Women in Innovation

"With research expertise in imaging, dosimetry and dose-response biology, Dr. Kiess is a leader in Radiopharmaceutical Therapies (RPT) development. As a clinical radiation oncologist, she is committed to curriculum development and addressing the unmet needs in physician RPT workforce in the U.S."

“Dr. Luczak won the 2024 Louis B. Thalheimer award for translational research for her work on a drug discovery platform to identify small molecules to treat atrial fibrillation.”

“Dr. Rajaii works tirelessly on formulating a locally administered IGF-1R antagonist to reduce the systemic adverse events associated with Thyroid-related eye disease treatment.”

"Jessica is a world-renowned expert in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), who has dedicated her life's work to uncover mechanisms of TBI for the purposes of advancing treatment for high-risk populations, especially combat veterans and young athletes."

"She is not only a brilliant scientist, Valina is also a very caring mentor and can effectively manage a large, matrixed team working on complicated projects."

"She is focused not only on clearly groundbreaking research but also on accelerating advances in the field through translation into commercial ventures."

“Known for being a determined, passionate, pioneer in applying biomedical innovations; a Women in Technology International (WITI) Hall of Famer.”

"Bisi is a pioneer and innovator in the field of photoacoustic-guided surgery. She has developed technologies with multiple applications including women's health and was named the Maryland Outstanding Young Engineer in 2019."

"Laura is a positive and supportive mentor to her lab, as well as a mother and rising entrepreneur. She is a shining example of how one can do it all."

“Katie is a first-time founder and CEO of Eyedea Medical, working to bring people back their sight, and after two and half years on less than $40,000 of funding, is somehow nearly ready for market with a Class I device.”

"Kate adapted the CSA model to bring healthy food options to her patients through Baltimore Farm to Clinic which supports vulnerable individuals with chronic medical conditions."

"Dr. Caffrey not only shines herself, but she empowers others to shine alongside her. She has taken on the role of a true "surgineer" and leader in the current crisis, bringing together teams of experts from across the institution to help create solutions."

"Kim is passionate about science and bringing treatments forward that will significantly improve patient outcomes. She is a person of great strength and drive and her ability to connect with people creates an organization with a strong sense of mission."

“Lauren (CENTER) has completely blown my mind for her drive, modesty, and inclusion; she has put the MSED on the map in terms of entrepreneurship and has instilled a culture of female leadership that I believe will trickle down for many years.”

"Approaching medical school graduation, Helen is already an inventor-scholar-entrepreneur whose career we are excited to watch."

"Amanda perseveres, she is able to overcome obstacles and reroute her plans. She fights for what she believes in."

“Julia has an incredible passion and drive to master every aspect of her business (a brain-computer interface, MindX), technology, and team.”

“Leveraging decades of industry-side experience, she is the drug discovery dame of Johns Hopkins.”

"Through self-discipline, passion and dedication, Dr. Yeh’s innovation provides an alternative solution for people suffering from pain during our current opioid crisis."

“Meg navigates complex challenges facing her startup from strategic technical development to fundraising, and when critical tasks need to be done, Meg is the first to make a plan and commit to getting it done.”

"Hopkins alum Mojisola is pursuing her dream and helping those in need, all while tackling with aplomb the great challenges that come with starting a nonprofit."

"Dr. Sofou thinks outside the box when it comes to treating cancer and developing innovative therapeutics. Her work changes the way we think about treating solid tumors."

"Beth is a courageous and kind colleague who continues to push the envelope in how data science can make cities safer and better."

"Through Francoise's work with Corrie Health Solutions, she aims to reinvent the cardiac patient’s experience. She's applying her clinical training and cutting edge technology to improve patient outcomes and prevent hospital re-admissions."

“Director of our amazing Institute for NanoBioTechnology, she was recently elected to the National Academy of Medicine and is the founder of Gemstone, focused on skin regeneration products.”

“Her work ethic is unparalleled, commitment to patient safety and outcomes aspirational all without complaint and with the utmost sacrifice.”

"Susanna is an inspiring professor and innovative researcher dedicated to sustainable development and forging new solutions which better the world."

"Dr. Badaki-Makun is revolutionizing how we care for children who get sick from COVID, by translating brilliant basic science insights to the bedside."

"Lauren put the map on the map! Lauren built on the Hopkins tradition of public health, medicine, and engineering excellence by tracking worldwide cases from the global pandemic."

"Claire is passionate about applying her expertise to helping people live longer lives. She radiates joy and is a brilliant colleague."

“Clarisse’s (LEFT) work in cryotherapy supports women's health initiatives globally as she mentors many other women in her company and our community. She is tremendous example of the power of the young female scientist and entrepreneur.”

"Sujatha is really thoughtful about the role that commercialization can play in maximizing a researcher's impact. She is a great role model, having co-founded Ashvattha Therapeutics."

"Dr. Spangler tackles the hardest, most important problems in protein engineering and is a world leader in creating new proteins for improving human health."

"Rebecca is committed to expanding awareness of opportunities across the under-represented minority community."

"Sara is a new generation scholar who combines excellence in teaching and research with a dedication to finding innovative technology solutions to critical societal problems."

In memoriam: The namesake of the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship.

"Her dedication towards helping people who do not have any treatment options for a rare disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth by working tirelessly on the bench to develop a cure makes Dr. Sumner a ROCKSTAR!"

"Dr. Wolberger approaches difficult problems with tenacity and her unique insights into protein structure and function unlock clues into how our bodies work and how to treat diseases."

"Chanya is an energetic engineer, mom and entrepreneur who brings calm, compassion, commitment and leadership to a team of first-time founders. Her meticulous attention to detail and relentless drive are significant assets to the venture."

"The technology Sri presented at Pitch It On! is cutting edge and shows a lot of potential application in successful surgeries and predictive therapeutics."

"Dr. Kadam has an unwavering commitment and determination to help children that suffer from seizures which fuels her creativity and scientific passion. She is a champion and true rockstar for these kids."

"Alum and co-founder of A-Level Capital and SoGal Ventures which primarily invests in female-founded and minority-founded companies, Elizabeth (RIGHT) is an amazing human being who continues to give back to the Hopkins Community."

"Dr. Sikder has a unique combination of credentials (engineering+medicine) and skillsets, and her AI-based innovation concept has enormous potential in improving healthcare."

"Therese sees many problems, picks the best ones to resolve, and knows how to build a team to execute those solutions."

“Leveraging her expertise in creative design and business, Jasmine stands as a thought leader in the digital health startup accelerator field. She makes the work-life balance look easy: female leader by day, mama by night.”

"An outstanding teacher, surgeon and clinical researcher, Dr. Akpek is a favorite amongst trainees at the Wilmer Institute and a role model for our junior faculty."

"Dr. Steadtke is a very talented and passionate clinician scientist working on a treatment for NF1 to give hope to patients suffering from the disease."

"Inez is the the 'creator' and 'engineer' behind the world's first fully transparent, FDA-cleared surgical mask, and which has sold nearly 16 million masks to date since April 2020. She continues to lead the company in product innovation and expansion as the company grows."

“Vasso has recognized early in her career the long-term potential and future impact of her research in IPSC derived brain cells for drug development for neurological disorders.”

"Bekka is not only a leader and innovator in her field, but also an excellent mentor and teacher for future entrepreneurs and scientists."

"Suchi is an outstanding entrepreneur who uses big data to solve problems in health care, such as implementing an algorithm to identify sepsis and save hospital patients' lives."

"Carrie’s tireless work ethic, human-centered approach, and empathy for those with hearing loss make her an incredible leader and champion for those in need."

“A startup veteran and leader in setting JHU’s Innovation roadmap and building our local tech ecosystem.”

"Jessica is an attentive and supportive mentor, a creative and humanitarian engineer, and a super ambitious entrepreneur and leader. She is the single most driven and organized human I know."

“She is a neurology and drug discovery force; she holds nine JHU patents, six that have been out-licensed and she has co-founded two JHU start-up companies.”

"Her trailblazing path in the area of audio signal processing, as well as her continued commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring and diversity."