In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Emma meets with Chelsea Trengrove, CEO & co-founder of Neoclease, a start-up pioneering AI-designed, gene-specific editors that aim to overcome the safety, specificity, and scalability challenges of CRISPR-based therapies.

Chelsea shares how her lifelong fascination with the brain and a PhD in neuroscience evolved into a career at the intersection of deep tech, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. From clinical trials and digital health to strategic partnerships and building a company from the ground up, her journey is a masterclass in adaptability, curiosity, and courage.

She also opens up about the mindset shifts required to become a first-time CEO, the importance of saying yes (even when you’re scared), and why meditation, martial arts, and mentorship have all shaped her leadership style.