Oluwagbemisola Aderibigbe – Ph.D. Candidate, Georgia Tech and Emory BME

Oluwagbemisola “Gbemi” Aderibigbe is a Ph.D. candidate in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Her research project is focused on understanding and identifying molecular mechanisms that occur in the brain following pediatric brain injury. She holds an M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech/Emory University and a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida where she was involved in various leadership, research, and community engagements. She is very passionate about advancing healthcare to improve patient outcomes. Through her expertise in research and her training in technology management, her goal is to assist in the commercialization and product management of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical products, so they can get to the patients who need them.

Shibley Ali – MBID Candidate, Georgia Tech

Shibley is currently pursuing his Master’s in the Biomedical Innovation and Development program at Georgia Tech. He completed his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at the Hashemite University of Jordan. He is interested in the commercialization aspect of medical devices and the translation of research to market, where he strives to bridge the gap between innovation and practical healthcare solutions. Outside of class, he enjoys baking and trying out new dessert recipes.

Mallika Halder – Ph.D. Candidate, Emory Neuroscience

Mallika Halder, an Innovation Consulting Fellow at The Hatchery and Ph.D. candidate in Neuroscience at Emory University, exemplifies a blend of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. She has enhanced biotech opportunities for Ph.D. graduates at Emory, leading the “STEM-Sync” event at the Hatchery to bridge Emory Ph.D. and MBA candidates with Atlanta biotech startups. Mallika has contributed significantly to her field, developing a novel lab technique resulting in several NIH grants, 4 publications, and opportunities to present her research on autonomic neuroscience internationally. Committed to scientific literacy and community engagement, designed STEM lesson plans for local schools, also advocating for diversity and inclusion as co-founder of a DEI Committee and President of Graduates in Neuroscience. When she is not at the lab or the Hatchery, she is probably skateboarding on the Beltline, aquascaping, or attempting to cultivate a mushroom garden.

Alishah Lakhani – Ph.D. Candidate, Emory Neuroscience

Alishah Lakhani is a fifth-year Neuroscience PhD student at Emory University. Her diverse skill set, which includes research, consulting projects, and DEI initiatives, has fueled her passion for the life sciences and biomedical industry. She is excited to apply her knowledge, further develop her skills, and connect with like-minded individuals during this Biolocity internship—a dynamic opportunity at the intersection of academia and biotechnology.

Luis Javier Bermudez Lopez – MBID Candidate, Georgia Tech

Luis is a biomedical engineer with a diverse skill set and a keen interest in leveraging business acumen to drive innovation in the healthcare industry. He is multilingual in four languages and an effective cross-cultural communicator. Luis is adaptable and has strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Pramod Misra – M.S. Candidate, Georgia Tech Computer Science

Pramod Misra is currently pursuing his masters in CS from Georgia Tech. He has also built his start-up, Unifi.ai, on contract analytics. He has over 20 years of professional experience in data science/machine learning/analytics with Vodafone, Novartis, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and other leading companies.

Jacob Rayyan – Ph.D. Candidate, Georgia Tech and Emory BME

Jacob is a current third year Biomedical Engineering PhD student. He has done due diligence for multiple Angel/VC organizations in the past. Jacob wishes to pursue a career in VC primarily performing due diligence on early-stage Biotech start-ups in the Seed-Series B stage.

Benjamin Siciliano – Ph.D. Candidate, Emory Molecular and Systems Pharmacology

Benjamin Siciliano, a graduate of Bucknell University with a BS in Biology, is currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular & Systems Pharmacology at Emory University. His dissertation research focuses on identifying neuropsychiatric drug targets and mechanisms in hiPSC-derived neural cells, with emphasis on depressive and neurodegenerative disorders. Motivated by a keen interest in biomedical technology transfer and pharmaceutical business development, Benjamin has actively contributed to impactful projects with the Emory Patent Group and the Emory Biotech Consulting Club. His dedication to advancing biotechnology translation now extends to his work with Biolocity.

Sophie Yount – Ph.D. Candidate, Emory Molecular and Systems Pharmacology

Sophie Yount is a graduate student in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology at Emory University. Her current research aims to dissect molecularly defined neuron populations that contribute to decision-making. Her findings could shed light on innate learning systems that are “hijacked” by drug abuse. During her time as graduate student, Sophie has also gained experience as a contract medical writer and licensing associate intern. She is eager to leverage her scientific background and passion for healthcare to contribute to innovation and growth within the medical biotechnology industry.