Blackbox’s patented deep tech platform leverages machine learning and machine vision to automate laboratory rodent behavioral phenotyping. Our approach improves data quality and reliability, ensuring better, faster experimental data using fewer animals. A key goal of our technology is to use these rich data sets to generate AI virtual mice that will replace live lab animals in many cases, with statistical models that better predict patient outcomes. I co-invented Blackbox’s patented optical mass sensor as the centerpiece of my PhD dissertation project in the Program in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School.

My research focused on development of novel machine learning driven preclinical drug development technologies. Our team of animal behaviorists, bioengineers, software engineers, UX designers and data scientists developed a hardware/software platform that automates analysis of rodent behaviors as a readout of CNS function, drug effects and CNS drug side effects. This technology promises to advance safer, more effective medicines for patients while reducing the numbers of research animals required for their development. I left this role as the technology was licensed to Blackbox Biotech, Inc., where I transitioned as co-founding CEO.

Co-founding Chief Operating Officer of Blue Therapeutics, a biotech company developing non-addictive therapies for pain and anxiety by targeting receptor-receptor interactions. Contributed to strategic planning, fundraising approaches, preclinical experimental mapping, business planning and development of investor materials. Participated in numerous presentations to business accelerators, VC firms, pharma and biotech companies and raised nearly $7M in non-dilutive funding. Co-wrote four successful grant applications for funding from the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIH) and the Department of Defense. Identified and hired numerous expert pharmaceutical consultants and managed biology, efficacy, in vivo side effect profiling, early toxicology and safety pharmacology studies using multiple CROs in the U.S. and Europe. Designed experiments for testing efficacy in rodent models of neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Led and participated in meetings on business and scientific strategy, indication, budget and finance, KOL discussions, and consultant management. Engaged in strategic partnership discussions with potential major biotech and pharma partners. Co-invented novel ligands targeting GPCR heteromers and new indications for existing ligands.

The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Office of Technology Development (OTD) is responsible for identifying, patenting, marketing, and licensing technologies resulting from scientific research at HMS. Responsible for key early-stage commercialization and fundraising activities around a platform of novel, permanently-charged sodium channel blockers (CSCBs) that I co-invented together with my PhD advisor Clifford Woolf. Engaged with venture investors to help secure R&D funding agreement. Supervised CRO-based execution of key indication-selection experiments and de-risking safety studies that were essential in securing the commitment from lead VC around new clinical indication. Developed early commercialization pitch and investor materials and participated with other co-founders in investor presentation resulting in Series A raise of $27M to launch Nocion Therapeutics. Nocion has since closed over $120M in Series funding to execute Phase IIB and Phase 3-enabling clinical studies of Taplucanium, a novel permanently-charged sodium channel blocker (CSCB)for treatment of chronic cough. • Provided scientific due diligence, market and competitive analysis that informed investment decisions and led to selection of new clinical indications• Responsible for design and execution of CRO research as part of a R&D agreement between a Boston VC firm and Boston Children’s Hospital; data informed decision to pivot to cough as initial clinical proof of concept• Designed and developed all investor materials and presented them at all investor presentations alongside the other company co-founders

I worked on a DARPA-funded project focused on computational linguistics, automating analogical reasoning and semi-autonomous language processing. I provided linguistic coding of works of literature using methods from Propp’s Morphology of the Folk Tale to train Large Language Models that contributed to the evolution of modern GPTs.

I taught the graduate student section of the "Neurobiology of Drug Addiction" course. Our curriculum introduced students to the pharmacology of drug action, neurophysiology of addiction, and biological models for the study of drug addiction. Students studied the molecular, cellular, and neurocircuitry modifications elicited by different classes of drugs, including opiates, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, nicotine, and ethanol. Additionally, I supervised graduate students in research proposals and taught techniques for critical analysis of primary scientific literature.

I taught two sections of the Neurobiology of Behavior (MCB80) course at Harvard College under supervision of course directors Josh Sanes and Jeff Lichtman. This course provided an introduction to the ways in which the brain controls mental activities. The course covered the cells and signals that process and transmit information, and the ways in which the neurons that form circuits change with experience. Topics included the neurobiology of perception, learning, memory, language, emotion, and mental illness.

As a Drug Development Fellow with the MGH Neural Plasticity Research Group, I designed and conducted non-clinical efficacy, safety and toxicology studies of experimental analgesics through a partnership with Endo Pharmaceuticals. I conceived new in vivo methodologies to test novel itch-relief and analgesic agents in rodents, and used these techniques to generate data that formed the efficacy basis of an FDA Investigational New Drug package.

As Clinical Research Coordinator at the Center for Attention, I was responsible for ensuring site compliance with psychiatric drug clinical trial protocols, obtaining informed consent, and conducting patient interviews.

As Tissue Procurement Coordinator for the Arkansas Region, I was responsible for all operations surrounding the procurement of transplantable human tissue within the State of Arkansas. I determined the medical suitability of potential tissue donors, educated the potential donor's family about their donation options, obtained consent from donor's next-of-kin, assembled the surgical team, scheduled the operating room, coordinated all air and ground transportation.As Tissue Procurement Team Leader I personally performed cardiectomy (surgical removal of the heart) and osteotomy (surgical removal of bone) procedures and was responsible for establishing and maintaining sterility during the removal and subsequent transport of transplantable human tissues.

Established new institutional investor relationships for Crews’ fixed income securities business. Performed fundamental research on fixed income securities for investor clients. Collaborated with internal underwriters to structure a bond issuance for a new large insurance company investor. Recognized as highest-producing new investment associate during my tenure with the company.