabilities and talent. He led the creation of GE’s “Gold Standard” Marketing vision that leverages best-in-class marketing Principals, People and Process across the firm. He guides marketing functional curriculum, is a sponsor of GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program and the GE Marketing Council, comprised of GE's top marketers. Steve recently co-authored a Harvard Business Review article titled “Unleashing the Power of Marketing” featuring GE’s Gold Standard Marketing framework and journey. He has been recognized as a top marketer by leading industry publications such as Brand Week and Advertising Age and has been quoted in various business publications.
Steve was in GE Capital as senior vice president, marketing, GE Money - Americas and CEO, GE Money Services. He developed GE’s Consumer Finance Go-To-Market strategy for more than 50 million consumers across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.Steve joined GE in 2005 with significant experience in senior
marketing and general management roles for premier organizations such as Citigroup, PepsiCo and Kraft Foods. He served as chief retail marketing officer for Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management division just prior to joining GE. Steve holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. He is married with three children.
Judge: Charles Livsey, M.D., Ph.D.
Charles Livsey, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Medical Director, Colorado Neurological Institute Epilepsy Center at Swedish Medical Center
Englewood, CO
Chuck is a neurologist, epileptologist, and translational research scientist sub-specializing in all aspects of epilepsy care. He has expertise in treating refractory epilepsy cases requiring optimization of anti-epileptic drugs and surgical treatment. He works with a team of physicians, scientists, engineers, neuropsychologists, nurses, technicians, and support staff to provide optimal care for patients with epilepsy and related disorders.
His research and clinical interests include novel treatments with glutamatergic and GABAergic agents, co-registration of electrophysiological and imaging data, medical devices, and translational research in epilepsy and autism. He also has basic science expertise in glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices.
Neurology. Board-Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Subspecialty: Epilepsy. Board-Certified in Epilepsy by the ABPN
Co-Medical Director, Colorado Neurological Institute Epilepsy Center at Swedish Medical Center
Englewood, CO
Chuck is a neurologist, epileptologist, and translational research scientist sub-specializing in all aspects of epilepsy care. He has expertise in treating refractory epilepsy cases requiring optimization of anti-epileptic drugs and surgical treatment. He works with a team of physicians, scientists, engineers, neuropsychologists, nurses, technicians, and support staff to provide optimal care for patients with epilepsy and related disorders.
His research and clinical interests include novel treatments with glutamatergic and GABAergic agents, co-registration of electrophysiological and imaging data, medical devices, and translational research in epilepsy and autism. He also has basic science expertise in glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices.
Neurology. Board-Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Subspecialty: Epilepsy. Board-Certified in Epilepsy by the ABPN
Advisor: Wolfgang Maass, Ph.D.
Wolfgang Maass, Ph.D., Professor, Graz University of Technology Austria
Graz, Austria
Phd (1974) and Habilitation (1978) in Mathematics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich.From 1979 - 1984 research at MIT, the University of Chicago, and the University of California at Berkeley as Heisenberg-Fellow of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
From 1982 - 1986 Associate Professor and from 1986 - 1993 Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Since 1991 Professor of Computer Science at the Graz University of Technology in Austria, and since 1992 Head of the Institut fuer Grundlagen der Informationsverarbeitung (Institute for Theoretical Computer Science) at the Graz University of Technology.
Sloan Fellow at the Computational Neurobiology Lab of the Salk Institute (La Jolla, USA) during 1997/98.
From 9/2002 - 2/2003 and from 4/2012 - 7/2012 Visiting Professor at the Brain-Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Since 2005 Adjunct Fellow of the Frankfurt Institute of Advanced Studies (FIAS)
From 2008 - 2012 Member of the Board of Governors of the International Neural Network Society.
Since 2013 Member of the Academia Europaea
Graz, Austria
Phd (1974) and Habilitation (1978) in Mathematics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich.From 1979 - 1984 research at MIT, the University of Chicago, and the University of California at Berkeley as Heisenberg-Fellow of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
From 1982 - 1986 Associate Professor and from 1986 - 1993 Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Since 1991 Professor of Computer Science at the Graz University of Technology in Austria, and since 1992 Head of the Institut fuer Grundlagen der Informationsverarbeitung (Institute for Theoretical Computer Science) at the Graz University of Technology.
Sloan Fellow at the Computational Neurobiology Lab of the Salk Institute (La Jolla, USA) during 1997/98.
From 9/2002 - 2/2003 and from 4/2012 - 7/2012 Visiting Professor at the Brain-Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Since 2005 Adjunct Fellow of the Frankfurt Institute of Advanced Studies (FIAS)
From 2008 - 2012 Member of the Board of Governors of the International Neural Network Society.
Since 2013 Member of the Academia Europaea
Judge and Advisor: Henry Markram, Ph.D.
Henry Markram, Ph.D., Professor, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Director,Blue Brain Project and Human Brain Project.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Henry Markram is a full professor at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. He was born in the Kalahari desert in South Africa in 1962, finished school at Kearsney College (1980), studied medicine and neuroscience at Cape Town University (1988), obtained a PhD in neuroscience at the Weizmann Institute (1991), completed postdoctoral work as a Fullbright Scholar at the NIH (1992) and as a Minerva Fellow at the Max-Planck (1994). He started his lab at the Weizmann in 1995, spent a year sabbatical research at University of California San Fransisco (2000), moved to the EPFL to found and direct the Brain Mind Institute (2002) and founded and currently directs the Blue Brain Project (since 2005) at the EPFL He coordinates and co-directs the Human Brain Project (HBP), a €1billion euro project to systematically reconstruct and eventually simulate the human brain.
Director,Blue Brain Project and Human Brain Project.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Henry Markram is a full professor at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. He was born in the Kalahari desert in South Africa in 1962, finished school at Kearsney College (1980), studied medicine and neuroscience at Cape Town University (1988), obtained a PhD in neuroscience at the Weizmann Institute (1991), completed postdoctoral work as a Fullbright Scholar at the NIH (1992) and as a Minerva Fellow at the Max-Planck (1994). He started his lab at the Weizmann in 1995, spent a year sabbatical research at University of California San Fransisco (2000), moved to the EPFL to found and direct the Brain Mind Institute (2002) and founded and currently directs the Blue Brain Project (since 2005) at the EPFL He coordinates and co-directs the Human Brain Project (HBP), a €1billion euro project to systematically reconstruct and eventually simulate the human brain.
Advisor: Maryann Martone, Ph.D.
Maryann Martone, Ph.D., Co-director of the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research (NCMIR) at the University of California San Diego
San Diego, CA
Dr. Martone received her BA from Wellesley College in biological psychology and her Ph. D. in neuroscience in 1990 from the University of California, San Diego. She is the principal investigator of the Neuroscience Information Framework project, a national project to establish a uniform resource description framework for neuroscience. Her recent work has focused on building ontologies for neuroscience for data integration. She recently finished her tenure as the US scientific representative to the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF), an international organization dedicated to developing tools and standards for neuroscience data exchange.
San Diego, CA
Dr. Martone received her BA from Wellesley College in biological psychology and her Ph. D. in neuroscience in 1990 from the University of California, San Diego. She is the principal investigator of the Neuroscience Information Framework project, a national project to establish a uniform resource description framework for neuroscience. Her recent work has focused on building ontologies for neuroscience for data integration. She recently finished her tenure as the US scientific representative to the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF), an international organization dedicated to developing tools and standards for neuroscience data exchange.
Judge and Advisor: John May, M.P.A.
John May, M.P.A., Managing Partner, New Vantage Group
Managing Partner, Active Angel Venture Funds
Chair Emeritus, Angel Capital Association
Co-Chair, World Business Angels Association
McLean, VA
John May is the managing partner of New Vantage Group, a McLean, VA firm that innovatively mobilizes private equity into early-stage companies and provides advisory services to both funds, private investors and entrepreneurs. Mr. May’s experience in private equity capital over the last 25 years ranges from venture capital fund management to angel investing in the USA and angel ecosystem development abroad.
Mr. May has been at the forefront of the angel investor movement. He is the founder of five investment groups, as well as the Investors’ Circle, a national non-profit group of 125 family and institutional investors working to grow the social venture capital industry. He is chair-emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (formerly a program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation), and is a lead instructor for the “Power of Angel Investing” seminars, a program of the Angel Resource Institute. He is the co-author of two books, Every Business Needs an Angel (Crown Business: 2001) and State of the Art: An Executive Briefing on Cutting-Edge Practices in American Angel Investing (Darden Publishing: 2003).
Currently, Mr. May is actively involved with cross-border angel investing and developing angel investment ecosystems in emerging markets. In addition to speaking on angel investment topics in over 20 countries, he is managing partner of Seraphim, a UK-based global venture fund, and is working on USAID projects promoting the formation of angel groups in Indonesia and the Middle East. He also serves on the advisory board for Conservation International’s “Verde Investments.” Mr. May firmly believes that angel investing can trigger success in high-growth companies that spur job creation and economic development around the world.
Mr. May holds a BA from Earlham College, an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and is a Batten Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Managing Partner, Active Angel Venture Funds
Chair Emeritus, Angel Capital Association
Co-Chair, World Business Angels Association
McLean, VA
John May is the managing partner of New Vantage Group, a McLean, VA firm that innovatively mobilizes private equity into early-stage companies and provides advisory services to both funds, private investors and entrepreneurs. Mr. May’s experience in private equity capital over the last 25 years ranges from venture capital fund management to angel investing in the USA and angel ecosystem development abroad.
Mr. May has been at the forefront of the angel investor movement. He is the founder of five investment groups, as well as the Investors’ Circle, a national non-profit group of 125 family and institutional investors working to grow the social venture capital industry. He is chair-emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (formerly a program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation), and is a lead instructor for the “Power of Angel Investing” seminars, a program of the Angel Resource Institute. He is the co-author of two books, Every Business Needs an Angel (Crown Business: 2001) and State of the Art: An Executive Briefing on Cutting-Edge Practices in American Angel Investing (Darden Publishing: 2003).
Currently, Mr. May is actively involved with cross-border angel investing and developing angel investment ecosystems in emerging markets. In addition to speaking on angel investment topics in over 20 countries, he is managing partner of Seraphim, a UK-based global venture fund, and is working on USAID projects promoting the formation of angel groups in Indonesia and the Middle East. He also serves on the advisory board for Conservation International’s “Verde Investments.” Mr. May firmly believes that angel investing can trigger success in high-growth companies that spur job creation and economic development around the world.
Mr. May holds a BA from Earlham College, an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and is a Batten Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Judge and Advisor: Corey McCann, M.D., Ph.D.
Corey M McCann M.D., Ph.D., Founder, Pear Therapeutics
Boston, MA
Corey M McCann M.D., Ph.D. is the Founder of Pear Therapeutics, an eHealth company developing drug/software combination products for diseases of the brain. Previously, he was an investor with MPM Capital, where he evaluated new healthcare investment opportunities, managed relationships with strategic investment partners, and oversaw strategy and execution at portfolio companies. Prior to joining MPM, he was an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company, where he advised pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology companies on the acquisition, development, and commercialization of life science technologies. He also led McKinsey’s central nervous system (CNS) expertise group, advising clients across the healthcare value chain. Corey has previous investment experience with RiverVest Venture Partners, where he was an Associate performing diligence on early stage investments, and at NeuroInsights, where he was an Analyst evaluating brain related technologies. He is also founding member of Alcyone Lifesciences, a start-up developing technologies to deliver therapeutics to the brain. Dr. McCann trained as a physician-scientist via the Medical Scientist Training Program. For his PhD, he studied the molecular biology of synapses at Harvard University and at Washington University in St Louis. He was also a post-doctoral researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital where he developed imaging techniques for the visualization of the brain. Dr. McCann received his M.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. He graduated summa cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University where he was an Evan Pugh Scholar, receiving a B.S. in Biology with minors in neuroscience, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Boston, MA
Corey M McCann M.D., Ph.D. is the Founder of Pear Therapeutics, an eHealth company developing drug/software combination products for diseases of the brain. Previously, he was an investor with MPM Capital, where he evaluated new healthcare investment opportunities, managed relationships with strategic investment partners, and oversaw strategy and execution at portfolio companies. Prior to joining MPM, he was an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company, where he advised pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology companies on the acquisition, development, and commercialization of life science technologies. He also led McKinsey’s central nervous system (CNS) expertise group, advising clients across the healthcare value chain. Corey has previous investment experience with RiverVest Venture Partners, where he was an Associate performing diligence on early stage investments, and at NeuroInsights, where he was an Analyst evaluating brain related technologies. He is also founding member of Alcyone Lifesciences, a start-up developing technologies to deliver therapeutics to the brain. Dr. McCann trained as a physician-scientist via the Medical Scientist Training Program. For his PhD, he studied the molecular biology of synapses at Harvard University and at Washington University in St Louis. He was also a post-doctoral researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital where he developed imaging techniques for the visualization of the brain. Dr. McCann received his M.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. He graduated summa cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University where he was an Evan Pugh Scholar, receiving a B.S. in Biology with minors in neuroscience, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Judge and Advisor: Miguel Medina, Ph.D.
Miguel Medina, Ph.D., Deputy Scientific Director, CIBERNED (Center for Networked Biomedical research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Madrid, Spain
Biochemist and Molecular Biologist, earned his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid. Dr. Medina's long-standing interest in the study of the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases has led him to work in various international academic institutions in Europe and the US. In 2003 he moved to the Spanish biopharmaceutical company Noscira S.A., leading two novel compounds into clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. In March 2012 he was appointed Deputy Scientific Director of CIBERNED (Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases). He is the Spanish representative in the COEN (International Network of Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration) Oversight Group and serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the CIEN Foundation. Dr. Medina is also a member of the of several international scientific journal editorial boards, has authored over 100 scientific publications and is listed as co-inventor of 25 patents.
Madrid, Spain
Biochemist and Molecular Biologist, earned his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid. Dr. Medina's long-standing interest in the study of the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases has led him to work in various international academic institutions in Europe and the US. In 2003 he moved to the Spanish biopharmaceutical company Noscira S.A., leading two novel compounds into clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. In March 2012 he was appointed Deputy Scientific Director of CIBERNED (Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases). He is the Spanish representative in the COEN (International Network of Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration) Oversight Group and serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the CIEN Foundation. Dr. Medina is also a member of the of several international scientific journal editorial boards, has authored over 100 scientific publications and is listed as co-inventor of 25 patents.
Advisor: Christine Mitchell, R.N., M.S., M.T.S.
Christine Mitchell, R.N., M.S., M.T.S, Executive Director, Center for Bioethics, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
Christine Mitchell is Executive Director of the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School where she directs an annual Harvard Bioethics Course, teaches in the ethics fellowship program, and leads the Ethics Leadership Council for the Harvard teaching hospitals and affiliated health care facilities. She is a member of the Ethics And Society Programme (SubProject 12) of the Human Brain Project, funded by the European Commission, working with their Committee on Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects and the Research Ethics Committee. As a founding Board member of the Society for Bioethics Consultation and past President of the American Society for Law, Medicine and Ethics, Christine has been involved with ethics committees nationally and locally since the early 80s, including developing Boston Children’s Hospital’s Ethics Advisory Committee and ethics consultation service where she worked for over 30 years. Christine organized an ongoing Community Ethics Committee, with Carol Powers, to bring lay voices into conversations on bioethical issues and provide public input on ethical policy matters. Christine has made documentary films related to clinical ethics, including one which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1984, and a video for which she and film-maker Ben Achtenberg won a Freddie award in 2004. She has written a number of articles on ethics which have been published in the American Journal of Nursing, The Journal of Clinical Ethics, (for which she edits a quarterly series based on the Harvard Ethics Consortium), the New England Journal of Medicine, and Newsweek. Articles about her have appeared in Reader’s Digest and Yankee magazine.
Boston, MA
Christine Mitchell is Executive Director of the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School where she directs an annual Harvard Bioethics Course, teaches in the ethics fellowship program, and leads the Ethics Leadership Council for the Harvard teaching hospitals and affiliated health care facilities. She is a member of the Ethics And Society Programme (SubProject 12) of the Human Brain Project, funded by the European Commission, working with their Committee on Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects and the Research Ethics Committee. As a founding Board member of the Society for Bioethics Consultation and past President of the American Society for Law, Medicine and Ethics, Christine has been involved with ethics committees nationally and locally since the early 80s, including developing Boston Children’s Hospital’s Ethics Advisory Committee and ethics consultation service where she worked for over 30 years. Christine organized an ongoing Community Ethics Committee, with Carol Powers, to bring lay voices into conversations on bioethical issues and provide public input on ethical policy matters. Christine has made documentary films related to clinical ethics, including one which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1984, and a video for which she and film-maker Ben Achtenberg won a Freddie award in 2004. She has written a number of articles on ethics which have been published in the American Journal of Nursing, The Journal of Clinical Ethics, (for which she edits a quarterly series based on the Harvard Ethics Consortium), the New England Journal of Medicine, and Newsweek. Articles about her have appeared in Reader’s Digest and Yankee magazine.
Advisor: Stewart Mostofsky, M.D.
Stewart Mostofsky, M.D. Medical Director, Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Dr. Stewart Mostofsky is a research scientist and medical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and holds the Batza Family Foundation Research Chair at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Dr. Mostofsky received his medical degree in 1990 through the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-Albany Medical College six-year program, where he won the Jack Spitalny Prize for exceptional achievement in Pediatrics. He went on to an internship and residencies in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Mostofsky first came to Kennedy Krieger Institute in 1995 for a fellowship under the direction of Dr. Martha Denckla in the Department of Developmental Cognitive Neurology. Building on that training, Dr. Mostofsky established the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, where he has focused on applying a range of behavioral and brain imaging methods to better understanding the neurological basis of, and to improving therapies for, developmental disorders, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and learning disabilities
Dr. Mostofsky’s clinical practice focuses on serving children in the autism spectrum and he serves as the medical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, the International Neuropsychological Society, the Society for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology and the Organization for Human Brain Mapping.
Dr. Stewart Mostofsky is a research scientist and medical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and holds the Batza Family Foundation Research Chair at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Dr. Mostofsky received his medical degree in 1990 through the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-Albany Medical College six-year program, where he won the Jack Spitalny Prize for exceptional achievement in Pediatrics. He went on to an internship and residencies in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Mostofsky first came to Kennedy Krieger Institute in 1995 for a fellowship under the direction of Dr. Martha Denckla in the Department of Developmental Cognitive Neurology. Building on that training, Dr. Mostofsky established the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, where he has focused on applying a range of behavioral and brain imaging methods to better understanding the neurological basis of, and to improving therapies for, developmental disorders, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and learning disabilities
Dr. Mostofsky’s clinical practice focuses on serving children in the autism spectrum and he serves as the medical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, the International Neuropsychological Society, the Society for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology and the Organization for Human Brain Mapping.
Advisor: Ari Ne’eman
Ari Ne’eman, President of the Autistic Self Advisory Network
Washington, DC
Ari is ASAN’s President, serves as an ex officio board member. He is an Autistic adult and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity and self-advocacy movements. In 2009, President Obama nominated Ari to the National Council on Disability, a federal agency charged with advising Congress and the President on disability policy issues. He was confirmed by the Senate in July 2010 and currently chairs the Council’s Entitlements Committee. Between 2010 and 2012, Ari chaired NCD’s Policy & Program Evaluation Committee. Ari worked to shut down the New York University Child Study Center’s “Ransom Notes” campaign and also led other successful disability community responses to offensive advertisements, including the response to the Autism Speaks “I am Autism” fundraising video. In his policy work, Ari has worked on a wide variety of disability rights related legislation relating to education, transition, employment, rights protection and other areas.
From 2010 to 2012, he served as a public member to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a Federal advisory committee that coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism. Appointed by Governor Jon Corzine, Ari served as Vice Chair of the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force, where he represented autistic adults in reviewing the state’s autism services. He also previously served on the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report on the topic of aversive, restraint and seclusion. In 2008, Ari served as the first ever Patricia Morrissey Disability Policy Fellow at the Institute for Educational Leadership. That year, he also received the HSC Foundation “Advocates in Disability” Award, and in 2009, he received the Expanding Horizons Award from United Cerebral Palsy. He is also a board member of TASH, an advocacy organization focusing on advancing social justice for people with significant disabilities. In addition, he was named by the New York Jewish Week as one of their “36 by 36″ in 2010. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, where he studied political science in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program.e to edit.
Washington, DC
Ari is ASAN’s President, serves as an ex officio board member. He is an Autistic adult and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity and self-advocacy movements. In 2009, President Obama nominated Ari to the National Council on Disability, a federal agency charged with advising Congress and the President on disability policy issues. He was confirmed by the Senate in July 2010 and currently chairs the Council’s Entitlements Committee. Between 2010 and 2012, Ari chaired NCD’s Policy & Program Evaluation Committee. Ari worked to shut down the New York University Child Study Center’s “Ransom Notes” campaign and also led other successful disability community responses to offensive advertisements, including the response to the Autism Speaks “I am Autism” fundraising video. In his policy work, Ari has worked on a wide variety of disability rights related legislation relating to education, transition, employment, rights protection and other areas.
From 2010 to 2012, he served as a public member to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a Federal advisory committee that coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism. Appointed by Governor Jon Corzine, Ari served as Vice Chair of the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force, where he represented autistic adults in reviewing the state’s autism services. He also previously served on the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report on the topic of aversive, restraint and seclusion. In 2008, Ari served as the first ever Patricia Morrissey Disability Policy Fellow at the Institute for Educational Leadership. That year, he also received the HSC Foundation “Advocates in Disability” Award, and in 2009, he received the Expanding Horizons Award from United Cerebral Palsy. He is also a board member of TASH, an advocacy organization focusing on advancing social justice for people with significant disabilities. In addition, he was named by the New York Jewish Week as one of their “36 by 36″ in 2010. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, where he studied political science in the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program.e to edit.
Judge and Advisor: Richard Normann, Ph.D.
Richard Normann, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology, University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Professor Normann received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied how the rod and cone photoreceptors respond to light. He then moved to the National Institute of Health where he continued his research on the vertebrate retina. In 1979 he moved to the Departments of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology at the University of Utah, where his research interests expanded into cortical sensory and peripheral motor physiology. His electrical engineering background and his interests in neurophysiology have provided unique insights into the studies of the vertebrate nervous system, and his recent work has culminated in the development of high electrode count, multi-channel interfaces to the nervous system. These interfaces, silicon based microelectrode arrays, provide unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution recording of activity from large numbers of neurons in cerebral cortex and recently, in the peripheral nervous system. The arrays also are used to provide highly focal excitation of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
These electrode arrays are being used by Normann and his colleagues to study parallel information processing and encoding of sensory and motor information in the vertebrate nervous system. These tools, and their validation in animal experiments, are leading to human experiments that will be directed at the development of neuroprosthetic systems that will offer new avenues for therapy for those with damaged or diseased parts of their nervous system.
In 1995, Professor. Normann was the co-founder of Bionic Technologies, Inc., a start-up company focused on the commercialization of neural interfaces for research, and eventually, clinical applications. In 2002, the company was acquired by Cyberkinetics, Inc., and this company has recently demonstrated that Utah Electrode Arrays, when implanted into the motor cortex of high spinal cord injured volunteers, can be used to control external devices, simply by volitional thought.
Professor Normann has given keynote lectures on these topics at many national and international scientific meetings. He was the recipient of the University of Utah Distinguished Research Award, the Governor's medal for Science and Technology. He was Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Utah from 1992-1997, and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
Salt Lake City, UT
Professor Normann received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied how the rod and cone photoreceptors respond to light. He then moved to the National Institute of Health where he continued his research on the vertebrate retina. In 1979 he moved to the Departments of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology at the University of Utah, where his research interests expanded into cortical sensory and peripheral motor physiology. His electrical engineering background and his interests in neurophysiology have provided unique insights into the studies of the vertebrate nervous system, and his recent work has culminated in the development of high electrode count, multi-channel interfaces to the nervous system. These interfaces, silicon based microelectrode arrays, provide unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution recording of activity from large numbers of neurons in cerebral cortex and recently, in the peripheral nervous system. The arrays also are used to provide highly focal excitation of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
These electrode arrays are being used by Normann and his colleagues to study parallel information processing and encoding of sensory and motor information in the vertebrate nervous system. These tools, and their validation in animal experiments, are leading to human experiments that will be directed at the development of neuroprosthetic systems that will offer new avenues for therapy for those with damaged or diseased parts of their nervous system.
In 1995, Professor. Normann was the co-founder of Bionic Technologies, Inc., a start-up company focused on the commercialization of neural interfaces for research, and eventually, clinical applications. In 2002, the company was acquired by Cyberkinetics, Inc., and this company has recently demonstrated that Utah Electrode Arrays, when implanted into the motor cortex of high spinal cord injured volunteers, can be used to control external devices, simply by volitional thought.
Professor Normann has given keynote lectures on these topics at many national and international scientific meetings. He was the recipient of the University of Utah Distinguished Research Award, the Governor's medal for Science and Technology. He was Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Utah from 1992-1997, and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
Judge: Jeffrey S. Nye, M.D., Ph.D.
Jeffrey S. Nye, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President Neuroscience Innovation and Scientific Partnership Strategy, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dr. Nye is responsible for external R&D in neuroscience, focusing on novel business relationships, venture, academic, public-private partnerships and risk-shared outsourcing. Previously, Dr. Nye was Chief Medical Officer of the East Coast Research and Early Development unit and was responsible for early programs across all therapeutic areas. Prior roles include Vice President of Experimental Medicine, and leader of programs for Galantamine for Alzheimer's disease, and Topamax for epilepsy and migraine. He previously served as a Director of CNS Discovery Genomics and Biotechnology at Pharmacia. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Nye was a tenured associate professor of Molecular Pharmacology, Biological Chemistry and Pediatrics (Neurology) at Northwestern University. He has a B.A. and M.A. from Harvard, and a M.D. and Ph.D. (with Solomon Snyder) from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He served as resident, postdoctoral fellow (with Richard Axel) and assistant professor of Pediatrics in Neurology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Nye has published over 60 papers on basic and clinical research, and has led pharma programs in discovery through clinical development. He has served on study sections and advisory panels, and currently serves as a Councilor of the British Association of Psychopharmacology and the co-chair of the New York Academy Alzheimer's Leadership council.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dr. Nye is responsible for external R&D in neuroscience, focusing on novel business relationships, venture, academic, public-private partnerships and risk-shared outsourcing. Previously, Dr. Nye was Chief Medical Officer of the East Coast Research and Early Development unit and was responsible for early programs across all therapeutic areas. Prior roles include Vice President of Experimental Medicine, and leader of programs for Galantamine for Alzheimer's disease, and Topamax for epilepsy and migraine. He previously served as a Director of CNS Discovery Genomics and Biotechnology at Pharmacia. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Nye was a tenured associate professor of Molecular Pharmacology, Biological Chemistry and Pediatrics (Neurology) at Northwestern University. He has a B.A. and M.A. from Harvard, and a M.D. and Ph.D. (with Solomon Snyder) from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He served as resident, postdoctoral fellow (with Richard Axel) and assistant professor of Pediatrics in Neurology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Nye has published over 60 papers on basic and clinical research, and has led pharma programs in discovery through clinical development. He has served on study sections and advisory panels, and currently serves as a Councilor of the British Association of Psychopharmacology and the co-chair of the New York Academy Alzheimer's Leadership council.
Judge and Advisor: Daniel J. O'Connell
Daniel J. O'Connell, Managing Partner, NeuroVentures
Charlottesville, Virginia
Dan O’Connell has over 15 years of early-stage venture capital experience, with a particular emphasis on working with start-up life sciences companies and their scientific and entrepreneurial founders. He is a founding member and managing partner of NeuroVentures, a specialty venture capital firm, he helped to established in 2001 to invest in emerging biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies seeking to develop novel treatments for diseases and disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Currently, Mr. O’Connell is an observer to the board of Naurex, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company working novel therapies in psychiatry and neurology. Mr. O’Connell is also co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Functional NeuroModulation Ltd., a start-up medical technology company established in 2010 to advance deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other conditions of impaired memory. Mr. O’Connell led the efforts to form the company, establish a strategic collaboration and secure funding commitments of $13.4M from Genesys Capital, Foundation Medical Partners and Medtronic. The company is currently conducting the ADvance Study, a multi-center, randomized controlled feasibility study investigating DBS of the fornix in mild Alzheimer’s patients. Mr. O’Connell currently serves as a Business Advisor to The Epilepsy Therapy Project and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and on the external advisory board of the University of Virginia Patent Foundation. He holds a B.A. from Brown University and M.B.A. from the University of Virginia.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Dan O’Connell has over 15 years of early-stage venture capital experience, with a particular emphasis on working with start-up life sciences companies and their scientific and entrepreneurial founders. He is a founding member and managing partner of NeuroVentures, a specialty venture capital firm, he helped to established in 2001 to invest in emerging biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies seeking to develop novel treatments for diseases and disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Currently, Mr. O’Connell is an observer to the board of Naurex, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company working novel therapies in psychiatry and neurology. Mr. O’Connell is also co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Functional NeuroModulation Ltd., a start-up medical technology company established in 2010 to advance deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other conditions of impaired memory. Mr. O’Connell led the efforts to form the company, establish a strategic collaboration and secure funding commitments of $13.4M from Genesys Capital, Foundation Medical Partners and Medtronic. The company is currently conducting the ADvance Study, a multi-center, randomized controlled feasibility study investigating DBS of the fornix in mild Alzheimer’s patients. Mr. O’Connell currently serves as a Business Advisor to The Epilepsy Therapy Project and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and on the external advisory board of the University of Virginia Patent Foundation. He holds a B.A. from Brown University and M.B.A. from the University of Virginia.
Judge: Gregory J. O’Shanick, M.D.
Gregory J. O’Shanick, M.D., President/Medical Director, Center for Neurorehabilitation Services, PC
Richmond, VA
Gregory O'Shanick, M.D., is a former chairman of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. In May 2011, Dr. O'Shanick became the medical director emeritus for BIAA, after serving for 14 years as its first national medical director. Over the past 30 years, he has treated more than 11,000 patients with brain injuries while serving on the faculties of three different medical schools and in private practice. Since 1991, Dr. O'Shanick has been the president and medical director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services in Richmond, Va. He holds board certification in four medical subspecialties (Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Neurorehabilitation, Psychosomatic Medicine and General Psychiatry) and has published three books, 12 academic textbook chapters and more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national and international medical conferences and has served as an advisor to numerous federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Richmond, VA
Gregory O'Shanick, M.D., is a former chairman of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. In May 2011, Dr. O'Shanick became the medical director emeritus for BIAA, after serving for 14 years as its first national medical director. Over the past 30 years, he has treated more than 11,000 patients with brain injuries while serving on the faculties of three different medical schools and in private practice. Since 1991, Dr. O'Shanick has been the president and medical director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services in Richmond, Va. He holds board certification in four medical subspecialties (Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Neurorehabilitation, Psychosomatic Medicine and General Psychiatry) and has published three books, 12 academic textbook chapters and more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national and international medical conferences and has served as an advisor to numerous federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Judge and Advisor: Pavel Osten, M.D., Ph.D.
Pavel Osten, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Pavel Osten, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).
Born in Czechoslovakia, Dr. Osten has received his MD from Charles University (Prague). After moving to the US, he obtained his PhD in neurophysiology from State University of New York (SUNY Brooklyn) and he trained in molecular neurobiology with Dr. Edward Ziff at New York University. In 1999, Dr. Osten accepted a group leader position at Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg (Germany), where his laboratory pioneered the use of viral vectors, in vivo two-photon microscopy, and in vivo electrophysiology in the study of cortical circuits in the rodent brain. Before coming to CSHL in 2008, Dr. Osten held an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago.
Dr. Osten’s research at CSHL focuses on the study of brain circuit deficits in genetic mouse models of autism and schizophrenia. Dr. Osten and collaborators at TissueVision Inc. have developed an automated three-dimensional microscopy, called serial two-photon (STP) tomography, that enables high-resolution imaging and analysis of neural circuits in the whole mouse brain. Application of STP tomography to the study of genetic mouse models promises to identify brain circuit-based targets for the development of therapeutic approaches in autism, schizophrenia and other cognitive disorders.
Dr. Osten was the recipient of Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship in 2005 and McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award in 2009.
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Pavel Osten, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).
Born in Czechoslovakia, Dr. Osten has received his MD from Charles University (Prague). After moving to the US, he obtained his PhD in neurophysiology from State University of New York (SUNY Brooklyn) and he trained in molecular neurobiology with Dr. Edward Ziff at New York University. In 1999, Dr. Osten accepted a group leader position at Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg (Germany), where his laboratory pioneered the use of viral vectors, in vivo two-photon microscopy, and in vivo electrophysiology in the study of cortical circuits in the rodent brain. Before coming to CSHL in 2008, Dr. Osten held an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago.
Dr. Osten’s research at CSHL focuses on the study of brain circuit deficits in genetic mouse models of autism and schizophrenia. Dr. Osten and collaborators at TissueVision Inc. have developed an automated three-dimensional microscopy, called serial two-photon (STP) tomography, that enables high-resolution imaging and analysis of neural circuits in the whole mouse brain. Application of STP tomography to the study of genetic mouse models promises to identify brain circuit-based targets for the development of therapeutic approaches in autism, schizophrenia and other cognitive disorders.
Dr. Osten was the recipient of Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship in 2005 and McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award in 2009.
Judge: Sat Pannu, Ph.D.
Sat Pannu, Ph.D., Section Leader for Micro and Nano Technology, Center for Micro and Nano Technology Materials Engineering Division
Livermore, CA
Design, fabrication, and characterization of micro- and nanosystems, packaging and integration of micro- and nanosystems, analog IC design, biological micro- and nanosystems, biomedical devices, optical microsystems, fluidic microsystems, and advanced polymer fabrication. Current areas of research activity include the development of an epiretinal prosthesis, autonomous systems for the detection and identification of chemical and biological agents, and the integration of a large array of spatial light modulators with device-level electronics.
Livermore, CA
Design, fabrication, and characterization of micro- and nanosystems, packaging and integration of micro- and nanosystems, analog IC design, biological micro- and nanosystems, biomedical devices, optical microsystems, fluidic microsystems, and advanced polymer fabrication. Current areas of research activity include the development of an epiretinal prosthesis, autonomous systems for the detection and identification of chemical and biological agents, and the integration of a large array of spatial light modulators with device-level electronics.
Judge and Advisor: Lauri Parkkonen, Ph.D.
Lauri Parkkonen, Ph.D., Principle Investigator, Human Brain Project
Professor (Assistant Professor of Medical Imaging), Dept. of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University School of Science
Espoo, Finland
The main research area of Parkkonen is non-invasive neuroimaging, mainly instrumentation and data analysis methods related to MEG as well as human neuroscience of sensory modalities and cognition. He has contributed to MEG instrumentation and signal processing methods that are currently in active use in over 70 laboratories world-wide. He has expanded beyond MEG by actively contributing to ultra-low-field MRI research (through participation in the EU FP7 project “MEGMRI”) and to invasive monitoring of local cortical activity (as a co-PI in the on-going EU FET project “Magnetrodes”). In cognitive neuroscience, Parkkonen has shed light on the neural mechanisms of sensory processing, particularly conscious visual perception. Recently he has contributed to “two-person neuroscience”, i.e., neuroimaging two interacting subjects at the same time to uncover brain mechanisms supporting social interaction. In this context he also participates in the EU FET ICT flagship “Human Brain Project” as a co-investigator. Parkkonen is also regularly acting as a reviewer for the major journals in the field such as Human Brain Mapping and Neuroimage but also for multidisciplinary journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. He has experience in industrial project management and has received management training. He has worked with Academician of Science, ERC Advanced Grant holder, prof. Riitta Hari on MEG and neuroscience for more than a decade.
Altogether about 80 scientific publications: 47 peer-reviewed original research publications, 3 review articles, 6 book chapters, 19 other scientific publications, 3 issued international patents, 13 invited talks in international scientific conferences. Publications have been cited 1402/918 times in total (most cited one
342/282 times) and the H-index is 20/16 (data from Google Scholar/ISI Web of Science). Publications include 1 paper in Trends Cogn Sci (IF 16.0), 3 in Proc Nat’l Acad Sci USA (IF 9.74), and additional 15 papers in other high-impact journals (IF > 5). The complete list of publications is available at http://www.researcherid.com/rid/G-6755-2012.
Parkkonen has co-founded, with two other partners, a company in 1989 (Digiware Oy, Helsinki, Finland) whose core business was consultancy in combination with marketing, sales and distribution of software products to other businesses. In 1992, he joined a newly-established university-spin-off company (Neuromag
Ltd., Helsinki, Finland) which aimed at commercializing the research on magnetoencephalographic (MEG) instrumentation conducted at Low Temperature Laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology (predecessor of Aalto University). During his carrier in Neuromag, it grew from a 7-employee academic start-up to a world-wide market leader in MEG. Neuromag was acquired by 4D-Neuroimaging (San Diego, CA, USA) and later by Elekta (Stockholm, Sweden), which today has about 1-billion euro annual turnover and 3 500 employees world wide. Thus, Parkkonen has gained work experience in both small and large enterprises.
Professor (Assistant Professor of Medical Imaging), Dept. of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University School of Science
Espoo, Finland
The main research area of Parkkonen is non-invasive neuroimaging, mainly instrumentation and data analysis methods related to MEG as well as human neuroscience of sensory modalities and cognition. He has contributed to MEG instrumentation and signal processing methods that are currently in active use in over 70 laboratories world-wide. He has expanded beyond MEG by actively contributing to ultra-low-field MRI research (through participation in the EU FP7 project “MEGMRI”) and to invasive monitoring of local cortical activity (as a co-PI in the on-going EU FET project “Magnetrodes”). In cognitive neuroscience, Parkkonen has shed light on the neural mechanisms of sensory processing, particularly conscious visual perception. Recently he has contributed to “two-person neuroscience”, i.e., neuroimaging two interacting subjects at the same time to uncover brain mechanisms supporting social interaction. In this context he also participates in the EU FET ICT flagship “Human Brain Project” as a co-investigator. Parkkonen is also regularly acting as a reviewer for the major journals in the field such as Human Brain Mapping and Neuroimage but also for multidisciplinary journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. He has experience in industrial project management and has received management training. He has worked with Academician of Science, ERC Advanced Grant holder, prof. Riitta Hari on MEG and neuroscience for more than a decade.
Altogether about 80 scientific publications: 47 peer-reviewed original research publications, 3 review articles, 6 book chapters, 19 other scientific publications, 3 issued international patents, 13 invited talks in international scientific conferences. Publications have been cited 1402/918 times in total (most cited one
342/282 times) and the H-index is 20/16 (data from Google Scholar/ISI Web of Science). Publications include 1 paper in Trends Cogn Sci (IF 16.0), 3 in Proc Nat’l Acad Sci USA (IF 9.74), and additional 15 papers in other high-impact journals (IF > 5). The complete list of publications is available at http://www.researcherid.com/rid/G-6755-2012.
Parkkonen has co-founded, with two other partners, a company in 1989 (Digiware Oy, Helsinki, Finland) whose core business was consultancy in combination with marketing, sales and distribution of software products to other businesses. In 1992, he joined a newly-established university-spin-off company (Neuromag
Ltd., Helsinki, Finland) which aimed at commercializing the research on magnetoencephalographic (MEG) instrumentation conducted at Low Temperature Laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology (predecessor of Aalto University). During his carrier in Neuromag, it grew from a 7-employee academic start-up to a world-wide market leader in MEG. Neuromag was acquired by 4D-Neuroimaging (San Diego, CA, USA) and later by Elekta (Stockholm, Sweden), which today has about 1-billion euro annual turnover and 3 500 employees world wide. Thus, Parkkonen has gained work experience in both small and large enterprises.
Judge and Advisor: Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor in Neurology, Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Harvard Medical School
Director, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr
Boston, MA
Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, is Professor of Neurology and an Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research at Harvard Medical School. He serves as the Director of the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and is a practicing behavioral neurologist.
(See http://tmslab.org/aboutus-faculty-pascual-leone.php )
Director, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr
Boston, MA
Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, is Professor of Neurology and an Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research at Harvard Medical School. He serves as the Director of the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and is a practicing behavioral neurologist.
(See http://tmslab.org/aboutus-faculty-pascual-leone.php )
Judge and Advisor: Chris Ponting, Ph.D.
Chris Ponting, MSc, DPhil, Leader Computational and Disease Genomics, University of Oxford
Oxford, UK
Professor Chris Ponting is a computational genomicist whose prolific research has had a substantial impact across diverse biomedical areas. The SMART domain database has been a major organizational principle that has proved to be of enormous benefit across all of cellular and molecular biology; his evolutionary genomics research has provided guiding principles in differentiating genes that are similar, and those that are different, between model organisms and humans; his demonstration that approximately 8% of the human genome is functional demarcates the experiments necessary to fully understand transcriptional regulation; and, his evolutionary studies on noncoding RNAs provided the justification required for many that these contribute greatly to biological complexity. His neurogenomics research focuses on Parkinson’s disease (opdc.medsci.ox.ac.uk), on single neuron transcriptome sequencing and on post-mortem brains across the human lifecourse. He is Deputy Director of the MRC Functional Genomics Unit, is an Associate Faculty member of the WT Sanger Institute and the Head of the UK Node of ELIXIR. He also is Director of the CGAT programme (www.cgat.org) which is training the next generation of Genome Biologists.
Oxford, UK
Professor Chris Ponting is a computational genomicist whose prolific research has had a substantial impact across diverse biomedical areas. The SMART domain database has been a major organizational principle that has proved to be of enormous benefit across all of cellular and molecular biology; his evolutionary genomics research has provided guiding principles in differentiating genes that are similar, and those that are different, between model organisms and humans; his demonstration that approximately 8% of the human genome is functional demarcates the experiments necessary to fully understand transcriptional regulation; and, his evolutionary studies on noncoding RNAs provided the justification required for many that these contribute greatly to biological complexity. His neurogenomics research focuses on Parkinson’s disease (opdc.medsci.ox.ac.uk), on single neuron transcriptome sequencing and on post-mortem brains across the human lifecourse. He is Deputy Director of the MRC Functional Genomics Unit, is an Associate Faculty member of the WT Sanger Institute and the Head of the UK Node of ELIXIR. He also is Director of the CGAT programme (www.cgat.org) which is training the next generation of Genome Biologists.
Judge: A.K. Pradeep, Ph.D.
A.K. Pradeep, Ph.D., CEO, NeuroFocus, Inc.
Berkeley, CA
Chief Executive Officer Dr. A.K. Pradeep states that he started NeuroFocus as a way to provide answers to his marketing clients who were frustrated in their inability to accurately predict consumer responses. According to Pradeep, his moment of inspiration arose from a conversation with a neuroscientist sitting beside him on a flight back to San Francisco. The neuroscientist told Pradeep about his studies of the brains of patients with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Pradeep says that it was due to this conversation that he realized the link between neuroscience and marketing. He postulated that when viewing a product, customers experience some of the same neurological effects that his neuroscientist neighbor studied. Marketing companies’ frustrations could therefore be addressed by referring to cognitive neuroscience’s technology and methodology. Neurological studies could help marketers discover if the customer would pay attention and remember their product. In 2005 Pradeep founded NeuroFocus’ headquarters with these principles in Berkeley, California. The scientific efforts of NeuroFocus are guided by Dr. Robert Knight, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. The Advisory Board of NeuroFocus comprises faculty from MIT, Harvard, Oxford University, UCSF, and the Hebrew University of Israel.
Berkeley, CA
Chief Executive Officer Dr. A.K. Pradeep states that he started NeuroFocus as a way to provide answers to his marketing clients who were frustrated in their inability to accurately predict consumer responses. According to Pradeep, his moment of inspiration arose from a conversation with a neuroscientist sitting beside him on a flight back to San Francisco. The neuroscientist told Pradeep about his studies of the brains of patients with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Pradeep says that it was due to this conversation that he realized the link between neuroscience and marketing. He postulated that when viewing a product, customers experience some of the same neurological effects that his neuroscientist neighbor studied. Marketing companies’ frustrations could therefore be addressed by referring to cognitive neuroscience’s technology and methodology. Neurological studies could help marketers discover if the customer would pay attention and remember their product. In 2005 Pradeep founded NeuroFocus’ headquarters with these principles in Berkeley, California. The scientific efforts of NeuroFocus are guided by Dr. Robert Knight, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. The Advisory Board of NeuroFocus comprises faculty from MIT, Harvard, Oxford University, UCSF, and the Hebrew University of Israel.
Judge: Gil Price, M.D.
Gil Price, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, MaGil IRB, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer, Drug Safety Solutions
Rockville, MD
Dr. Gil Price is a clinical physician trained in Internal Medicine with a long-standing interest in the study of adverse drug reactions, drug utilization, drug development and regulation. He is an accomplished senior level manager with over 26 years of diverse therapeutic drug development experience. His responsibilities have included pharmacovigilance, competitive intelligence, and clinical development
Gil has launched three companies: a biotech firm which exited within 15 months at a 23x multiple; Drug Safety Solutions, a pharmacoviligance consulting firm and Ma Gil, a firm provided preferred IRB services to the Life Sciences industry
Prior to his current position as Founder and CEO of Drug Safety Solutions, Dr. Price was the Director of Clinical Development for Oncology at MedImmune Inc. He previously worked in the CRO sector at ClinTrials. Dr. Price began his pharmaceutical career at Glaxo, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC, where he worked for nearly nine years on both the commercial and research sides of the company
Dr. Price is a member of the American Medical Association, the Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians, the American Society of Microbiology, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, and the Drug Information Association
Chief Executive Officer, Drug Safety Solutions
Rockville, MD
Dr. Gil Price is a clinical physician trained in Internal Medicine with a long-standing interest in the study of adverse drug reactions, drug utilization, drug development and regulation. He is an accomplished senior level manager with over 26 years of diverse therapeutic drug development experience. His responsibilities have included pharmacovigilance, competitive intelligence, and clinical development
Gil has launched three companies: a biotech firm which exited within 15 months at a 23x multiple; Drug Safety Solutions, a pharmacoviligance consulting firm and Ma Gil, a firm provided preferred IRB services to the Life Sciences industry
Prior to his current position as Founder and CEO of Drug Safety Solutions, Dr. Price was the Director of Clinical Development for Oncology at MedImmune Inc. He previously worked in the CRO sector at ClinTrials. Dr. Price began his pharmaceutical career at Glaxo, Inc. in Research Triangle Park, NC, where he worked for nearly nine years on both the commercial and research sides of the company
Dr. Price is a member of the American Medical Association, the Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians, the American Society of Microbiology, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, and the Drug Information Association
Judge and Advisor: Patrick Purdon, Ph.D.
Patrick Purdon, Ph.D., Researcher, Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
My research integrates neuroimaging, biomedical signal processing, and the systems neuroscience of general anesthesia and sedation.
My group conducts human studies of anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, using a variety of techniques including multimodal neuroimaging, high-density EEG, and invasive neurophysiological recordings used to diagnose medically refractory epilepsy. We also develop novel methods in neuroimaging and biomedical signal processing to support these studies, as well as methods for monitoring level of consciousness under general anesthesia using EEG.
Boston, MA
My research integrates neuroimaging, biomedical signal processing, and the systems neuroscience of general anesthesia and sedation.
My group conducts human studies of anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, using a variety of techniques including multimodal neuroimaging, high-density EEG, and invasive neurophysiological recordings used to diagnose medically refractory epilepsy. We also develop novel methods in neuroimaging and biomedical signal processing to support these studies, as well as methods for monitoring level of consciousness under general anesthesia using EEG.
Judge and Advisor: Andrew G. Reaume, Ph.D., MBA
Andrew G. Reaume, Ph.D., MBA, President, CEO and co-founder of Melior Discovery, Inc.
Exton, Pennsylvania
Dr. Reaume is President, CEO and co-founder of Melior Discovery, Inc., an established biopharmaceutical company dedicated to in vivo drug profiling and drug repositioning. The company has build a robust, proprietary, clinical candidate pipeline, leading to a successful out-licensing arrangement with a major pharmaceutical company. In addition, Melior has attracted multiple partnerships with many of the leading global pharmaceutical companies through its capabilities with in vivo profiling. Prior to founding Melior Discovery, Dr. Reaume was a Senior Business Analyst at Pfizer, Inc. in the department of genomics and proteomic sciences. From 1993 to 1999 Dr. Reaume worked in R&D at Cephalon where he was principally involved in creating animal models of neurodegenerative disease. In addition to Dr. Reaume’s research activities, at Cephalon he identified and helped coordinate in-licensing opportunities. In 2003, he received his MBA from the Wharton School where he graduated with honors in Entrepreneurial Management. He received his PhD in genetics from the University of Connecticut in 1990.
Exton, Pennsylvania
Dr. Reaume is President, CEO and co-founder of Melior Discovery, Inc., an established biopharmaceutical company dedicated to in vivo drug profiling and drug repositioning. The company has build a robust, proprietary, clinical candidate pipeline, leading to a successful out-licensing arrangement with a major pharmaceutical company. In addition, Melior has attracted multiple partnerships with many of the leading global pharmaceutical companies through its capabilities with in vivo profiling. Prior to founding Melior Discovery, Dr. Reaume was a Senior Business Analyst at Pfizer, Inc. in the department of genomics and proteomic sciences. From 1993 to 1999 Dr. Reaume worked in R&D at Cephalon where he was principally involved in creating animal models of neurodegenerative disease. In addition to Dr. Reaume’s research activities, at Cephalon he identified and helped coordinate in-licensing opportunities. In 2003, he received his MBA from the Wharton School where he graduated with honors in Entrepreneurial Management. He received his PhD in genetics from the University of Connecticut in 1990.
Judge and Advisor: Kiran Reddy, M.D.
Kiran Reddy, M.D., Associate Partner, Third Rock Ventures, LLC
Boston, MA
Kiran Reddy joined Third Rock Ventures as a Senior Associate in 2008. He was promoted to principal in 2010, and then promoted to Associate Partner in 2013. As an Associate Partner, Kiran supports and manages various portfolio companies in addition to focusing on new company formation and due diligence. He was actively involved in the building and launch of Foundation Medicine and SAGE Therapeutics, and has been a member of the Partner Development Team. In addition, Kiran has served as a Board Observer for Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Rhythym Pharmaceuticals, and PanOptica.
Prior to joining Third Rock Ventures, Kiran was a management consultant at the Lewin Group within in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice.
Kiran holds MD and MBA degrees from Georgetown University and is a board-certified neurologist who completed his training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital. He has authored several peer-reviewed scientific papers in the field of neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Boston, MA
Kiran Reddy joined Third Rock Ventures as a Senior Associate in 2008. He was promoted to principal in 2010, and then promoted to Associate Partner in 2013. As an Associate Partner, Kiran supports and manages various portfolio companies in addition to focusing on new company formation and due diligence. He was actively involved in the building and launch of Foundation Medicine and SAGE Therapeutics, and has been a member of the Partner Development Team. In addition, Kiran has served as a Board Observer for Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Rhythym Pharmaceuticals, and PanOptica.
Prior to joining Third Rock Ventures, Kiran was a management consultant at the Lewin Group within in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice.
Kiran holds MD and MBA degrees from Georgetown University and is a board-certified neurologist who completed his training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital. He has authored several peer-reviewed scientific papers in the field of neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Judge and Advisor: Michele Rhee, MBA
Michele Rhee, MBA, Director of Strategic Initiatives, National Brain Tumor Society
Newton, MA
Michele Rhee is the National Brain Tumor Society's Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, she manages strategic programs focused on achieving a mission by effecting change within different facets of the drug discovery and development landscape, including partnerships with academia, the private sector, and government. She is also on the Board of Directors of Costs of Care, a nonprofit that helps patients and their caregivers reduce their medical bills.
Newton, MA
Michele Rhee is the National Brain Tumor Society's Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, she manages strategic programs focused on achieving a mission by effecting change within different facets of the drug discovery and development landscape, including partnerships with academia, the private sector, and government. She is also on the Board of Directors of Costs of Care, a nonprofit that helps patients and their caregivers reduce their medical bills.
Judge: Joe Richert, Esq.
Joe Richert, Esq., President & CEO, Special Tree Rehabilitation System
Romulus, MI
Joseph Richert served as chairman of the Provider Council's Government Relations Council from 1997-98, and as a member of the national BIA Dispute Resolution Council. Joe also served as the Chairman of the Michigan Brain Injury Association, a non-profit agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of persons with brain injury, from 1999-2001 for which he received national honors– the 2001 State Association Assembly Leadership Award of Excellence by the Brain Injury Association of America. In the fall of 2003, Joe shifted his involvement with the BIA to the national front, when he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of America. Joe is currently the Chairman for the Brain Injury Association of America.
Romulus, MI
Joseph Richert served as chairman of the Provider Council's Government Relations Council from 1997-98, and as a member of the national BIA Dispute Resolution Council. Joe also served as the Chairman of the Michigan Brain Injury Association, a non-profit agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of persons with brain injury, from 1999-2001 for which he received national honors– the 2001 State Association Assembly Leadership Award of Excellence by the Brain Injury Association of America. In the fall of 2003, Joe shifted his involvement with the BIA to the national front, when he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of America. Joe is currently the Chairman for the Brain Injury Association of America.
Judge and Advisor: Will Rosellini, J.D., MBA
Will Rosellini, J.D., MBA, Chairman, Rosellini Scientific
Dallas, TX
Will Rosellini currently serves as the Director of Commercialization at the Texas Biomedical Device Center. He also serves on the boards of Marathon Patent Group, Rosellini Scientific and Microtransponder. Prior to his affiliation with the Texas Biomedical Device Center, he was the founding CEO of Lexington Technology Group and raised nearly $16 million in private equity in 2012 taking the company public by reverse merger to DSS. Previous to Lexington, as the founding CEO of Microtransponder, Rosellini led a team that raised $12 million in venture capital investment and $11 million in NIH funding to support the development of a number of medical devices through preclinical and clinical studies. During his tenure there, he was named an MTBC Tech Titan and GSEA Entrepreneur of the Year. Rosellini is an inventor on 15 patents or patent applications and has published peer-reviewed articles in the area of bioinformatics and databases. He also has testified to Congress on the importance of non-dilutive funding for inventors and researchers.
Rosellini holds a BA in economics from the University of Dallas; an MS in accounting, an MBA and an MS in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas; a JD from Hofstra Law; an MS in regulatory science from the University of Southern California; and an MS in computational biology from a joint program at Rutgers and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He currently is pursuing a PhD at UT Dallas in neuroscience, focusing on evaluating the safety and efficacy of a novel form of neurostimulation called voltage-controlled capacitive discharge. In addition, Rosellini was a minor league pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization
Dallas, TX
Will Rosellini currently serves as the Director of Commercialization at the Texas Biomedical Device Center. He also serves on the boards of Marathon Patent Group, Rosellini Scientific and Microtransponder. Prior to his affiliation with the Texas Biomedical Device Center, he was the founding CEO of Lexington Technology Group and raised nearly $16 million in private equity in 2012 taking the company public by reverse merger to DSS. Previous to Lexington, as the founding CEO of Microtransponder, Rosellini led a team that raised $12 million in venture capital investment and $11 million in NIH funding to support the development of a number of medical devices through preclinical and clinical studies. During his tenure there, he was named an MTBC Tech Titan and GSEA Entrepreneur of the Year. Rosellini is an inventor on 15 patents or patent applications and has published peer-reviewed articles in the area of bioinformatics and databases. He also has testified to Congress on the importance of non-dilutive funding for inventors and researchers.
Rosellini holds a BA in economics from the University of Dallas; an MS in accounting, an MBA and an MS in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas; a JD from Hofstra Law; an MS in regulatory science from the University of Southern California; and an MS in computational biology from a joint program at Rutgers and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He currently is pursuing a PhD at UT Dallas in neuroscience, focusing on evaluating the safety and efficacy of a novel form of neurostimulation called voltage-controlled capacitive discharge. In addition, Rosellini was a minor league pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization
Judge and Advisor: RoseAnn B. Rosenthal
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President and CEO, BenFranklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA
Philadelphia, PA
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Ben Franklin since 1996, has over forty years of experience in business investment, regional planning, and economic development. Rosenthal has piloted Ben Franklin into a national model for technology innovation, investing in innovative enterprises and creating commercialization pathways and partnerships throughout the region. Over the years, Ben Franklin has invested more than $165 million to grow more than 1,750 regional enterprises. Today its portfolio numbers more than 130 companies.
Rosenthal is an inaugural member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She serves on public, private and non-profit boards including the Fox Chase Bank, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology, Education Design Studio, Inc. and World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. She is a member of The Nanotechnology Institute’s Oversight Committee, Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors and its Center on Regional Politics Board of Fellows. Rosenthal holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, and received an honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Philadelphia University. Her work has earned her several regional and national acknowledgements including induction into Temple University’s League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs’ 2013 Iris Newman Award, for her leadership in the entrepreneurial community.
Philadelphia, PA
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Ben Franklin since 1996, has over forty years of experience in business investment, regional planning, and economic development. Rosenthal has piloted Ben Franklin into a national model for technology innovation, investing in innovative enterprises and creating commercialization pathways and partnerships throughout the region. Over the years, Ben Franklin has invested more than $165 million to grow more than 1,750 regional enterprises. Today its portfolio numbers more than 130 companies.
Rosenthal is an inaugural member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She serves on public, private and non-profit boards including the Fox Chase Bank, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology, Education Design Studio, Inc. and World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. She is a member of The Nanotechnology Institute’s Oversight Committee, Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors and its Center on Regional Politics Board of Fellows. Rosenthal holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, and received an honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters from Philadelphia University. Her work has earned her several regional and national acknowledgements including induction into Temple University’s League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs’ 2013 Iris Newman Award, for her leadership in the entrepreneurial community.
Judge and Advisor: Barbara J Sahakian FMedSci
Barbara J Sahakian FMedSci, Barbara J Sahakian is Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge Department of Psychiatry and MRC / Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute. She is also an Honorary Clinical Psychologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK. She is President of the British Association for Psychopharmacology. She is on the council of the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) and on the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Review Board. She is a member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. She is a Founder Member and President of the International Neuroethics Society. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and a Principal Investigator on the Human Brain Project (https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en_GB/discover/the-community/pi-s). She is co-author of ‘Bad Moves. How decision making goes wrong and the ethics of smart drugs.’ (Oxford University Press, 2013) and co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Neuroethics (Oxford University Press, 2011).
Cambridge, UK
Professor Sahakian is Co-inventor of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), which is used at over 500 Institutes and Hospitals in over 50 countries worldwide. Cambridge Cognition, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, markets CANTAB (www.cantab.com) (www.camcog.com).
She was awarded the F C Donders Chair of Psychopharmacology at the University of Utrecht, the Distinguished International Scholar Award at the University of Pennsylvania and she received the International College of Geriatric Psychoneuropharmacology (ICGP) Senior Investigator Award in 2010. She recently presented on neuroscience and mental health at the World Economic Forum 2014 in Davos (http://youtu.be/worqvUbYMSA).
Professor Sahakian has an international reputation in the fields of psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, neuroimaging and neuroethics. She has over 375 publications in high impact scientific journals. The ISI Web of Science database credits her with a Hirsch (h) index of 94, with some publications having over 300 citations.
She regularly engages the public in science, appearing on programmes such as BBC Newsnight, and on both The Life Scientific and the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4, as well as interviews in international newspapers. She is a lead on many high-impact national and international neuroscience and mental health policy reports.
Cambridge, UK
Professor Sahakian is Co-inventor of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), which is used at over 500 Institutes and Hospitals in over 50 countries worldwide. Cambridge Cognition, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, markets CANTAB (www.cantab.com) (www.camcog.com).
She was awarded the F C Donders Chair of Psychopharmacology at the University of Utrecht, the Distinguished International Scholar Award at the University of Pennsylvania and she received the International College of Geriatric Psychoneuropharmacology (ICGP) Senior Investigator Award in 2010. She recently presented on neuroscience and mental health at the World Economic Forum 2014 in Davos (http://youtu.be/worqvUbYMSA).
Professor Sahakian has an international reputation in the fields of psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, neuroimaging and neuroethics. She has over 375 publications in high impact scientific journals. The ISI Web of Science database credits her with a Hirsch (h) index of 94, with some publications having over 300 citations.
She regularly engages the public in science, appearing on programmes such as BBC Newsnight, and on both The Life Scientific and the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4, as well as interviews in international newspapers. She is a lead on many high-impact national and international neuroscience and mental health policy reports.
Judge: John Sampson, M.D., Ph.D.
John Sampson, MD, Ph.D., Professor, Duke University
Durham, NC
Dr. Sampson is the Robert H. and Gloria Wilkins Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery for the Duke University Medical Center. He has a leadership role in the Duke Cancer Institute’s Neuro-Oncology Program and is a recognized leader in the surgical and experimental treatment of brain tumors with a focus on immunotherapy and drug delivery. He has authored more than 175 peer-reviewed publications in this field and serves on the Editorial Boards of the all the major journals in the field. He has received formal training in medicine, basic science research, clinical trial design and execution, and health sector management and leadership.
He has proven his ability to educate, collaborate, and lead scientists locally and nationally. He has served as a sponsor on four Investigational New Drug (IND) applications submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in support of several novel therapeutics being advanced into the clinic. He served in this role on the EGFRvIII-targeted vaccine which is now being evaluated in a worldwide Phase III randomized trial.
He did his research training under the internationally renowned scientist, Darell D. Bigner, and Nobel Laureate, Gertrude Elion. He currently focuses his clinical practice on treating patients with both benign and malignant brain tumors and divides his time between his clinical practice and an active research laboratory investigating new modalities of direct brain tumor infusion and immunotherapy.
Durham, NC
Dr. Sampson is the Robert H. and Gloria Wilkins Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery for the Duke University Medical Center. He has a leadership role in the Duke Cancer Institute’s Neuro-Oncology Program and is a recognized leader in the surgical and experimental treatment of brain tumors with a focus on immunotherapy and drug delivery. He has authored more than 175 peer-reviewed publications in this field and serves on the Editorial Boards of the all the major journals in the field. He has received formal training in medicine, basic science research, clinical trial design and execution, and health sector management and leadership.
He has proven his ability to educate, collaborate, and lead scientists locally and nationally. He has served as a sponsor on four Investigational New Drug (IND) applications submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in support of several novel therapeutics being advanced into the clinic. He served in this role on the EGFRvIII-targeted vaccine which is now being evaluated in a worldwide Phase III randomized trial.
He did his research training under the internationally renowned scientist, Darell D. Bigner, and Nobel Laureate, Gertrude Elion. He currently focuses his clinical practice on treating patients with both benign and malignant brain tumors and divides his time between his clinical practice and an active research laboratory investigating new modalities of direct brain tumor infusion and immunotherapy.
Judge and Advisor: Luca Santarelli M.D., Ph.D.
Luca Santarelli M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Clinical Research and Exploratory Development in CNS, Roche
Basel, Switzerland
Since 2007, Luca has been the Global Head of Neuroscience, Clinical Research and Early Development (CRED). He joined Roche in 2005, and has helped progress five internal and partnered programs to Phase 2 in schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, treatment-resistant depression and fragile X, and one schizophrenia trial to late stage development. (link to Roche's current CNS pipeline) Luca received his medical training, including Residency in Psychiatry, at the University of Turin, Italy (his native country), followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship and Associate Research Scientist position at New York's Columbia University in the laboratory of Prof. René Hen. He gained clinical experience in both hospital and university settings, and served one year as an attending medical lieutenant in the Italian Air Force.
Published in high profile scientific journals including Science, Nature, PNAS and Nature Neuroscience, Luca's academic research focused on the molecular basis of depression and anxiety, mechanism of action of antidepressants and adult neurogenesis.
For his works on the involvement of adult neurogenesis in the mechanism of action of antidepressant, in 2004 Luca was awarded the Freedman Award for Outstanding Breakthroughs in Basic Brain and Behavioral Science from the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia Anxiety and Depression (NARSAD).
Basel, Switzerland
Since 2007, Luca has been the Global Head of Neuroscience, Clinical Research and Early Development (CRED). He joined Roche in 2005, and has helped progress five internal and partnered programs to Phase 2 in schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, treatment-resistant depression and fragile X, and one schizophrenia trial to late stage development. (link to Roche's current CNS pipeline) Luca received his medical training, including Residency in Psychiatry, at the University of Turin, Italy (his native country), followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship and Associate Research Scientist position at New York's Columbia University in the laboratory of Prof. René Hen. He gained clinical experience in both hospital and university settings, and served one year as an attending medical lieutenant in the Italian Air Force.
Published in high profile scientific journals including Science, Nature, PNAS and Nature Neuroscience, Luca's academic research focused on the molecular basis of depression and anxiety, mechanism of action of antidepressants and adult neurogenesis.
For his works on the involvement of adult neurogenesis in the mechanism of action of antidepressant, in 2004 Luca was awarded the Freedman Award for Outstanding Breakthroughs in Basic Brain and Behavioral Science from the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia Anxiety and Depression (NARSAD).
Judge and Advisor: Susan Sara, Ph.D.
Susan J. Sara, Ph.D.
Directrice de Recherche au CNRS, Collège de France, Paris
Visiting Professor, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai
Chair of FENS/IBRO Programme of European Neuroscience Schools
Paris, France / Shanghai, China
Born in New York City, Susan Sara studied Physiological and Cognitive Psychology at Sarah Lawrence College (New York), receiving a BA in 1970. After earning her PhD from the University Louvain (Belgium) in 1974, she did post doctoral studies at Oxford University (UK) and at New York University Medical School, where she was Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology from 1978-1980. Returning to Europe as a 'Maitre Assistant' at the University of Paris Sud, she was recruited to the French CNRS at the Department of Neurophysiology in Gif-sur-Yvette in 1982 and was named a Director of Reseach in the CNRS in 1988. Dr. Sara moved to the University of Paris, Pierre & Marie Curie in 1991 to establish the Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Cognitive Processes. Since 2007, she is Director of Research Emeritus at the Laboratory of Physiology of Perception and Action, at the Collège de France, where she continues her research on Neurobiology of memory, Neuromodulation and Cognition and more recently, Sleep and Memory. She is currently Visiting Professor at the Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai.
Directrice de Recherche au CNRS, Collège de France, Paris
Visiting Professor, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai
Chair of FENS/IBRO Programme of European Neuroscience Schools
Paris, France / Shanghai, China
Born in New York City, Susan Sara studied Physiological and Cognitive Psychology at Sarah Lawrence College (New York), receiving a BA in 1970. After earning her PhD from the University Louvain (Belgium) in 1974, she did post doctoral studies at Oxford University (UK) and at New York University Medical School, where she was Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology from 1978-1980. Returning to Europe as a 'Maitre Assistant' at the University of Paris Sud, she was recruited to the French CNRS at the Department of Neurophysiology in Gif-sur-Yvette in 1982 and was named a Director of Reseach in the CNRS in 1988. Dr. Sara moved to the University of Paris, Pierre & Marie Curie in 1991 to establish the Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Cognitive Processes. Since 2007, she is Director of Research Emeritus at the Laboratory of Physiology of Perception and Action, at the Collège de France, where she continues her research on Neurobiology of memory, Neuromodulation and Cognition and more recently, Sleep and Memory. She is currently Visiting Professor at the Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai.
Judge and Advisor: Francesco Saverio Pavone, Ph.D.
Francesco Saverio Pavone, Ph. D., Director European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence
Florence, Italy
Francesco Saverio Pavone is directing a research group working in the field of biophotonics on single molecule biophysics, microscopy imaging-spectroscopy techniques, biomedical imaging, laser manipulation of bio-samples.
In particular, he is developing new microscopy techniques for high resolution and high sensitivity imaging, and for laser manipulation purposes. These techniques have been applied both for single molecule biophysics, single cell imaging and optical manipulation. Tissue imaging is another research area developed, where non linear optical techniques have been applied for skin and neural tissue imaging. Also, In-Vivo imaging apparatus have been developed and applied to animal and humans.
Pavone is authors of many internationals papers and editor of international books. He has more than 60 invited talk and he is editors of international journals. He coordinates several European projects and he has several organized international congresses; he is also director of the European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy in Florence.
Florence, Italy
Francesco Saverio Pavone is directing a research group working in the field of biophotonics on single molecule biophysics, microscopy imaging-spectroscopy techniques, biomedical imaging, laser manipulation of bio-samples.
In particular, he is developing new microscopy techniques for high resolution and high sensitivity imaging, and for laser manipulation purposes. These techniques have been applied both for single molecule biophysics, single cell imaging and optical manipulation. Tissue imaging is another research area developed, where non linear optical techniques have been applied for skin and neural tissue imaging. Also, In-Vivo imaging apparatus have been developed and applied to animal and humans.
Pavone is authors of many internationals papers and editor of international books. He has more than 60 invited talk and he is editors of international journals. He coordinates several European projects and he has several organized international congresses; he is also director of the European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy in Florence.
Judge and Advisor: Armen Shanafelt, Ph.D.
Armen Shanafelt, Ph.D., Venture Partner, Lilly Ventures
Indianapolis, Indiana
Armen Shanafelt brings over 24 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic businesses to Lilly Ventures. Previous to joining Lilly Ventures, Armen was CSO responsible for the generation of the early biotherapeutic pipeline for Eli Lilly and Company, spanning the therapeutic areas of oncology, endocrine, and neuroscience. During his 7 years with Lilly, the biotherapeutic group delivered over 20 molecules into clinic development.
Armen received his B.S. Degree in Chemistry and Physics from Pacific Lutheran University, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. He completed his postdoctoral work at DNAX Research Institute, where he studied the structure-function relationships of cytokines and their receptors. He since has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility first with the Biotechnology Unit of Bayer Corporation, where he was directly responsible for bringing engineered proteins into the clinic for the treatment of autoimmune disease, cancer, and HIV, and then as Research Fellow and Director of Research at Roche Diagnostic Corporation, where he was responsible for the identification and development of novel diagnostic technologies and its application. He is an inventor on multiple patents, including engineered biotherapeutics and diagnostic technologies, and has authored publications ranging from the physical characterization of model polymers to the strategic application of protein optimization to therapeutic protein development.
Armen currently serves as a director on the boards of Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Aileron Therapeutics, Protagonist Therapeutics, and Sutro Biopharma. He is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 14).
Indianapolis, Indiana
Armen Shanafelt brings over 24 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic businesses to Lilly Ventures. Previous to joining Lilly Ventures, Armen was CSO responsible for the generation of the early biotherapeutic pipeline for Eli Lilly and Company, spanning the therapeutic areas of oncology, endocrine, and neuroscience. During his 7 years with Lilly, the biotherapeutic group delivered over 20 molecules into clinic development.
Armen received his B.S. Degree in Chemistry and Physics from Pacific Lutheran University, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. He completed his postdoctoral work at DNAX Research Institute, where he studied the structure-function relationships of cytokines and their receptors. He since has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility first with the Biotechnology Unit of Bayer Corporation, where he was directly responsible for bringing engineered proteins into the clinic for the treatment of autoimmune disease, cancer, and HIV, and then as Research Fellow and Director of Research at Roche Diagnostic Corporation, where he was responsible for the identification and development of novel diagnostic technologies and its application. He is an inventor on multiple patents, including engineered biotherapeutics and diagnostic technologies, and has authored publications ranging from the physical characterization of model polymers to the strategic application of protein optimization to therapeutic protein development.
Armen currently serves as a director on the boards of Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Aileron Therapeutics, Protagonist Therapeutics, and Sutro Biopharma. He is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 14).
Judge: Henry Skinner, Ph.D.
Henry Skinner, Ph.D., Managing Director, Novartis Venture Funds
Cambridge, MA
Prior to the Novartis Venture Funds he worked as Executive Director and Global Head Strategic Alliances, Therapeutics and Head Strategic Alliances, Technologies at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research where he led a team responsible for identification, negotiation and management of collaborations and licenses for Novartis’ therapeutic areas as well as the technology areas. Prior to joining Novartis he was CEO of SelectX Pharmaceuticals and President and CEO of NeoGenesis Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Schering-Plough. He was also Director of Technology Acquisitions for Pharmacia & Upjohn and Pharmacia managing business development and licensing for Pharmacia’s research platforms and therapeutic areas worldwide, and Director of Business Development at Lexicon Genetics. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor College of Medicine in the department of Human and Molecular Genetics and earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois. Henry serves on the board of AMP Therapeutics, Galera Therapeutics and works with Cylene, Merus and Forma.
Cambridge, MA
Prior to the Novartis Venture Funds he worked as Executive Director and Global Head Strategic Alliances, Therapeutics and Head Strategic Alliances, Technologies at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research where he led a team responsible for identification, negotiation and management of collaborations and licenses for Novartis’ therapeutic areas as well as the technology areas. Prior to joining Novartis he was CEO of SelectX Pharmaceuticals and President and CEO of NeoGenesis Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Schering-Plough. He was also Director of Technology Acquisitions for Pharmacia & Upjohn and Pharmacia managing business development and licensing for Pharmacia’s research platforms and therapeutic areas worldwide, and Director of Business Development at Lexicon Genetics. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor College of Medicine in the department of Human and Molecular Genetics and earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois. Henry serves on the board of AMP Therapeutics, Galera Therapeutics and works with Cylene, Merus and Forma.
Judge: Bernd Stahl Ph.D.
Bernd Carsten Stahl is Professor of Critical Research in Technology and Director the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at De Montfort University
Leicester, UK
His interests cover philosophical issues arising from the intersections of business, technology, and information. This includes ethical questions of current and emerging of ICTs, critical approaches to information systems and issues related to responsible research and innovation.
Leicester, UK
His interests cover philosophical issues arising from the intersections of business, technology, and information. This includes ethical questions of current and emerging of ICTs, critical approaches to information systems and issues related to responsible research and innovation.
Judge: Donald G. Stein, Ph. D.
Donald G. Stein, Ph.D., Asa G. Candler Professor, Distinguished Professor in Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and The College of Arts and Sciences http://brainresearchlab.weebly.com/index.html
Atlanta, GA
Stein's early findings on sex differences in recovery from brain injury led to decades of research on neurosteroids in CNS injury. His laboratory now studies the actions of progesterone and its metabolites in pediatric, adult and aged models of TBI and stroke.
Using cell culture, molecular biological and immunocytochemical techniques, his group works with medical colleagues in emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, pediatrics and neuro-ophthalmology to examine how different kinds of brain injuries can be repaired at the morphological and functional levels.
His research has served as the basis for two independent Phase II clinical trials testing progesterone for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, now completed, and an NIH-sponsored, nationwide Phase III clinical trial now underway.
Current lines of research in his lab include the investigation of combinatorial pharmacotherapies, and a focus on the pleiotropic actions of neurosteroids and the systemic nature of CNS injury. Dr. Stein is the author of hundreds of articles, book chapters, reviews and papers on the subject of recovery from brain injury.
Atlanta, GA
Stein's early findings on sex differences in recovery from brain injury led to decades of research on neurosteroids in CNS injury. His laboratory now studies the actions of progesterone and its metabolites in pediatric, adult and aged models of TBI and stroke.
Using cell culture, molecular biological and immunocytochemical techniques, his group works with medical colleagues in emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, pediatrics and neuro-ophthalmology to examine how different kinds of brain injuries can be repaired at the morphological and functional levels.
His research has served as the basis for two independent Phase II clinical trials testing progesterone for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, now completed, and an NIH-sponsored, nationwide Phase III clinical trial now underway.
Current lines of research in his lab include the investigation of combinatorial pharmacotherapies, and a focus on the pleiotropic actions of neurosteroids and the systemic nature of CNS injury. Dr. Stein is the author of hundreds of articles, book chapters, reviews and papers on the subject of recovery from brain injury.
Judge: Suresh Sundaram, Ph.D.
Suresh Sundaram, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Singapore
I received my B.E degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Bharathiyar University in 1999, and M.E (2001) and Ph.D (2005) degrees in Department of Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, INDIA. I was post-doctoral researcher in School of Electrical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, from 2005-2007. Subsequently, I was selected as a ERCIM research fellow for the period of 2007-2008 and I spent valuable time in the project team PULSAR at INRIA Sophia-Antipolis, France. For a short period, I was working as Faculty at Industrial Engineering, Korea University, Seoul. Later, I was with Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi, as an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering from 2008-2009. From 2010, I am working as Assistant Professor in School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Singapore
I received my B.E degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Bharathiyar University in 1999, and M.E (2001) and Ph.D (2005) degrees in Department of Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, INDIA. I was post-doctoral researcher in School of Electrical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, from 2005-2007. Subsequently, I was selected as a ERCIM research fellow for the period of 2007-2008 and I spent valuable time in the project team PULSAR at INRIA Sophia-Antipolis, France. For a short period, I was working as Faculty at Industrial Engineering, Korea University, Seoul. Later, I was with Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi, as an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering from 2008-2009. From 2010, I am working as Assistant Professor in School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Advisor: Stacy Suskauer, M.D.
Stacy Suskauer is the director of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is also an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD
Dr. Suskauer attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina for her undergraduate and medical education. She completed a combined residency program in pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. She came to Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins for a pediatric rehabilitation research fellowship and subsequently joined the faculty of these institutions in 2007.
Dr. Suskauer is board-certified in pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation. She holds subspecialty certification in pediatric rehabilitation medicine.
RESEARCH SUMMARY:Dr. Suskauer’s primary research focus is understanding and optimizing outcomes after childhood brain injury. Her projects include: investigating the use of neuroimaging and neurobehavioral assessments to improve understanding of brain-behavior relationships after traumatic brain injury, identifying the relationship between early physiological and functional variables and long-term outcome after brain injury and optimizing evaluation and treatment of children with disorders of consciousness after brain injury.
Dr. Suskauer’s additional research and clinical interests include evaluating functional outcomes in individuals with Sturge-Weber Syndrome and caring for children with limb deficiencies.
Baltimore, MD
Dr. Suskauer attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina for her undergraduate and medical education. She completed a combined residency program in pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. She came to Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins for a pediatric rehabilitation research fellowship and subsequently joined the faculty of these institutions in 2007.
Dr. Suskauer is board-certified in pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation. She holds subspecialty certification in pediatric rehabilitation medicine.
RESEARCH SUMMARY:Dr. Suskauer’s primary research focus is understanding and optimizing outcomes after childhood brain injury. Her projects include: investigating the use of neuroimaging and neurobehavioral assessments to improve understanding of brain-behavior relationships after traumatic brain injury, identifying the relationship between early physiological and functional variables and long-term outcome after brain injury and optimizing evaluation and treatment of children with disorders of consciousness after brain injury.
Dr. Suskauer’s additional research and clinical interests include evaluating functional outcomes in individuals with Sturge-Weber Syndrome and caring for children with limb deficiencies.
Judge: Jay Tian, Ph.D.
Jay Tian, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, China
Jie Tian, IEEE Fellow (from 2010), IAMBE Fellow (from 2012), SPIE Fellow (from 2013), received his PhD degree (with honors) in artificial intelligence from the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1993. Since 1997, he has been a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is a winner of the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists (2002). He has been a distinguished professor of the Cheung Kong Scholars program since 2006. He has been the chief scientist of the National Basic Research Program (973) twice (2006, 2011). He is the director of the Chinese Society for Molecular Imaging.
His research interests are medical image processing and analysis, pattern recognition, biometics, etc. He has published more than 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals including PNAS and IEEE transactions and served as a technical reviewer for several IEEE publications, such as IEEE TMI, TPAMI, TIP, and TBE. He is the Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Editor of IEEE JBHI (Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics), Plos One, Journal of X-ray Science and Technology, and the Associate Editor of International Journal of Biomedical Imaging. Due to the research and development of the 3D medical imaging processing and analyzing system (3DMed), he won the National Award for Progress in Science and Technology in 2003, and also won the National Award for Progress in Science and Technology in 2004 for the system and application of fingerprint recognition, and he is also a winner of the 2010 National Award for the Technological Invention of the imaging method and system for small animal multimodality optical molecular imaging, and he won the 2012 National Award for the Technological Invention for the algorithm and system of fingerprint encryption. Dr. Tian was also recognized as one of the top ten science leaders of China in 2003. He also won the Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress of Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation in 2012.
Shanghai, China
Jie Tian, IEEE Fellow (from 2010), IAMBE Fellow (from 2012), SPIE Fellow (from 2013), received his PhD degree (with honors) in artificial intelligence from the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1993. Since 1997, he has been a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is a winner of the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists (2002). He has been a distinguished professor of the Cheung Kong Scholars program since 2006. He has been the chief scientist of the National Basic Research Program (973) twice (2006, 2011). He is the director of the Chinese Society for Molecular Imaging.
His research interests are medical image processing and analysis, pattern recognition, biometics, etc. He has published more than 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals including PNAS and IEEE transactions and served as a technical reviewer for several IEEE publications, such as IEEE TMI, TPAMI, TIP, and TBE. He is the Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Editor of IEEE JBHI (Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics), Plos One, Journal of X-ray Science and Technology, and the Associate Editor of International Journal of Biomedical Imaging. Due to the research and development of the 3D medical imaging processing and analyzing system (3DMed), he won the National Award for Progress in Science and Technology in 2003, and also won the National Award for Progress in Science and Technology in 2004 for the system and application of fingerprint recognition, and he is also a winner of the 2010 National Award for the Technological Invention of the imaging method and system for small animal multimodality optical molecular imaging, and he won the 2012 National Award for the Technological Invention for the algorithm and system of fingerprint encryption. Dr. Tian was also recognized as one of the top ten science leaders of China in 2003. He also won the Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress of Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation in 2012.
Judge and Advisor: Arthur Toga, Ph.D.
Arthur W. Toga, Ph.D., Professor of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, The Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Arthur W. Toga is Professor of Neurology at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). His research is focused on neuroimaging, mapping brain structure and function, and brain atlasing. He also studies cerebral metabolism and neurovascular coupling. He was trained in neuroscience and computer science and has written more than 700 papers, chapters and abstracts, including eight books. Recruited to UCLA in 1987, he formed and directs the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging. This 100-member laboratory includes graduate students from computer science, biostatistics and neuroscience. It houses one of the largest computing facilities of any University of California research laboratory, and is funded by National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants as well as industry partners. He is Co-Director of the Division of Brain Mapping, and the Founding Editor and former Editor-in-Chief of the journal NeuroImage.
Brain mapping, morphometric variability in humans, optical intrinsic imaging for the study of neuro-vascular coupling and cortical activation The goal of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) is to improve the understanding of the brain in health and disease. LONI develops novel strategies to investigate brain structure and function in their full multidimensional complexity. There is a rapidly growing need for brain models comprehensive enough to represent brain structure and function as they change across time, in large populations, in different disease states, across imaging modalities, across age and gender, and even across species. A major focus of our research is to develop 4D brain models that track and analyze complex patterns of dynamically changing brain structure in development and disease, expanding investigations of brain structure-function relationships to four dimensions.
Los Angeles, CA
Arthur W. Toga is Professor of Neurology at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). His research is focused on neuroimaging, mapping brain structure and function, and brain atlasing. He also studies cerebral metabolism and neurovascular coupling. He was trained in neuroscience and computer science and has written more than 700 papers, chapters and abstracts, including eight books. Recruited to UCLA in 1987, he formed and directs the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging. This 100-member laboratory includes graduate students from computer science, biostatistics and neuroscience. It houses one of the largest computing facilities of any University of California research laboratory, and is funded by National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants as well as industry partners. He is Co-Director of the Division of Brain Mapping, and the Founding Editor and former Editor-in-Chief of the journal NeuroImage.
Brain mapping, morphometric variability in humans, optical intrinsic imaging for the study of neuro-vascular coupling and cortical activation The goal of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) is to improve the understanding of the brain in health and disease. LONI develops novel strategies to investigate brain structure and function in their full multidimensional complexity. There is a rapidly growing need for brain models comprehensive enough to represent brain structure and function as they change across time, in large populations, in different disease states, across imaging modalities, across age and gender, and even across species. A major focus of our research is to develop 4D brain models that track and analyze complex patterns of dynamically changing brain structure in development and disease, expanding investigations of brain structure-function relationships to four dimensions.
Judge: Kaimil Ugurbil, Ph.D.
Kamil Ugurbil, Ph.D., Professor in the Departments of Radiology, Neurosciences, and Medicine, and holds the McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair of Radiology at the University of Minnesota. He is also the Director of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Brain Initiative Working Group
Minnesota, MN
Dr. Ugurbil was educated at Robert Academy, Istanbul (high school) and Columbia University, New York, New York where he received A.B. and Ph.D. degrees in physics, and chemical physics, respectively. He worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories after receiving his Ph.D. in 1977, and subsequently returned to Columbia University in 1979 as an Assistant Professor. In 1982, he moved to the University of Minnesota where he started the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy research effort, which ultimately led to the creation of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).
Minnesota, MN
Dr. Ugurbil was educated at Robert Academy, Istanbul (high school) and Columbia University, New York, New York where he received A.B. and Ph.D. degrees in physics, and chemical physics, respectively. He worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories after receiving his Ph.D. in 1977, and subsequently returned to Columbia University in 1979 as an Assistant Professor. In 1982, he moved to the University of Minnesota where he started the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy research effort, which ultimately led to the creation of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).
- Member, NIH Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Working Group
- Co-Principal Investigator, Human Connectome Project, an NIH Neuroscience Blueprint initiative, which aims to map the human brain macro-connectome (http://humanconnectome.org/).
- Member, Institute of Medicine, the National Academies (USA)
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Member, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Board of Scientific Advisors
Judge: Erwin G. Van Meir, Ph.D.
Erwin G. Van Meir, Ph.D.
Professor, Departments of Neurosurgery and Hematology & Medical Oncology,
Leader, Winship Cancer Institute Cancer Cell Biology Program,
Founding Director, Graduate Program in Cancer Biology,
Director, Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology,
Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Van Meir, PhD directs the Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology and participates in a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team that designs new approaches for brain tumor therapy. He is the Founding Director of the Laney Graduate School's Cancer Biology Graduate Program and the Leader of the Cancer Cell Biology program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Van Meir has extensive experience in cancer research. He was trained in molecular biology at the Universities of Fribourg and Lausanne, Switzerland where he obtained his PhD in 1989. Dr. Van Meir pursued postdoctoral work at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in San Diego, and joined the Faculty of Emory University in 1998.
Dr. Van Meir's research, supported by the NIH and many private foundations, is described in more than 150 peer-reviewed international scientific publications that have cumulated over 10,000 citations. He is also the author of several US and foreign patents. His contributions have been presented in over 160 invited seminars worldwide and have furthered the understanding of brain tumor biology and genetics, as well as led to the development novel preclinical therapeutic approaches for cancer. He serves as a reviewer for over 30 international cancer research journals, is a current member of the editorial board of Frontiers in Bioscience and the International Journal of Oncology, and is a former editor of several other cancer journals. He has trained multiple undergraduate and graduate students, medical fellows and postdocs and is a member of the Graduate Division of Biological and Biochemical Sciences at Emory, where he participates in the programs in Cancer Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology and Neurosciences. Dr. Van Meir is active in several scientific societies and foundations, including the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation.
Professor, Departments of Neurosurgery and Hematology & Medical Oncology,
Leader, Winship Cancer Institute Cancer Cell Biology Program,
Founding Director, Graduate Program in Cancer Biology,
Director, Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology,
Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Van Meir, PhD directs the Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology and participates in a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team that designs new approaches for brain tumor therapy. He is the Founding Director of the Laney Graduate School's Cancer Biology Graduate Program and the Leader of the Cancer Cell Biology program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Van Meir has extensive experience in cancer research. He was trained in molecular biology at the Universities of Fribourg and Lausanne, Switzerland where he obtained his PhD in 1989. Dr. Van Meir pursued postdoctoral work at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in San Diego, and joined the Faculty of Emory University in 1998.
Dr. Van Meir's research, supported by the NIH and many private foundations, is described in more than 150 peer-reviewed international scientific publications that have cumulated over 10,000 citations. He is also the author of several US and foreign patents. His contributions have been presented in over 160 invited seminars worldwide and have furthered the understanding of brain tumor biology and genetics, as well as led to the development novel preclinical therapeutic approaches for cancer. He serves as a reviewer for over 30 international cancer research journals, is a current member of the editorial board of Frontiers in Bioscience and the International Journal of Oncology, and is a former editor of several other cancer journals. He has trained multiple undergraduate and graduate students, medical fellows and postdocs and is a member of the Graduate Division of Biological and Biochemical Sciences at Emory, where he participates in the programs in Cancer Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology and Neurosciences. Dr. Van Meir is active in several scientific societies and foundations, including the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation.
Judge and Advisor: Shafique Virani, M.D.
Shafique Virani, M.D., Global Head Neuroscience/CV-Metabolism Partnering
San Francisco, CA
Shafique Virani is the Global Head of CNS Business Development & Licensing at Roche. His responsibilities in this role encompass all partnering activities within Roche's neuroscience franchise from academic collaborations to licensing and acquisitions. Dr. Virani joined Roche in 2004 and served various roles within medical affairs and business development in the UK and USA until 2010, when he transitioned into his current role based in Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Virani trained as a neurosurgeon in Cambridge, UK and Boston, USA and holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
San Francisco, CA
Shafique Virani is the Global Head of CNS Business Development & Licensing at Roche. His responsibilities in this role encompass all partnering activities within Roche's neuroscience franchise from academic collaborations to licensing and acquisitions. Dr. Virani joined Roche in 2004 and served various roles within medical affairs and business development in the UK and USA until 2010, when he transitioned into his current role based in Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Virani trained as a neurosurgeon in Cambridge, UK and Boston, USA and holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Judge and Advisor: Max Wallace
Max is CEO of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a venture philanthropy organization focused on hastening the discovery of a cure for brain cancer.
Washington, DC
Prior to ABC2, Max founded and served as CEO of several biopharmaceutical companies, including Trimeris, a public company that created an entirely new class of drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Prior to starting Trimeris, Max worked at Duke University where he was a founding Director of Duke Management Company, the University’s asset management company. He also served as Duke’s Medical Center Legal Counsel and as its Director of Government Relations. Prior to Duke, Max practiced law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Max is currently Chair of the NCI Director’s Consumer Liaison Group, has served as President of North Carolina’s Council for Entrepreneurial Development and he co-founded and subsequently served as President of the North Carolina Bioscience Organization (NCBIO). He also served on the boards of the Emerging Companies Section of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Kenan Institute of Engineering, Technology and Science.
Max received a BA from Duke and a JD from the University of Florida.
Washington, DC
Prior to ABC2, Max founded and served as CEO of several biopharmaceutical companies, including Trimeris, a public company that created an entirely new class of drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Prior to starting Trimeris, Max worked at Duke University where he was a founding Director of Duke Management Company, the University’s asset management company. He also served as Duke’s Medical Center Legal Counsel and as its Director of Government Relations. Prior to Duke, Max practiced law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Max is currently Chair of the NCI Director’s Consumer Liaison Group, has served as President of North Carolina’s Council for Entrepreneurial Development and he co-founded and subsequently served as President of the North Carolina Bioscience Organization (NCBIO). He also served on the boards of the Emerging Companies Section of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Kenan Institute of Engineering, Technology and Science.
Max received a BA from Duke and a JD from the University of Florida.
Judge and Advisor: Wei Wang, Ph.D.
Dr. Wei Wang is a Principal Investigator and head of the laboratory of visual perceptual mechanisms at Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, China
Dr. Wang graduated and received his Ph.D. from University of Science & Technology of China in 1998. He was working as a research fellow and senior research fellow at University College London, University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology and University of Manchester, respectively, from 1998 to 2006. Dr. Wang was awarded the prestige Wellcome Trust Career Development Research Fellowship at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester on the 1st of June, 2006.
Dr. Wang’s major research interests lie in the cortical mechanisms underlying the integration from local visual cues to form global representations, with special focus on various visual illusions. He also interests in the neural mechanisms underlying artificial visual prosthesis in the generation of orientation and direction selectivity in the primary visual cortex of the blind.
Shanghai, China
Dr. Wang graduated and received his Ph.D. from University of Science & Technology of China in 1998. He was working as a research fellow and senior research fellow at University College London, University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology and University of Manchester, respectively, from 1998 to 2006. Dr. Wang was awarded the prestige Wellcome Trust Career Development Research Fellowship at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester on the 1st of June, 2006.
Dr. Wang’s major research interests lie in the cortical mechanisms underlying the integration from local visual cues to form global representations, with special focus on various visual illusions. He also interests in the neural mechanisms underlying artificial visual prosthesis in the generation of orientation and direction selectivity in the primary visual cortex of the blind.
Judge and Advisor: Zheng Wang, Ph.D.
Zheng Wang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Head of the Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also the Director of Functional Brain Imaging Platform, Shanghai Regional Center of Biology Science Instrument, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai China
Dr. Zheng Wang received his Ph.D. degree in Medial Biophysics from University of Western Ontario in Canada (2008) and pursued his postdoctoral training at the Imaging Center of Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario, Canada. From 2009 to 2011 he worked as research associate at Department of Psychology and Institute of Imaging Science in Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Since Sept 2011, he joined the ION as Principal Investigator and set up the Brain Imaging group based on a clinical 3T scanner with a cutting-edge enhanced gradient system.
Recent progress on MRI-based brain connectivity study such as the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and BRAIN Initiative in the United States has generated a surge of interests for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of working brain and its potential reachout in brain diseases. The long-term scientific objective of Dr. Wang’s lab is to establish the translational disease model from nonhuman primate to human, and to combine the MRI, electrophysiology and neuroanatomy techniques to investigate the primate brain networks. He mainly focuses on the reward circuitry-based neurological and psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, addiction and anxiety. Dr. Wang has an extensive collaboration with local hospitals in Shanghai to conduct clinical and comparative studies from human patients to nonhuman primates.
Shanghai China
Dr. Zheng Wang received his Ph.D. degree in Medial Biophysics from University of Western Ontario in Canada (2008) and pursued his postdoctoral training at the Imaging Center of Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario, Canada. From 2009 to 2011 he worked as research associate at Department of Psychology and Institute of Imaging Science in Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Since Sept 2011, he joined the ION as Principal Investigator and set up the Brain Imaging group based on a clinical 3T scanner with a cutting-edge enhanced gradient system.
Recent progress on MRI-based brain connectivity study such as the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and BRAIN Initiative in the United States has generated a surge of interests for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of working brain and its potential reachout in brain diseases. The long-term scientific objective of Dr. Wang’s lab is to establish the translational disease model from nonhuman primate to human, and to combine the MRI, electrophysiology and neuroanatomy techniques to investigate the primate brain networks. He mainly focuses on the reward circuitry-based neurological and psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, addiction and anxiety. Dr. Wang has an extensive collaboration with local hospitals in Shanghai to conduct clinical and comparative studies from human patients to nonhuman primates.
Judge and Advisor: Dave Ward
Dave Ward, Mental Health and Family Services Executive Vice President, Wounded Warrior Project
Jacksonville, FL
Dave Ward brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to the executive team at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Prior to his current role, Dave also served WWP as Warriors to Work director and economic empowerment executive vice president, where he was responsible for oversight of all WWP organizational programming related to the economic empowerment and education of Wounded Warriors, including TRACK, Transition Training Academy, Warriors to Work, and Campus Services. Today, as mental health and family services executive vice president, Dave oversees and leads all WWP mental health and support programs including the Independence Program, the Long-term Support Program, the Caregiver Support Program, and the Combat Stress Recovery Program.
Before joining WWP, Dave served as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, regional director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and regional vice president of Best Buddies International. Dave also spent six years with the Wood County Board of Mental Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities and was once a licensed psychotherapist providing home-based counseling to at-risk youth.
Dave’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Bluffton College and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Bowling Green State University.
A native of Bowling Green, Ohio, Dave now calls Jacksonville home, where he resides with his lovely wife, Priscilla, their son, Cohen, their daughter, Callie, and their Saint Bernard, Mitchell. During football season, Dave can be found passionately cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacksonville, FL
Dave Ward brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to the executive team at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Prior to his current role, Dave also served WWP as Warriors to Work director and economic empowerment executive vice president, where he was responsible for oversight of all WWP organizational programming related to the economic empowerment and education of Wounded Warriors, including TRACK, Transition Training Academy, Warriors to Work, and Campus Services. Today, as mental health and family services executive vice president, Dave oversees and leads all WWP mental health and support programs including the Independence Program, the Long-term Support Program, the Caregiver Support Program, and the Combat Stress Recovery Program.
Before joining WWP, Dave served as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, regional director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and regional vice president of Best Buddies International. Dave also spent six years with the Wood County Board of Mental Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities and was once a licensed psychotherapist providing home-based counseling to at-risk youth.
Dave’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Bluffton College and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Bowling Green State University.
A native of Bowling Green, Ohio, Dave now calls Jacksonville home, where he resides with his lovely wife, Priscilla, their son, Cohen, their daughter, Callie, and their Saint Bernard, Mitchell. During football season, Dave can be found passionately cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Advisor: Greg Went, Ph.D.
Greg Went, Ph.D., CEO, Adamas Pharmaceuticals
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Went, founding CEO and Chairman of Adamas Pharmaceuticals, has overseen the development of the company since its inception. Previously, Dr. Went co-founded CuraGen Corporation in 1992, where he served as an Executive Vice President and Director. Dr. Went serves on the Board of Directors of Angelica Therapeutics. Dr. Went received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and is the author of 21 papers and an inventor on more than 45 patents and patent applications.
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Went, founding CEO and Chairman of Adamas Pharmaceuticals, has overseen the development of the company since its inception. Previously, Dr. Went co-founded CuraGen Corporation in 1992, where he served as an Executive Vice President and Director. Dr. Went serves on the Board of Directors of Angelica Therapeutics. Dr. Went received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and is the author of 21 papers and an inventor on more than 45 patents and patent applications.
Judge and Advisor: Elizabeth Wilson
Elizabeth Wilson, President and CEO, American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)
Chicago, IL
Wilson has an extensive background in management, marketing, public and government affairs for large, complex, mission-driven organizations.
In her leadership of the ABTA – the first and now only national nonprofit funding brain tumor research and providing education and supportive services for brain tumor patients and caregivers – Wilson has combined her business and nonprofit management expertise with her knowledge of neurological disorders from her positions with the National Safety Council, Alzheimer’s Association, Loyola University Chicago and American Hospital Association.
While there have been advances in brain tumor research and treatment in recent years, Wilson says safe and effective treatments for too many individuals remain elusive, and there continues to be a need for enterprising individuals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge in order improve, extend and ultimately, save more lives. She believes that the ABTA is serving a vital role in both providing and pursuing answers about brain tumors for patients and caregivers as well as the medical and scientific community.
Wilson holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration (MNA) and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business and American Marketing Association.
Chicago, IL
Wilson has an extensive background in management, marketing, public and government affairs for large, complex, mission-driven organizations.
In her leadership of the ABTA – the first and now only national nonprofit funding brain tumor research and providing education and supportive services for brain tumor patients and caregivers – Wilson has combined her business and nonprofit management expertise with her knowledge of neurological disorders from her positions with the National Safety Council, Alzheimer’s Association, Loyola University Chicago and American Hospital Association.
While there have been advances in brain tumor research and treatment in recent years, Wilson says safe and effective treatments for too many individuals remain elusive, and there continues to be a need for enterprising individuals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge in order improve, extend and ultimately, save more lives. She believes that the ABTA is serving a vital role in both providing and pursuing answers about brain tumors for patients and caregivers as well as the medical and scientific community.
Wilson holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration (MNA) and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business and American Marketing Association.
Judge and Advisor: Charles Yeomans, MBA
Charles Yeomans, MBA, President and CEO, Trigemina
Moraga, CA
Charles Yeomans is Trigemina’s President and CEO. He began his career as a Naval intelligence officer, received an MBA from Stanford in 1986 and was an investment banker with Drexel Burnham Lambert. After Drexel, Charles formed his own successful boutique investment banking firm. He subsequently moved into management, in which he has over 12 years as a COO and CEO. Charles took over as CEO of Trigemina in late 2011 and also serves as principal business advisor to another Stanford-based biotech and an internet services firm serving the needs of clinical and preclinical investigators.
Moraga, CA
Charles Yeomans is Trigemina’s President and CEO. He began his career as a Naval intelligence officer, received an MBA from Stanford in 1986 and was an investment banker with Drexel Burnham Lambert. After Drexel, Charles formed his own successful boutique investment banking firm. He subsequently moved into management, in which he has over 12 years as a COO and CEO. Charles took over as CEO of Trigemina in late 2011 and also serves as principal business advisor to another Stanford-based biotech and an internet services firm serving the needs of clinical and preclinical investigators.
Advisor: Bradford A. Zakes
Bradford A. Zakes, President and CEO, Cerevast Therapeutics, Inc.
Redmond, WA
Mr. Zakes has served as Cerevast’s President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2009. Previously, he served as President and CEO of ImaRx Therapeutics, Inc. a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of microsphere technology and biotherapeutics. Mr. Zakes has spent over 25 years in various segments of the drug and medical device development industries. Following his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, Mr. Zakes held positions at Hazleton Laboratories, Glaxo (currently Glaxo Smithkline) and ICOS Corporation. While at Glaxo, Mr. Zakes played an active role in the clinical development of Zantac and managed the sNDA program for the approval of Serevent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mr. Zakes holds a BS degree in Biology from Oregon State University, An MS degree in Toxicology from the American University and received his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, Mr. Zakes serves on the Board of Directors for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) as well as the Emerging Company Section Governing Body and the Standing Committees on International Affairs and Budget and Audit for BIO.
Redmond, WA
Mr. Zakes has served as Cerevast’s President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2009. Previously, he served as President and CEO of ImaRx Therapeutics, Inc. a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of microsphere technology and biotherapeutics. Mr. Zakes has spent over 25 years in various segments of the drug and medical device development industries. Following his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, Mr. Zakes held positions at Hazleton Laboratories, Glaxo (currently Glaxo Smithkline) and ICOS Corporation. While at Glaxo, Mr. Zakes played an active role in the clinical development of Zantac and managed the sNDA program for the approval of Serevent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mr. Zakes holds a BS degree in Biology from Oregon State University, An MS degree in Toxicology from the American University and received his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, Mr. Zakes serves on the Board of Directors for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) as well as the Emerging Company Section Governing Body and the Standing Committees on International Affairs and Budget and Audit for BIO.
Judge and Advisor: Bill Zamboni, PharmD, Ph.D.
William C. Zamboni, Director, Translational Oncology and Nanoparticle Drug Development Initiative (TONDI) Lab; UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy; UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
William Zamboni received his Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his Oncology Residency at the Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, MD and his Research Fellowship at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN.
Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Zamboni’s research program is part of the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Molecular Therapeutics in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is the Director of the Nanoparticle Drug Development Initiative (TOND2I) Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
He is also co-founder and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Wildcat Pharmaceutical Development Center (WPDC) in Houston, TX, that specializes in characterization and translational development of nanoparticle, carrier-mediated agents and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
He has been involved in translational studies of anticancer agents for several years. His research interests focus on the application of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenetic principles in the optimization of the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
A second focus of his research is on the developments of nanoparticle, liposomes, CMAs and ADC anticancer agents and evaluating the relationship between the disposition of these agents and the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). He has developed methods and technologies to differentiate between the inactive-encapsulate and active-release forms of the drugs in plasma, tissues and tumors. He also is evaluating potential phenotypic probes of the MPS as predictors of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic disposition of nanosomal and nanoparticles.
Chapel Hill, NC
William Zamboni received his Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his Oncology Residency at the Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, MD and his Research Fellowship at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN.
Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Zamboni’s research program is part of the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Molecular Therapeutics in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is the Director of the Nanoparticle Drug Development Initiative (TOND2I) Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
He is also co-founder and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Wildcat Pharmaceutical Development Center (WPDC) in Houston, TX, that specializes in characterization and translational development of nanoparticle, carrier-mediated agents and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
He has been involved in translational studies of anticancer agents for several years. His research interests focus on the application of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenetic principles in the optimization of the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
A second focus of his research is on the developments of nanoparticle, liposomes, CMAs and ADC anticancer agents and evaluating the relationship between the disposition of these agents and the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). He has developed methods and technologies to differentiate between the inactive-encapsulate and active-release forms of the drugs in plasma, tissues and tumors. He also is evaluating potential phenotypic probes of the MPS as predictors of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic disposition of nanosomal and nanoparticles.
Judge and Advisor: Ilan Zipkin, Ph.D.
Ilan Zipkin Ph.D., Senior Investment Director, Takeda Ventures Inc.
Palo Alto, CA
Dr. Zipkin is Senior Investment Director at Takeda Ventures, Inc., having been involved in biotechnology and pharmaceutical venture capital since 2000. He was previously a Partner at the institutional venture firms Prospect Venture Partners and MPM Capital, where he focused on investments in therapeutics companies as well as platform technologies. In addition to serving on the Board of several private and public biotechnology companies, Dr. Zipkin served as the CEO of Chimeros, Inc., a protein-based system for the development of multivalent biologic therapeutics. Prior to his venture capital experience, Dr. Zipkin was the Science Editor of BioCentury Publications Inc., a biotechnology news and analysis publication. He received a Ph.D. in cell biology and biochemistry from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), and a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from U.C. Berkeley.
Palo Alto, CA
Dr. Zipkin is Senior Investment Director at Takeda Ventures, Inc., having been involved in biotechnology and pharmaceutical venture capital since 2000. He was previously a Partner at the institutional venture firms Prospect Venture Partners and MPM Capital, where he focused on investments in therapeutics companies as well as platform technologies. In addition to serving on the Board of several private and public biotechnology companies, Dr. Zipkin served as the CEO of Chimeros, Inc., a protein-based system for the development of multivalent biologic therapeutics. Prior to his venture capital experience, Dr. Zipkin was the Science Editor of BioCentury Publications Inc., a biotechnology news and analysis publication. He received a Ph.D. in cell biology and biochemistry from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), and a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from U.C. Berkeley.
Judging Schedule and Commitments
