Meet the Scientists Building the Chicago Biotech Ecosystem
Olusola Ajilore, MD, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Using brain imaging to uncover structural and functional abnormalities.
Startups:
- BiAffect
- KeyWise AI
Alex Leow, MD, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Utilizing novel computational approaches to continuously measure brain function.
Startups:
- BiAffect
- KeyWise AI
Rashid Bashir, PhD
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Applying micro- and nano-technology to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue engineering.
Startups:
- Prenosis
Lev Becker, PhD
University of Chicago
Capitalizing on the body’s innate immunity to treat human diseases.
Startups:
- Onchilles Pharma
- RMark Bio
- MacroLogic
Alexis Demonbreun, PhD
Northwestern University
Improving outcomes for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Startups:
- Lakeside Discovery
- Ikaika Therapeutics
Thomas F. Gajewski, MD, PhD
University of Chicago
Uncovering the link between cancer and the immune system.
Startups:
- Pyxis Oncology
- Jounce
Nathan C. Gianneschi, PhD
Northwestern University
Developing novel materials for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Startups:
- Grove Biopharma
Michael C. Jewett, PhD
Northwestern University
Exploiting protein systems found in nature to engineer novel materials.
Startups:
- Stemloop
- Swiftscale Biologics
- Design Pharma
- Biobits
Jeff Hubbell, PhD
University of Chicago
Enhancing the immune system with molecular engineering.
Startups:
- ClostraBio
- Kuros Biosciences
- Anokion
- Focal Inc.
Shana O. Kelley, PhD
Northwestern University
Detecting biomolecules to identify disease & engineering precision therapeutics.
Startups:
- CTRL Therapeutics
- Arma Biosciences
- Agenic
Dimitri Krainc, MD
Northwestern University
Defining the molecular pathways leading to nervous system degeneration.
Startups:
- Vanqua BIO
Joshua N. Leonard, PhD
Northwestern University
Developing design-driven therapeutics by integrating systems and synthetic biology.
Startups:
- Syenex
Stacy T. Lindau, MD
University of Chicago
Advancing whole person care together with patients and communities.
Startups:
- NowPow
- LLC
- MAPSCorps
- Feed1st
Julius B. Lucks, PhD
Northwestern University
Harnessing the natural design principles of RNA for synthetic biology applications.
Startups:
- Stemloop
Bradley Merrill, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Unraveling the programming of cellular fate to develop novel therapeutic options.
Startups:
- Stemloop
Stephen Miller, PhD
Northwestern University
Uncovering the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.
Startups:
- Cour Pharmaceuticals
Cathryn R. Nagler, PhD
University of Chicago
Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in health and disease.
Startups:
- ClostraBio
Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MD
University of Chicago
Renovating the clinical landscape for aggressive cancers.
Startups:
- CancerIQ
Rama Ranganathan, MD, PhD
University of Chicago
Investigating the principles of evolution to better understand protein function.
Startups:
- Evozyne
John A. Rogers, PhD
Northwestern University
Using soft materials to develop flexible and practical biosensors.
Startups:
- Sibel
- MC10
- Rhaeos
- Sonica
- Epicore Biosystems
- NeuroLux
- Wearifi
- NuSera Biosystems
- Celeprint
- Cooledge
- Semprius
Mark Rasenick, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Discovering biomarkers to improve depression diagnosis and treatment.
Startups:
- Pax Neuroscience
Amanda Schalk, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Retooling existing enzyme-based therapies to fight cancer.
Startups:
- Enzyme by Design
Evan Scott, PhD
Northwestern University
Rational design & engineering of delivery systems to improve immune health.
Startups:
- SNC Therapeutics
Ramille Shah, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
New biomaterial strategies for tissue and organ regeneration.
Startups:
- Dimension Inx
Jennifer Wu, PhD
Northwestern University
Advancing new cancer immunotherapy Approaches.
Startups:
- CanCure LLC