I help early stage Biotech Start-ups navigate fundraising, develop scientific and business strategy as well as partnering and business development.

Built graph-based target discovery platform in Neuroscience:- Revealed new genetic targets linked to Parkinson's Disease using Graph Machine Learning- Managed labeling and training of language models using Natural Language processing (NLP) - Established in silico performance evaluation to consistently improve accuracy of predictive modeling for complex diseasesBuilt new target validation system using human neuronal cell culture:- Established first of its kind cellular validation system using iPSC-derived human neuron cultures and human alpha synuclein (hallmark protein of Parkinson's Disease)- Characterized effects of protein aggregation on neuronal viability, oxidative stress, and electrical activity in vitro- Functional characterization of new targets in mouse models using CRISPR/CAS9 - Established research agreements and collaborations with academic and industrial partnersBusiness Development and Partnering:- Established first revenue generating Partnership of OccamzRazor with top 20 Pharma company- Primary liaison for investor diligence leading to ~12MM USD in investments and non dilutive funding- Raised profile of company through presentations at conferences and written content leading to wide recognition (e.g. CNS summit start-up award 2021)Leadership and Management:- Managed cross-functional team of Bioinformaticians, Software developers, Machine Learning engineers- Broke down complex biology into ML-solvable problems together with ML engineers- Established value and mission driven work culture in remote setting leading to above average retention of key talent

In the laboratory of Prof. Dominique Bergmann I developed new experimental techniques to research stem cell polarity and fate decisions in leafs. I was interested in understanding the integration of tissue-wide signals in the decision-making processes of individual stem cells. I developed new techniques to apply mechanical forces to leaves and used various genetic and imaging methods to elucidate the signaling mechanisms that lead to tissue formation.An important aspect of my work was to develop computational image analysis pipelines using Python and R and using cutting edge 3D segmentation software.I published my work in various high tier journals, such as Current Biology and Plant Cell and presented results at international congresses (ICAR) and seminars (Stanford Bio-X). I also obtained fellowships from the German Research Community (DFG) and the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Doctor of natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat., magna cum laude) in Plant Molecular Biology As a PhD candidate in Prof. Staffan Persson's laboratory, I investigated the mechanisms of cellulose production in plants. I used methods of optical microscopy, transgenics, and genetics to unravel interactions between cellulose producing enzyme complexes and the cytoskeleton. I discovered an important linker protein responsible for the coordination of cellulose fiber deposition in plants. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth and crucial for plant growth and development.I produced a breakthrough paper in Plant Cell providing experimental proof for a theory that had been postulated in the 1960s.My work was honored with a bi-annual Germany-wide award (Horst Wiehe Preis) by the German Botanical Society (DBG). I was a admitted to the international Max Planck Research School (IMPRS), a highly competitive graduate community by the Max Planck Society.