Purpose- and people-driven executive leader focused on building a stronger workforce, community and a future translating innovation into reality. A student-centered Chief Academic Officer as a change agent delivering the promise of HigherEd to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders.Chief Science Officer at the Medical Innovation Collaborative, which strives to facilitate the translation of research into commercialized, breakthrough technologies that can take root in accessible, clinical practice.As Vice President for Research and Innovation at University of North Texas Health Science Center, it was my privilege to lead strategic research development defining and producing providers of the future.Originally trained as a cell and molecular biologist, my research over past few decades focused on HIV/AIDS, studying associated neurological dysfunction in patients and comorbidities such as drug abuse. We also furthered the quest for an HIV cure by tackling viral reservoirs in patient brains.A stem cell can reach its full potential only in the right environment. In the same way, my purpose and passion is to transform lives by building the right environment for innovators, educators, scientists, healthcare professionals and academic leaders. I look forward to transforming the North Texas Innovation Ecosystem in my Chief Science Officer role at Medical Innovation Collaborative.I grew up in India learning about a great pinnacle of leadership: Gandhi. He had no official rank, position, monetary wealth, formal responsibility or authority – yet, the entire nation followed him for who he was and what he represented. To this day, he inspires me to put people first in everything I do. Highlights:• 25+ years experience in Higher Ed developing providers and healthcare leaders of the future• Dynamic leader with proven ability to translate strategy and vision into reality• Highly skilled in leading large, complex, diverse organizations• Passionate, collaborative change catalyst• Engaging presenter with over 50 speaking engagementsKey Strengths:• Strategic Leadership• Executive Management• Innovation Management• Research Management• Workforce Development