Industry Connections Virtual Webinar

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student looking to explore exciting career paths in biomedical engineering? Don’t miss the Industry Connections Webinar hosted by the Student Affairs Subcommittee! This unique event, taking place on Thursday, March 13th from 3:00-5:00 PM EST, offers an opportunity for students to engage with professionals working across various sectors of the biomedical field.

What to Expect:

Keynote Talks: The first hour will feature three insightful keynote presentations from leading industry experts, providing valuable context and perspectives on the dynamic world of biomedical engineering.
Interactive Breakout Sessions: Following the talks, we’ll break into smaller groups where students can interact directly with panelists in 15-20 minute sessions. This is your chance to ask questions, seek advice, and gain insight into both the technical and soft skills that are crucial for success in the field.

Whether you're just starting to consider your career path or are ready to learn more about the different directions biomedical engineering can take you, this webinar is the perfect chance to connect with mentors and expand your professional network.

Keynote Speakers

Erika Dillard

Dr. Erika Dillard is a physician scientist, surgeon, and entrepreneur specializing in neurosurgery, critical care, and translational research. She earned an MD/PhD from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, focusing on developing oncolytic viruses for brain tumor treatment. During her neurosurgical training, Dr. Dillard became passionate about patient safety and quality improvement, leading to her current venture, PopCheck Technologies, Inc. She is also a dedicated advocate for diversifying the healthcare and biotech workforce, holding leadership roles in BioTN MidSouth Academic Alliance and the National Medical Association’s Council on Concerns of Women Physicians.
Eric Ledet

Eric H. Ledet, Ph.D., is a biomedical engineer with 29 years of award-winning translational research experience and 23 years of consulting for the medical device industry. With 12 years as a serial entrepreneur, he has co-founded I/O Surgical, LLC, inSense Medical, LLC, and Proactive Innovations, LLC, and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for ReVivo Medical. Dr. Ledet is also an educator with experience developing curricula and teaching courses on design and technology transfer, and he has served on advisory boards for Fortune 500 companies and medical device startups. He holds 22 patents and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Previously, Dr. Ledet was Vice President of R&D and Director of the Health Innovations Incubator at the Center for Disability Services in Albany, NY, and a Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona and an MS and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Madhu Nag

Madhu Lal-Nag earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular and Cellular Oncology from George Washington University and her master’s in Bioscience Business from Keck Graduate Institute. She aims to bridge the gap between the academic and the translational aspects of cutting-edge science in oncology, metabolic diseases, and investigative toxicology. Using the results of current therapeutic regimens to creatively translate cutting-edge research to immediately serve patient needs. Director of the Trans NIH RNAi Facility at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS/NIH) and Program Director at USFDA.

Breakout Room Speakers

Aaron Clapp
Jay Hoying

James (Jay) Hoying is a Partner and Chief Scientist at Advanced Solutions Life Sciences (ASLS), where he leads a laboratory focused on developing vascularized human tissue models and therapeutics. With over 30 years of experience in tissue biology, vascularization, and tissue fabrication, he previously served as Professor and Chief of Cardiovascular Therapeutics at the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute. Dr. Hoying holds numerous patents, has published over 130 research papers, and reviews grant proposals for agencies like the NIH and NSF. He also advises on biotechnology and biomanufacturing programs in New Hampshire and federally. Dr. Hoying earned his BA and MS in Biology from Case Western Reserve University and his PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology from the University of Arizona.
Melissa Mendoza-Seale

Dr. Melissa Mendoza-Seale is a Senior Associate at Exponent, Inc. (Philadelphia) in the Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Practice, where she focuses on solving engineering, science, and regulatory issues for clients in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and packaging sectors. She specializes in characterizing particulate matter from implant wear and mechanical properties of tissue constructs. Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Mendoza-Seale earned both her Ph.D. and B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. Her dissertation research involved the development of a calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)-on-a-chip model to understand disease onset and progression. She is a proud Latinx, first-generation college student, and woman in STEM always looking to empower underrepresented and marginalized communities to become future leaders in the field.
Esra Roan

Esra Roan is the CEO/President of Corami Biotech Inc., an early-stage biotech company focused on revolutionizing heart treatment. She previously co-founded SOMAVAC® Medical Solutions, where she served as CEO, president, and chairperson from 2016 to 2023, leading the development of a wearable medical solution that replaced manual suction devices for post-surgical patients. She successfully guided the company through FDA clearance, raised $6M in funding, and introduced the product to major healthcare systems. With a background as a biomedical engineering professor at the University of Memphis, she built the institution's first soft tissue mechanics research lab and led several innovative projects. Esra is also involved in mentoring healthcare tech startups and serves on various advisory boards. She holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Tennessee Technological University.
Scott (Lowell) Smith

Scott Smith’s industrial career has focused on medical imaging. He joined GE Research after spending an undergraduate summer at Ames Lab and earning degrees in physics from the Universities of Rochester and Pennsylvania. Initially developing phased array probes for medical ultrasound, he then joined the team that created the world’s first 1.5 Tesla MRI. Subsequent efforts produced ultrasound probes involving enhanced designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to improve quality and access to healthcare worldwide. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, an IEEE Life Fellow and long-time short course instructor at IEEE meetings.
Cortney Winterton

Cortney Winterton is an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist and Clinic Manager for Hanger Clinic in Des Moines, Iowa. As a clinician with over 5 years of experience, Cortney specializes in idiopathic and neurological scoliosis, cranial remolding orthoses, and upper and lower extremity prosthetics. She enjoys working with families, along with their physicians and physical therapists, to create a plan of care that will provide the patient with excellent results. Cortney is a firm believer in education and an interdisciplinary approach to care. She is passionate about serving the best care for her patients and providing them with a device that will set them up for successful outcomes.
Ashtyn Zinn

Dr. Ashtyn Zinn is the Director of Technical Services and Material Sciences at Elanco Animal Health, bringing over a decade of experience in biologics across both human and animal health. Her expertise spans Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Technical Services. In her current position, Dr. Zinn focuses on delivering innovative solutions for animal health through manufacturing support. A dedicated mentor, she actively fosters opportunities for future industry leaders and entrepreneurs, serving on the Board of Directors for BioConnect Iowa and guest lecturing at Iowa State University. She is also an adjunct professor of Biology at Iowa Central Community College. Dr. Zinn holds a BS in Biology from the University of Southern Indiana, an MPH in Administration, and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toledo.