In this episode of Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Mike Davis, a professor of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiology at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Dr. Davis shares his research journey from catching bees at the Fresh Kills landfill to pioneering stem cell therapies for congenital heart defects and heart failure. Together, they dive into breakthroughs in treating heart defects like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), new pediatric and adult clinical trials for heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, and how regenerative medicine transforms outcomes for children born with severe congenital heart disease. From replacing invasive biopsies with AI-driven blood biomarkers to inspiring the next generation through community outreach, this episode highlights how biomedical engineering saves lives and reshapes the future of cardiac care.

Learn More About Dr. Mike Davis: 

• www.davislab.org

Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today: 

If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new

• Select "Designation"
• Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)"
• In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788)"

Connect!

• Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university
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About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

Meet The HolyShift! Team:

• Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger
•  Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton
•  Logistics & Marketing Support: Katie Hart, The AGN Group
•  Software Support: Mahima Patel, The AGN Group

Welcome to Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow —your inside look at the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, one of the nation’s leading programs. What is biomedical engineering exactly? All you need to know is that it’s about engineering solutions that improve human health, from new medical imaging tools, better vaccines, to personalized cancer treatments. 

In short engaging conversations with the brilliant minds behind the research, you’ll hear how biomedical engineers are shifting the status quo to drive breakthroughs and improve lives. We’ll uncover not just what they’re working on, but why it matters. 

Holy Shift! reveals the people, passion, and purpose powering the future of biomedical research.