Jess Shisler, Ph.D., is a multi-time founder and COO, who specializes in developing and executing strategic operations plans, financial modeling, building brand integrity and fostering a strong team culture. She is currently the cofounder and COO of SOM Aesthetics, a luxury cosmetic dermatology clinic in Encinitas. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Clinical Research at SOM Aesthetics. As a Techstars Alum, she uses her startup experience to mentor other founders in the healthtech and consumer tech space. Previously, Jess earned her doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and completed her postdoctoral research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, with a focus on age-related disease interventions. Looking to make a larger impact faster, she transitioned to biotech startup communications and public relations, eventually launching her own science communications consultancy, Decode Communications, with clients in biotechnology startups and Fortune 500 bio-pharmaceutical companies.Prior to her current role, she co-founded and served as COO of a consumer tech company in the outdoor travel industry. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in executing strategic initiatives and translating big ideas into tangible results. She led a diverse team, fundraised $3.3 million, spearheaded the relaunch of the brand, facilitated growth in both team size and community engagement, and collaborated closely with consumers to refine and improve the tech product.