BIO from the BAYOU: Build Your Biotech Network with Key Opinion Leaders and Investors

Where do scientific breakthroughs really begin, and how much space do we leave for curiosity, intuition, and creative thinking along the way?In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Auni Williams, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State University, for a thoughtful and refreshing conversation about “night science.” Together, they explore the idea that behind every polished grant, pub...

What can the world of animal health teach us about the future of biotech innovation, vaccine development, and global healthcare?In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Patrik Erlmann, PhD, Global Head of Biological Development in Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, to explore the role of drug development in animal health. Drawing from his experience in startups, human pharmaceuticals,...

What happens when you combine ambitious ideas, breakthrough technology, and a mission to transform healthcare decades into the future?In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kate Arnold, MD, MBA, Program Manager at ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health), to discuss how the agency is tackling some of healthcare's toughest challenges through high-risk, high-reward innovation...

What does it take to move from the lab bench to the venture side of biotech, and what are investors looking for in the next generation of breakthrough companies?In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kevin White, PhD, Executive Director of the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, to discuss his journey from academic science to pharmaceutical R&D and ultimately to venture investing. Ke...

How can artificial intelligence help get the right drugs to the right patients faster, but without losing sight of the human side of healthcare?In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Genialis, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolution of AI in biotech and its growing role in precision oncology. Drawing on more than a decade of...

Math doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when it’s the kind that helps fund companies and move science forward. In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Isaiah Reeves, PhD, Biomedical Analyst at Solas BioVentures, for a practical and approachable deep dive into venture math. Drawing on his background as a scientist turned investor, Isaiah breaks down the core financial concepts...

What does it take to move a scientific idea from the bench to patients, especially in some of biotech’s most challenging therapeutic areas? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Gareth Willis, PhD, COO of Otologic Pharmaceutics and CEO of Exosla Therapeutics, for a candid conversation about translational science, biotech leadership, and the realities of drug development. Drawing from h...

What does it really take to land a successful biotech partnership—and what makes a deal fall apart? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, Founder and Managing Partner of Williams Biotech Consulting and Independent Board Director for AGS Therapeutics. With experience across major pharma companies like Eli Lilly and Janssen, Renee shares hard-earned insight...

Wondering how to stand out in the crowded biotech world and build credibility that opens doors? In this episode, hosts Elaine Hamm, PhD, and James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, explore the power of personal branding for biotech professionals. Whether you’re a startup founder, academic researcher, or key opinion leader, your brand can shape your career, attract collaborators, and grow your influence. Wi...

What can today’s biotech innovators learn from the greatest thinkers in history? In this special episode, we’re bringing you a live recording from BIO on the BAYOU featuring a fireside chat between Elaine Hamm, PhD, and Walter Isaacson — renowned biographer of Steve Jobs, Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and other groundbreaking innovators. Together, they explore the power of c...

Venture capital isn’t the only path for biotech founders seeking growth capital. What if some of the most valuable investors are looking for relationships first and pitch decks second? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Neil Greene, Founder and CEO of JABOY Productions, to discuss how startups can successfully engage family offices and alternative investors in the life sciences...

What can biotech founders learn from how tribal nations invest in innovation and healthcare? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Chris Shilling, MBA, Chief Innovation Officer for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, to explore how tribal nations approach investment, economic development, and healthcare innovation. From improving quality of life for their citizens to building...

What does it really mean to be a CEO, and why does the role feel so different once you’re in the seat? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, CEO of Connect, to unpack the realities of leadership at the highest level. James shares what surprised him most about becoming a CEO, the weight of responsibility, and how his perspective on leadership has evolved s...

What does it take to build a podcast that not only shares stories, but actively helps founders grow, connect, and get funded? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, to discuss the launch of Connect’s new podcast, The Connect Current. Designed to highlight the flow of innovation across San Diego’s ecosystem, the podcast will spotlight...

What happens when two distinct innovation ecosystems, one rooted in the Gulf South and the other on the West Coast, come together with a shared goal? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, for a dynamic conversation on how regions like the Gulf South and the San Diego binational ecosystem can collaborate to accelerate biotech innovati...

Biotech is still open for business, but what does it really take to get funded in today’s market? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, the CEO of Connect, for a candid conversation on the current biotech funding landscape and what founders are up against right now. From longer timelines and more selective investors to the growing im...

What can a 40-year-old innovation organization teach today’s startup ecosystems about staying relevant and driving impact? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, the original voice behind this podcast and now CEO of Connect in San Diego. James shares insights from stepping into leadership at one of the nation’s most established innova...

What does it really take to build a sustainable biotech ecosystem outside of traditional hubs like Boston and San Francisco? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Christin Godale, PhD, Executive Director of LifeSciKY, to explore how regional innovation communities can grow from the ground up. Christin shares how LifeSciKY is helping entrepreneurs access lab space, shared equipment,...

Math doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when it’s the kind that helps fund companies and move science forward. In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Isaiah Reeves, PhD, Biomedical Analyst at Solas BioVentures, for a practical and approachable deep dive into venture math. Drawing on his background as a scientist turned investor, Isaiah breaks down the core financial concepts...

Politics can feel overwhelming - but how can scientists, founders, and biotech leaders effectively engage with policymakers to protect innovation and improve patient outcomes? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Srinu Sonti, JD, Principal at Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, for a candid and insightful conversation on science, policy, and advocacy. Drawing on his experience on Capitol H...

Where do scientific breakthroughs really begin, and how much space do we leave for curiosity, intuition, and creative thinking along the way? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Auni Williams, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State University, for a thoughtful and refreshing conversation about “night science.” Together, they explore the idea that behind every polished grant, pu...

What does it really take to modernize a tech transfer office and build innovation ecosystems that thrive outside the traditional coastal hubs? In this episode, host Patrick Reed, RTTP, is joined by Robert Lowe, PhD, CEO of TechPipeline, for a timely conversation on how tech transfer offices can evolve in a rapidly changing innovation landscape. From data-driven decision-making and intentional use...

How do you build a venture strategy that both delivers strong returns and meaningfully improves the lives of children and families? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Andrew Meadow, MBA, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Health Innovation Capital, for a thoughtful conversation about investing in pediatric and maternal health. Andrew shares the personal and profes...

How can biotech teams move faster (and smarter) from preclinical research to human trials without sacrificing safety or rigor? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Todd Kilbaugh, MD, Founder of Pharos Biolabs and a physician-scientist specializing in anesthesiology, critical care, and pediatrics. Todd shares his journey from clinical medicine to biotech entrepreneurship and unpac...

Trying to form early biotech partnerships but unsure when to say yes, when to push back, or when to walk away? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, welcomes back Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, returning to the show as Chief Business Officer at Signify Bio. Drawing from her experience on both sides of the table (as a pharma dealmaker and now an early-stage biotech leader) Renee shares hard-earned ins...