Understanding the Brain: How New Technology Enhances our Understanding of Neurological Diseases and Brain Health

In this dicussion, subject matter experts described new technologies and research initiatives from Wisconsin universities and companies tackling brain diseases, with emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease. They also explored how this work will bring a better understading of Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases and how that will lead to new therapies and preventative measures.

Panelists: 

Sterling Johnson, Associate Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, and Principal Investigator of the WRAP Study

Cynthia M. Carlsson, Professor of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Heath-Madison, and Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute

Su-Chun Zhang, Founder of BrainXell and Professor, Neuroscience and Neurology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center

Moderator: 

Daniel Sem, Dean, Business & Legal Studies, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Director of Technology Tranfer at Concordia University Wisconsin and VP for Business Development at Estrigenix Therapeutics

Showcasing of Young Wisconsin Biohealth Companies Followed by a Moderated Discussion

Panelists:

Tobias Zutz, CEO/Founder at Gregor Diagnostics
William Kohl, COO at JangoBio
Sanjay Mohan, President & CEO, Healthio
Tiffany Mullen, CEO/Cofounder at WellnessScript
Gunner Lyslo, CEO of Surfacide

Moderator:

Andrew DeMarco, Principal, SVA Consulting, LLC

RNAi and CRISPR: What Can the Platforms Learn from Each Other and What Opportunities Are There?

In the wake of the Human Genome Project, two methods to experimentally change gene expression and interrogate gene function, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas, have emerged at the forefront of scientific discovery. Experts in the two fields discussed what the two technologies can learn from each other, how they can collaborate and what kinds of opportunities await their respective platforms.

Panelists:

Bruce Given, Chief Operating Officer, Arrowhead Research

Peter Newman, Vice President for Research, Versiti

Center for Technology Commercialization SBIR Advance & SBIR Awardee Recognition

WEDC created the SBIR Advance program to provide state match funding, training, and other resources to Wisconsin businesses to advance the commericalization of SBIR/STTR-funded technology and expedite economic and job creation impact in Wisconsin. The administrator of this program, Center for Technology Commercialization, discussed its novel approach in delivering matching grant funds with two companies who have benefited from the SBIR Advance program.

Panelists:

Idella Yamben, Business Development Consultant, Center of Technology Commercialization

Jean Brittain, CEO, Calimetrix

Lisa Dotzler, Director of Operations, Semba Biosciences

Women in Biohealth Presents: Allies in the Workplace

Building allies in the workplace can be critical to career advancement. An ally can act as your workplace advocate and contribute to your overall career satisfaction. By engaging men as allies for women’s career development, we are creating better leaders, stronger businesses and more fulfilling careers. The chat focused on the benefits of allies for underrepresented groups, and also explored how to select and engage allies.

Panelists:

Virginia Amann– CEO & Founder of Entente, Inc.
Binnu Palta Hill– Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion of UW-Madison School of Business
Ana Hooker– Senior Vice President, Operations of Exact Sciences

How Will Science Change the Way We Eat & the Benefits We Get From Our Food

The way we approach food and nutrition is getting more personal. As science gains a better understanding of how our genome and microbiome affect the way we process nutrients, innovative companies are developing products and services tailored to the individual. Two experts in the field discussed how their biohealth companies are forging new paths into the rapidly changing nutrition industry.

Panelists:

Sherry Zhang, Genopalate Founder & CEO

Wesley Morovic, Scientist at Dupont

Chat Leader: 

Mike Harrison, Business Development Manager at BioForward

Healthcare Policy and Legislative Analysis: Perspectives on Healthcare and Drug Discovery and Pricing

Healthcare is a major focus of debate from political standpoints to R&D through treatments and cures. What is the future of our healthcare market, healthcare services and how is drug discovery evolving?  A major pharmaceutical company and one of Wisconsin’s local healthcare service providers provided their perspectives and insight.

Panelists:

Robert Popovian– Vice President of US Goverment Relations at Pfizer
Michelle Mettner– Corporate Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Chat Leader:

Jenny Malcore– Public Affairs Director with Foley & Lardner LLP

How Millenials and Generation Z Will Change the Workplace

In this fireside chat with keynote speaker, Ryan Jenkins, he focused on the future of the workplace geared towards students and those who will be hiring young professionals.

Panelist:

Ryan Jenkins, internationally-known keynote speaker and author

Chat Leader:

Mary Jo Spiekerman, Vice President of Human Resources at Hausmann-Johnson