Meet our team
Johana Carolina Marisol Vega Leonel, PhD
Co-founder, Advisor and MedTech expert
More about Johana
Johana holds a PhD in NeuroEngineering and has spent decades in scientific research, including when working at the Center for Disease Control. Her research spans several science and engineering fields like Tissue Engineering, Biochemisty, Materials Science, Polymers, Electrical Engineering & Medicine.
Not only has she been a Postdoctoral researcher and teaching faculty at Stanford but she is also ideating on a few MedTech startup ideas of her own. She is an advisor to a few prosthetics/medtech startups. She is also a mentor and startup advisor to fast growing companies at the intersection of Brain Computer Interface and Bionics.
Strengths
Most of Johana's work has been in undefined, unknown fields as well as had uncertain and unforeseen challenges. As such, uncertainty, unknowns or multifaceted challenges are a regular part of a day at work. She is not only a dreamer but also a good storyteller. Through her stories, people get inspired to do more and better.
Her challenging childhood as well as professional experience where she always had to break barriers - racial, gender, health, etc. These challenges lent a lot of emotional intelligence that lends stability and longevity to her technical prowess.
Beyond work
Johana likes to read, bike and play boardgames. Despite her cutting edge work, in personal life, she tries to stay grounded by being more old-school. Be it writing notes on a paper, or watching plays or listening to old music - Bolero, Tango, Mariachi and music from the Middle East and Africa.
Varun Turlapati
Co-founder, Tech Advisor/Leader, Venture Capitalist
More about Varun
Varun holds a Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has close to 2 decades of experience in the technology industry across various verticals. His experience with companies - early/late, big/small, failed/successful - adds to his acumen and sagacity.
He is currently a VP of Enginering and Tech Advisor at NeverEnding, a Media and EdTech startup.
He has also been an investor and is also working in the Venture Capital space these days as Venture Analyst and Venture Partner with a few firms. He served as a Fractional CTO at an early stage PropTech startup. He is also building his passion project in the field of regenerative farming/land stewardship. He is also a small business owner of 2 companies.
Strengths
Varun thrives on unraveling complex technical challenges and finding innovative solutions. His ability to think outside the box and approach issues from multiple angles makes him an invaluable asset to our team and as a mentor.
Varun believes that he his ability to unlearn is his superpower. He’s constantly seeking knowledge, meeting people, reading up, and is looking to learn new things. He loves learning by teaching and in many workplaces he prided himself in being the bridge between functions - tech and non-tech, customer support and product, etc.
Beyond work
When Varun isn’t programming or mentoring or analyzing companies or strategizing or building connections, he’s likely immersed in a creative pursuit. Whether it’s photography, writing, or playing a musical instrument, Varun finds inspiration in the arts.
Varun knows that balance is essential. He is passionate about protecting the planet and in his ever continuing zeal to go beyond words and actually do, he learnt to love gardening. In keeping with unconventional methods and solutions, he has adopted/fostered nests of native bees over the last few years. He urges us to appreciate life beyond the office walls!
Adam De Boef, PhD
Scientific Innovation Advisor, Researcher, Scientific Officer
More about Adam
Adam holds a PhD in Applied Physiology with a focus on neuroscience. Over the past decade, he has dedicated himself to scientific research and technological advancement, primarily centered on understanding the functionality of neural circuits before and after injury, and on leveraging emerging technologies to aid in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of neural complications. His background also broadly includes biomechanics and exercise physiology.
Since completing his PhD, Adam has become an active participant in the startup community, helping other founders with scientific innovation and securing funding. Currently, Adam also serves as a Scientific Officer at Goldbelt, where he works with the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) on the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP).
Strengths
Adam’s ability to quickly immerse himself in any project and gain expertise in the necessary fields has been a key driver of his success. His skill in collaborating with a diverse range of individuals to identify and overcome challenges has been crucial in his previous roles.
Adam thrives on the challenges presented by new problems, viewing each as a puzzle to be solved. With each puzzle he completes, he acquires new skills that better equip him for future challenges.
Beyond Work
Adam’s interest in medical research started when he sustained a back injury while playing football at Penn State. He has fully recovered, but now has an intense passion in bringing solutions and relief to those with unmet needs. Currently, he spends his free time hiking with his dog and learning new hobbies; he is currently trying to learn how to surf!
Our partners and experts
Morris Lee, PhD
AI and Computer Vision
More about Morris
Morris Lee is a seasoned AI & Computer Vision Consultant based in the Tampa Bay area. Morris has over 37 years of experience in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and related high-tech fields. Morris has a proven track record of innovation and holds over 66 patents from 29 years in Engineering R&D at Nielsen. Morris has 5 degrees: Ph.D. Applied Math, S.M. Applied Math (Harvard University) M.S. Physics, M.S. Math, B.S. Math (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). He is passionate about helping companies leverage the latest advancements in AI and computer vision to improve their businesses. Morris offers a wide range of consulting services including advising on AI applications, providing insights on the latest trends, and identifying opportunities to incorporate AI into business operations. Morris is also a Technology Advisor at the genetics startup Golden Thread Technology and the founder of AI News Clips which has posts seen by several thousand readers.
Strengths
Expertise in AI and Computer Vision: Morris has extensive knowledge and experience in AI and computer vision which makes him a valuable advisor for companies looking to incorporate these technologies.
Innovative Mindset: With over 66 patents, Morris has demonstrated his ability to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Consulting Services: He offers a wide range of consulting services, including advising on AI applications, providing insights on the latest trends, and identifying opportunities for incorporating AI into businesses.
Beyond Work
Outside of his professional life, Morris is dedicated to sharing knowledge and staying updated with the latest developments in AI. He runs 2 blogs and social media pages where he publishes AI news to help those in R&D. Morris has given advice on projects such as people detection, face recognition, action recognition, analysis of 3D, 3D head scanning, analyzing dancers, golf ball trajectories, cricket ball motion, shopper tracking, fire detection, worker safety, eye disease measurement, medical equipment calibration, clothing inventory, and grain inspection. Morris is committed to helping companies achieve their goals by leveraging AI and computer vision technologies.
Dr David Heller
DVM MS DACVIM (Oncology)
More about David
David obtained his DVM in 2002. Thereafter, he completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a 3-year combined residency and masters program at the University of Illinois. He is board certified in Medical Oncology through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Since completing his training, he has been in private practice in Southern California. David is currently the section head of Medical Oncology at Rise Pet Health, a privately owned specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Laguna Hills, CA. He recently accepted the role of Medical Director, managing 15+ doctors across multiple specialties.
Strengths
David is highly efficient and able to manage a large caseload in his daily practice. He is passionate about his field, with a solid understanding of molecular and cell biology. With over 20 years in practice as a cancer specialist, he has a knack for managing complex medical cases with multiple co-morbidities. His communication style focuses on empathy and compassion as he helps pet owners understand their companions cancer diagnosis. He enjoys collaborating with colleagues and strives to improve his understanding of medicine every day.
Beyond Work
David is happily married to his veterinary school classmate and study partner, and the Heller family includes 2 adult children and multiple species of pets. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, Ashtanga yoga, and travel. He can often be found attending an eclectic mix of live music and sporting events.
Business Strategy