I believe in the power of innovation and regional collaboration to bring the greatest good to the most people. By focusing on developing clusters of regional strengths in technology, engineering, life sciences, and medicine, I help develop transformative solutions that directly impact my community. My mission is to leverage large-scale regional planning and strategic funding efforts to create sustainable growth and open doors for groundbreaking advancements. Through a blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and a deep commitment to the Kansas City region, I work to build ecosystems where prosperity thrives and innovation drives meaningful change.As the regional Innovation Leader at EnterpriseKC, I lead commercialization and innovation efforts to position the Kansas City region as a hub of economic development and technological advancement. I coordinate strategies across multiple stakeholders, working closely with universities, investors, and industry leaders to align funding opportunities with commercialization tools. My focus is on ensuring research institutions and emerging technologies are strategically poised for national funding, investment, and overall growth. From overseeing grant efforts to driving high-level partnerships, I aim to enhance the Kansas City region's funding landscape and strengthen its innovation ecosystem.Before joining EnterpriseKC, I held various leadership roles, most notably as Vice President at BioNexus KC and Research & Development Director at Novation iQ, where I pioneered systems for translating research into profitable, real-world solutions.My research career at Purdue and Northwestern University spans the fields of neuropharmacology, tissue engineering, bioinformatics, and robotics, providing me with a unique ability to navigate complex scientific challenges and translate them into actionable business opportunities.My passion extends beyond professional achievements. I am deeply engaged in community outreach, supporting organizations like Folds of Honor, Big Brothers Big Sisters KC, and The Workout KC. I also take pride in tutoring children with developmental disorders, helping them overcome the challenges of virtual learning.RESEARCH BACKGROUND [Purdue & Northwestern University]• Neural-Robotics: Developed haptic limb devices and virtual environments• Active Prosthetic Legs: Engineered natural motion in prostheses• Consulting: Aided customer groups with product improvements, growth strategy, and functionality. Customers included Honeywell, Salisbury, Deering, Uvex, Quantum, and GSW