Karina Pikhart Email & Phone Number

New York, New York, Us

On a mission to improve lives by learning from the experience of every cancer patient.

Seattle, Wa, Us

North Reading, Ma, Us

I founded a company to reimagine day-to-day life experiences for folks with disabilities. We designed and produced the 6dot Braille labeler to aid the blind in identifying household items, and subsequently were acquired by ProxTalker.com.In my role as CEO, I:• Managed a team as large as 15 people, guiding development of the 6dot Braille labeler from user testing of foam models and early prototypes through beta manufacturing of first 100 units• Led all business operations: accounting, branding, marketing, sales, PR, recruiting, etc.• Oversaw all aspects of pilot production, including selecting suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers, systems integration, and writing product specifications, manufacturing processes, and more• Developed product launch and sales strategies, and did financial forecasting• Led user studies and focus groups throughout the US• Handled customer support• Gave public presentations in a number of high-profile venues• Debuted the 6dot Braille labeler at assistive technology conferences in the US and Europe, as well as the Solidworks World Conference (2009)• Ran a successful Kickstarter ($50k+), raised an angel round ($80k), and earned revenue ($30k+)• Was issued a patent• Was accepted into StartX Accelerator (class of 2010)• Was recognized with the following awards: was recognized with the following awards: ProtoLabs Cool Ideas! Award (2011), Stanford BASES Product Showcase winner (2011), MIT IDEAS Competition winner (2009), MIT DeFlorez Competition winner (2009), ASME Innovation Showcase winner (2010), San Jose Business Journal Idea & Innovation Award (2012), and Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Brilliant Companies (2012)• Managed development and launch of ProxTalker’s first iOS app (ProxTalker App)• Oversaw ProxTalker’s CRM; served as a product/sales rep at conferences and for customer visits

Stanford, Ca, Us

• Characterized active cochlear processes, with the goal of finding better ways to diagnose deafness• Conference publication: Stimulus Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions in Wild Type and TECTA Mice

Santa Clarita, Ca, Us

COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE R&D TEAM• Developed testing protocol for cochlear implant electrode leads, and ran a study to measure insertion forces into the ear• Analyzed forces measured on a model cochlea, comparing to video and photo data• Presented results to VP of Engineering

Marlborough, Ma, Us

NEUROMODULATION R&D TEAM• Developed and tested components of leads and surgical tools for implantable neurostimulators• Prototyped new designs for a stylet, an anchoring device, and lead testing mechanisms; worked with manufacturing processes and used CAD software to create ergonomic, safe, and robust products• Contributed to the creation of invention disclosures that served as a basis for patent applications

Arlington, Va, Us

787 GE PROPULSION TEAM• Designed and analyzed engine build-up and nacelle components of GE engines• Managed projects involving anti-ice system, heat shield, and fire extinguishing bottles

Master Of Science (Ms), Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Mechanical Engineering