Work with thought leaders and academic experts from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

**Motivated and result-oriented biophysicist / structural biologist / protein scientist with 15+ years of experience in drug discovery and development**. Skills and Area of Expertise: **Biophysics** : SPR, ITC, SEC-MALS, HPLC, DLS, LS/MS, spectroscopy, radiation **Structural Biology**: protein structure-function relationship, X-ray crystallography **Protein Science**: recombinant protein expression, protein purification, bioconjugation techniques **Drug Modalities**: biologics (monoclonal antibody, bispecific antibody, and antibody drug conjugate), cell therapy, and molecular glue (target protein degradation) **Assay Development & Drug Discovery**: biochemistry fundamentals, assay design and optimization, photonics and imaging, enzyme kinetics, quality control and validation, hit generation, lead optimization Team Leadership & Collaboration: head of functional groups, project leader in matrix teams, department representative in compound development teams (CDT)

Kathleen A Sluka is a professor of physical therapy at the University of Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1985 and went on to obtain her PhD in Anatomy and Neuroscience from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1993. With over 30 years of experience in the field, she is known for her extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of pain management and rehabilitation, and in mechanisms of musculoskeletal pain. Throughout her career, Dr. Sluka has conducted groundbreaking research and published over 300 research articles and book chapters on the mechanisms of pain and the effectiveness of different treatments. Her work is translational examining mechanisms in animal studies and translating these to clinical populations. In particular her work has focused on non-pharmaoclogical treatments for pain with a focus on TENS and exercise. She determined mechanisms of TENS, developed effective parameters and tested these in randomized controlled clinical trials. She has then performed studies implementing TENS into primary care as a first-line treatment and testing effectiveness of TENS in a pragmatic trial. She has also served on multiple editorial boards and has been recognized with various awards and honors for her contributions to the field. In addition to her role as a professor, Dr. Sluka is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Nikita Gupta, PhD is a distinguished expert in the field of Neuroscience, specializing in Neuroscience. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science-Neuroscience, she has dedicated her career to advancing neuro medical technology and improving the lives of individuals through innovative solutions. Dr. Gupta brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked extensively on medical devices related to brain inflammation. Her research in this area has contributed significantly to the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders, demonstrating her commitment to cutting-edge scientific inquiry and practical application. Currently serving as a valuable member of the University of Illinois Office of Technology Management, Dr. Gupta's role is to help bridge the gap between academia and industry. In her capacity, she leverages her expertise to facilitate the commercialization of medical technologies, ensuring that groundbreaking research translates into tangible solutions that benefit society at large. In addition to her role at the University, Dr. Gupta serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at Aurasense, a leading company focused on the development, research, and commercialization of medical devices. Here, she spearheads efforts to harness haptics-based technology for neurological testing, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the field of medical diagnostics. Furthermore, Dr. Gupta is a visionary entrepreneur, having founded and led DiscoTech Abilities, a company dedicated to creating technology that enhances the quality of life for disabled individuals and their caregivers. As Founder and CEO, she oversees the development of groundbreaking solutions, including a special diaper designed to meet the unique needs of adults with disabilities and incontinence. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact, Dr. Gupta is a sought-after consultant known for her ability to provide strategic insights, drive product development, and navigate the complex landscape of biomedical innovation. With a diverse skill set spanning research, commercialization, and entrepreneurship, she stands ready to collaborate with clients to bring transformative ideas to fruition.