Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / Show

Send us a textDr. Shai Melcer, Ph.D. is Head of the National Bioconvergence Program ( https://bioconvergence.org.il/ ) at the Israel Innovation Authority ( https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/ ).In this role, Dr. Melcer, who brings 15 years of experience and entrepreneurship in the bio-medical ecosystem, leads the implementation of the bioconvergence goals for TELEM – the National Infrastructure Forum for Research and Development ( https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/programs/telem-the-national-infrastructure-forum-for-research-and-development/ ). Dr. Melcer has both an LLM in Law and Ph.D. in genetics from the Hebrew University, and has collaborated with various entities such as the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical Center, IBM, the Jerusalem Development Authority (Bio-Jerusalem), and others to establish numerous innovative bio-med ventures, including BioGiv, BIOHOUSE, and Hadassah Accelerator.In his public and private sector activities, Dr. Melcer has worked with hundreds of biomedical companies in Israel and around the world in the fields of pharma-biotech, medical devices, and digital health, many of which are in the bioconvergence sector. He also served as the Chief Business Officer at Minovia, a company in the liquid biopsy consortium established by the Israel Innovation Authority as part of the bio-convergence program.#Bioconvergence #IsraelInnovationAuthority #ShaiMelcer #BugEra #Biotic #ClimateTech #Biomanufacturing #Biofuel #Biodiesel #SustainableAviationFuel #BlackSoldierFly #BiodegradablePolymers #BioBased #Microplastics #CarbonFootprint #Renewable #Sustainable #TechnologicalIncubators #InnovationCenters #AngelInvestors  #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Robert Schwab, MD is a Resident Physician, Research Specialist, and Hematology-Oncology Fellow at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System ( https://www3.pennmedicine.org/departments-and-centers/department-of-medicine/divisions/hematology-and-oncology/education-and-training/hematology-oncology-fellowship/fellows ).Dr. Schwab’s work to date has focused on leukemia and bone marrow transplantation, and previously, he worked as a research specialist in Dr. Carl June's laboratory, investigating cancer immunotherapy and CAR-T cell treatments. More recently Dr. Schwab's research is centered on studying novel CAR-T cell therapy applications for addressing inflammation and atherosclerosis related to malignancies. In 2019, he founded Cartio Therapeutics, a biotech startup dedicated to developing cellular immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. Dr. Schwab received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Science - MS, Translational Research, from the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Biophysics and Biochemistry from Amherst.#RobertSchwab #PennMedicine #UniversityOfPennsylvaniaHealthSystem #CART #CarlJune #CancerImmunotherapy #CardiovascularDisease #AtheroscleroticPlaques #Atherosclerosis #Macrophages #OxidizedLDL #FoamCells #CARTregs #ChimericAntigenReceptor #TRegulatoryCells #ClonalHematopoiesisOfIndeterminatePotential #CVD #CheckpointInhibitors #Autoimmune  #Cancer #Oncology #HematologyOncology #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Frank Bedu-Addo, Ph.D. has served as a director, president and CEO of PDS Biotech ( https://pdsbiotech.com/ ) since its inception in 2005, a biotech company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and fights disease by developing a new generation of targeted cancer treatments.Dr. Bedu-Addo is a veteran biotech executive with experience successfully starting and growing biotechnology organizations. He has been responsible for the development and implementation of both operational and drug development strategies, supervising and managing both large organizations and emerging biotechnology companies.Dr. Bedu-Addo was a founding and senior executive at KBI BioPharma, Inc. As Vice President of Drug Development, he oversaw all business and drug development operations. Before his tenure at KBI, he successfully started and managed Cardinal Health’s East Coast biotechnology drug development operations. Prior to Cardinal Health, Dr. Bedu-Addo was an Associate Director at Akzo-Nobel, Senior Scientist at Elan (The Liposome Co.), and Principal Scientist at Schering-Plough. In these positions, he contributed to the development of numerous drugs, including antiviral and anticancer products. Dr. Bedu-Addo obtained his M.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the University of Pittsburgh.#FrankBeduAddo #PDSBiotech #ChemicalEngineering #Pharmaceutics #Liposomes #EnantiospecificCationicLipidNanoparticles #Versamune #IL12 #AntibodyDrugConjugate #HumanPapillomavirus #HPV #HeadAndNeckCancer #UniversalFluVaccines #TumorAssociatedProteins #Oncology #ProgressionFreeSurvival #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDaniel Schmitt is President & Chief Executive Officer of Actuate Therapeutics, Inc. ( https://actuatetherapeutics.com/ ), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for the treatment of high-impact, difficult-to-treat cancers through the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β).Mr. Schmitt brings over 30 years of successful industry experience in operations management, new product development, and business development, having held senior executive positions in both large pharmaceutical and small biotechnology companies, including Fujisawa, Searle / Pharmacia, and Ilex Oncology. During his career, Daniel has led and contributed to the successful development and launch of multiple pharmaceutical products, and has constructed and executed numerous high value licensing, acquisition, and development deals for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, totaling nearly $1 billion in upfront and potential milestone payments.Mr. Schmitt received his M.B.A and a B.S. in Chemistry from West Virginia University, and has held research positions affiliated with the National Foundation for Cancer Research and at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Northwestern University, and as an external expert consultant for the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois-Chicago. Mr. Schmitt is also a founding member of Chicago Innovation Mentors.#ActuateTherapeutics #GlycogenSynthaseKinase3Beta #GSK3β #Oncology #Cancer #Elraglusib #PancreaticDuctalAdenocarcinoma #PDAC #EwingSarcoma #Melanoma #ProgressionFreeSurvival #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textFiona Cauley ( https://www.fionacauley.com ) is a Nashville-based comedy superstar who uses her comedy for a greater purpose – to raise awareness about her rare, genetic disease, Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), that progressively damages the nervous system, causing loss of muscle control over time, and is found in approximately one in 50,000 people worldwide (5,000 individuals in the United States and 15,000 worldwide).  Diagnosed at just 18 with this degenerative neurological condition, Fiona transformed adversity not just into an amazing career in comedy, but also beyond the stage, as an extremely powerful voice for disability visibility—sharing her story in conversations on podcasts and shows, and using comedy to foster understanding and empathy.Fiona’s style has been defined as both fearless and impactful. She tackles everything from dating while in a wheelchair, to confronting audience discomfort and all sorts of stigma head-on. Dr. David Lynch, MD, PhD, ( https://www.research.chop.edu/people/david-r-lynch ) is an attending neurologist in the Division of Neurology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Director of the Friedreich's Ataxia Program ( https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/friedreichs-ataxia-program ).Dr. Lynch maintains a dynamic program focused on the Friedreich's Ataxia, which spans clinical, translational, and basic science research efforts on FA that include conducting double-blind clinical trials, identifying biomarkers, and leading mechanistic studies in animal and cellular models of FA.The research conducted by Dr. Lynch and his lab team have led to a greater understanding of the metabolic dysfunction underlying FA. Their work has led to the creation of a patient database as well as a pipeline of more than 20 drug candidates that represent potential new therapies. Dr. Lynch is currently working with pharmaceutical industry partners to develop drug candidates as well as biomarkers for FA.Dr. Lynch has a Medical Degree, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.Important Episode Links - SKYCLARYS (omaveloxolone) - Patient Site - https://www.skyclarys.com/"Friedreich's Back" - https://adage.com/video/viatris-friedreichs-back-6m38s/#FionaCauley #FriedreichsAtaxia #RareDisease #Comedy #Comedian #DavidLynch #ChildrensHospitalOfPhiladelphia #Neurology #Biogen #Omaveloxolone #CannesLions #Humor #Laughter #Skyclarys #NikkiGlaser #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textSarah Mastrorocco is Vice President and General Manager of Health at Instacart ( https://www.instacart.com/company/health ), the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,800 retailers, covering nearly 100,000 stores, and serving over 7,000 consumer packaged goods brands.An innovative leader with extensive expertise in business development and strategy, Sarah spearheaded the creation of Instacart Health and continues to oversee the initiative designed to support consumers, businesses, and nonprofits across three key areas: increasing nutrition security, inspiring healthier choices, and scaling food and nutrition programs within healthcare. In her role, she is focused on expanding consumer health tools and empowering organizations with technology to help improve access to nutritious food and nutrition education. A longtime Instacart veteran, Sarah has played an integral role at the company since joining as the first member of the company’s business development team in 2014. During her tenure, she has held various leadership positions across business development and operations including building relationships with North America’s largest retailers, leading Instacart’s catalog, developing strategic partnerships, and scaling new businesses.Previous to Instacart, Sarah held roles in other CPG companies, including at PepsiCo, in strategy, business innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as at Hershey’s and in the consulting segment.Sarah has an MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and a BS from the McIntire School of Commerce, at University of Virginia.#SarahMastrorocco #Instacart #Health #NutritionSecurity #FoodDesert #SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram #MaternalHealth #MaternalOutcomes #FoodAsMedicine #HealthyLabel #Access #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #HealthOutcomes#ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Forrest Ringold, MD of Surgical Association of Mobile ( https://sampadocs.com/about-us/dr-forrest-ringold/ ), is a leading expert in bariatric and robotic surgery and is renowned for his expertise in transforming lives through weight loss surgery and innovative abdominal treatments.With an advanced understanding of both traditional laparoscopic techniques and cutting-edge robotic technology, Dr. Ringold specializes in a wide range of surgical procedures aimed at improving the health and quality of life of his patients, including life-changing weight loss surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, SADI, and lap band, as well as pioneering advancements in reflux surgery and esophageal and stomach diseases.As a leading authority in his field, Dr. Ringold serves as a key opinion leader for both Intuitive Surgical and Teleflex Medical ( https://www.teleflex.com/usa/en/index.html ), two of the most respected names in medical devices. His innovative approach extends to the latest in gastrointestinal surgery, where he is actively pursuing groundbreaking advancements in magnetic anastomotic technology.Dr. Ringold’s commitment to excellence extends beyond patient care. He is a clinical instructor at the University of South Alabama’s Department of Surgery, where he shares his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of surgeons. His dedication to his craft is also reflected in his leadership roles, including his current position as President of the Alabama State Chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.Since 2018, Dr. Ringold has led the Epicenter at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, a distinguished program designed to train surgeons nationwide in the fields of robotic and bariatric surgery.Dr. Ringold attended medical school at University of South Alabama Medical School and did his residency in general surgery at University of South Alabama Medical Center.#ForrestRingold #SurgicalAssociationOfMobile #Bariatric #RoboticSurgery #WeightLossSurgery #SleeveGastrectomy #GastricBypass #DuodenalSwitch #LapBand #MagneticAnastomoticTechnology #TeleflexMedical #SouthAlabamaMedicalSchool #ObesitySurgery #PostoperativeReflux #DeNovoGastroesophagealRefluxDisease #GERD #TitanSGSStapler #SurgicalStaplers #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textAarti Holla-Maini is Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs ( UNOOSA - https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/de/aboutus/director.html ) in Vienna, part of the UN organization ( https://www.un.org/ ) that works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilization of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development.Ms. Holla-Maini brings to this position over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector including in managerial and advocacy functions.  Most recently, she has held the role of Executive Vice-President Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space; prior to which she spent over 18 years as Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association.Ms. Holla-Maini’s experience includes service as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Space; member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Space Center; member of the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Adviser to Forum Europe and as Expert Adviser on Space Traffic Management for European Union studies 2021-2023.  She was also one of the chief architects of the Crisis Connectivity Charter established in 2015 for emergency telecommunications via satellite with the UN World Food Program’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.Ms. Holla-Maini holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London, UK, a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Paris, France, and she is also an alumna of the International Space University. #AartiHollaMaini #UnitedNationsOfficeForOuterSpaceAffairs #UN #Airbus #GlobalSatelliteOperatorsAssociation #UNOOSA #SpaceObjectRegister #SpaceLaw #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDG #CommitteeOnThePeacefulUsesOfOuterSpace #COPUOS #PlanetaryDefense #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #Research #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcastSupport the show

Send us a textDr. Sunita Satyapal, Ph.D. is an internationally known subject matter expert and leader in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells with three decades of experience in government, industry, and academia. Dr. Satyapal has had diverse roles including as a researcher, a visiting assistant professor, as Chief Engineer and Director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office ( https://www.energy.gov/eere/person/sunita-satyapal ), and as a manager in industry at United Technologies, overseeing research and development (R&D) as well as business development and stakeholder collaboration.  She has been responsible for R&D in industry as well as developing national hydrogen strategies, coordinating over $10 billion in hydrogen funding over the years, and collaborating across more than 25 countries through global hydrogen partnerships.Dr. Satyapal received her Ph.D. from Columbia University and completed postdoctoral work in Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University. She has also served in business development, management, and deployment related roles in industry. She has numerous publications, including in Scientific American, 10 patents, and various recognitions including a Meritorious and a Distinguished Presidential Rank Award.#Hydrogen #FuelCell #SunitaSatyapal #DepartmentOfEnergy #PhysicalChemistry #Photodissociation #Electrolysis #EnergySecurity #GreenhouseGasEmissions #RenewableEnergy #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textColonel Dr. Tanja Roy is Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense ( https://usamricd.health.mil/ ), a subsidiary of United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) and is the leading science and technology laboratory of the Department of Defense for the development, testing, and evaluation of medical chemical warfare countermeasures, including therapies and materials to treat casualties of chemical warfare agents, as well as biochemical and other emerging non-kinetic acute battlefield injuries.Colonel Dr. Roy received her commission from the University of Notre Dame Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 2000 into the Army Medical Specialist Corps. Colonel Dr. Roy holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh (Rehabilitation Sciences/Epidemiology), Doctor and Master of Physical Therapy from Baylor University, Master of Science from the University of Pittsburgh (Epidemiology), and Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.Colonel Dr. Roy recently served as the Director of Occupational Health Sciences at the Defense Centers for Public Health. Previously, Colonel Dr. Roy created and served as Director of the Soldier Performance, Health, and Readiness Database at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). Previous assignments include executive officer for the Clinical Public Health and Epidemiology Directorate, Army Public Health Center; Physical Therapy Researcher, University of Pittsburgh; Physical Therapy Researcher at USARIEM; Chief, Physical Therapy Troop Medical Clinic, Fort Drum; Chief, Physical Therapy, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum and Afghanistan; Assistant Chief, Baumholder Physical Therapy Clinic; Chief, Physical Therapy, 701st Main Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Iraq; Physical Therapist, 31st Combat Support Hospital, Iraq; Chief, Baumholder Physical Therapy Clinic; and Physical Therapist, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. She has 29 medical research publications. Colonel Dr. Roy is a graduate of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer Basic Course, the AMEDD Captains Career Course, Intermediate Level Education, the Defense Strategy Course, and U.S. Army War College. She is Airborne Qualified (5P); a Strategic Studies Graduate (6Z); an Army Medical Department Acquisitions Officer (8X); a certified Medical Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation Officer (8Z); and holds the Medical Proficiency Designator (9A). Colonel Dr. Roy’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 oakleaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (2 oakleaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Soldier Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal (1 oakleaf cluster), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award (3 oakleaf clusters), Meritorious Unit Award (1 oakleaf cluster), Parachutist Badge, German Sports Badge (Gold), and Combat Medic Badge. She is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit. #TanjaRoy #USArmyMedicalResearchInstituteOfChemicalDefense #BattlefieldInjuries #ClinicalTraining #MedicalResearch #Warfighter #MedicalCountermeasures #NerveAgents #Vesicants #SulfurMustard #MetabolicPoisons #Cyanide #PulmonaryToxicants #Phosgene #MRICD #DepartmentOfDefense #AberdeenProvingGround #Toxin #Toxicant #PharmaceuticalSciences #ChemicalWarfare #CBRN #Epidemiology #PhysicalTherapy #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #ResearchSupport the show