Start Disrupting

Join us as we dig into Start Disrupting's archive and revisit Antarctica with guests James B. McClintock, Ph.D. (The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Author and Professor of Polar and Marine Biology) and Bill J. Baker, Ph.D. (The University of South Florida, Professor of Chemistry). In this episode, Brett takes a dive below Antarctica's ice with James and Bill as they discuss drug discovery, climate change, and some of their most profound research findings. - The Baker Research Group- Jam...

Dr. Aileen Helsel is the current Interim Director for Carilion Clinic Innovation (CCI), a catalytic agent and resource for regional innovators and creatives within the Carilion healthcare system. Since beginning her role as Interim Director in April 2022, Dr. Helsel oversees the healthcare system’s efforts to develop and market disruptive Carilion inventions while also expanding the region’s biotech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dr. Helsel has an extensive biomedical research background and ...

James D. Harder is a Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst. Currently Virginia Tech’s Blockchain Initiative Director, Harder is also an External Engagement Manager for VT’s Department of Computer Science. Harder has an interest in analyzing agricultural applications of blockchain, as well as other emerging technologies, such as AI and cybersecurity.Virginia Tech's Blockchain Certificate Program Wall Street Journal PodcastArchiveCoreTatiana MorozHost: Brett MaloneEditor and Producer: Becca Halm&n...

Amy White is Virginia Western Community College’s Dean for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics department. White began at VWCC as a biology professor in 2003, and her passion for educating led her to her role as STEM dean. White focuses on educating and mentoring those who are interested in STEM careers, as well creating equal opportunities for all students wishing to make an impact on the healthcare system. In this episode Brett and Amy discuss the importance of young minds...

Dr. Zac Doerzaph is the Executive Director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), a global leader in transportation research. Working alongside a talented team, Doerzaph focuses on creating a future of ubiquitous, safe, and effective mobility by conducting innovative and impactful research today. Also, a faculty member within the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech, Doerzaph works with fellow faculty to provide experiential learning opportunities...

Learn more about 3-D printing, lab on a chip, and building your business products from Skyphos Technologies Founder and CEO, Elliot McAllister. Skyphos Technologies focuses on solving the manufacturing and technology gap for lab-on-a-chip technologies by bringing ultra-small resolutions and micro-3D printing to the biotech industry. A Virginia Tech graduate, Elliot's career has been molded by engineering and management experiences. Elliot has experience in manufacturing, R&D, roboti...

Learn more about entrepreneurship and how to know you've hit traction with your startup from Active Capital Founder and CEO, Pat Matthews.Pat is the founder and general partner of Active Capital, a venture firm focused on leading seed rounds for B2B SaaS companies outside of Silicon Valley. Prior to Active Capital, Pat was an entrepreneur, operator, and angel investor. Pat’s career started in 1999 when he dropped out of Virginia Tech to start a dot-com with some of his best friends and ...

Learn how Disney is utilizing technology to enhance the customer experience with new initiatives and how the Disney accelerator is creating new entertainment adventures and products. Kathy de Paolo, Vice President of Engineering at The Walt Disney Company, shares all this and entrepreneurial advice for all.Links:Kathy’s LinkedIn profileWalt Disney Imagineering: https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/Disney: https://www.disney.com/Disney Accelerator: https://disneyaccelera...

Kenna Anderes Ph.D., RAC, Vice President of Translational Medicine & Companion Diagnostics at Mirati Therapeutics, talks → The art of partnering: How your small company can change the game for big companies; plus, “FIO” Figure it Out, how to follow the data, and navigate complex timelines and more. Dr. Anderes has been a scientific leader in oncology drug discovery, biomarker identification, and early clinical development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for o...

DaSilva is the inaugural Executive Director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), and the Bradley Professor of Cybersecurity at Virginia Tech.DaSilva previously held the chair of Telecommunications at Trinity College Dublin, where he served as the Director of CONNECT, a national telecommunications research center in Ireland.He has published two books and more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and chaired the Technical Program for ICC 2020, one of the flagship conferences of the IEEE Commu...