A National Program of Academic Support and Coaching for Entrepreneurial Development (ASCEnD)

Yosra Alkabab, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Division of Infectious Diseases
Department of Medicine
College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

My passion lies in fighting tuberculosis (TB) disease and finding new ways to make a meaningful impact in the battle against TB. I am driven to create innovative interventions that can improve TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes, all with the ultimate objective of reducing the disease burden worldwide.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

The ASCEnD program has been such a valuable resource in helping me pursue my entrepreneurial goals in the field of TB. I've been fortunate enough to receive mentorship from industry experts and have access to a tailored curriculum that has helped me refine and develop my innovative ideas. The program's supportive network has also been incredibly helpful, providing me with the guidance and support I need to accelerate my entrepreneurial journey. It's amazing to see how advice and support can truly shape and accelerate an entrepreneurial journey.

What would you tell a potential applicant about the ASCEnD program?

As someone who is passionate about improving TB treatment outcomes, I highly recommend the ASCEnD program to any female applicants who share the same drive. This program offers a fantastic platform that encourages innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. You'll have access to essential tools, mentorship, and connections to help you turn your ideas into impactful solutions. Additionally, the ASCEnD program provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share the drive to positively impact the field of biomedical sciences positively.

Katherine E. Chetta, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

I am currently developing expertise in human milk biochemistry and human milk-related innovations for preterm infants. I have a particular interest in governmental oversight and current policy, both at the state and federal level, for donor milk for preterm infants and breastfeeding advocacy.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs with knowledge pertinent to the medical industry, and this program has provided me key insights into the development of medicines: from the laboratory to clinical trials, and eventually to treat disease.

What would you tell a potential applicant about the ASCEnD program?

This program is for those individuals wanting to expand their horizons, and learn more about how their ideas can come to fruition in a fun and challenging environment! The benefits include a group of advocates that are supportive of your goals, providing you personalized guidance along the way.

Michele L. Esposito, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Division of Cardiology
Department of Medicine
College of Medicine

Parneet Grewal, MBBS
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

My entrepreneurial interests and goals revolve around exploring opportunities related to stroke particularly stroke recovery and rehabilitation as well as health care disparities and developing creative solutions to address them.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

The program has provided me with a structured framework and guidance to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business. The program offered valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as market research, product development, marketing strategies, financial planning, and more. Additionally, the program fostered a supportive and collaborative community of like-minded individuals. This not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to forge meaningful connections with experienced entrepreneurs.

What would you tell a potential applicant about the ASCEnD program?

Overall, the entrepreneurial program has provided me with the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and overcome challenges along the way. Through this program, I have been able to gain valuable experiences and make significant progress toward achieving my goals.

Silvia Guglietta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology
College of Medicine

Breege V. Howley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

My entrepreneurial interests focus on the development of small molecule targeted therapies that improve pathological response in triple negative breast cancer.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

The ASCEnD program has provided much needed mentorship & coaching as I navigate the process of therapeutic development and commercialization. This support has strengthened and focused my entrepreneurial efforts.

What would you tell a potential applicant about the ASCEnD program?

The ASCEnD program is an excellent resource for any female academic or clinician interested in entrepreneurship. The program has provided me with invaluable feedback on my entrepreneurial goals and has fostered relationships with fellow entrepreneurs that will prove beneficial in the future.

Catherine Mills, Ph.D.
Clinical Chemistry Fellow
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

I am interested in developing immunomodulating small molecule agents as immunotherapy adjuvants for cancer treatment.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

The ASCEnD program has provided executive coaching support as well as mentorship from experts in therapeutics to give me comprehensive guidance as I assemble a plan for developing my technology. This support system has helped me to establish realistic goals and milestones while giving me constructive feedback on how to improve my development plan.

What would you tell a potential applicant about the ASCEnD program?

Led by women in leadership/entrepreneur roles, ASCEnD is dedicated to helping women develop their innovative ideas and emerge into the entrepreneurship space. The program is designed bearing in mind the obstacles women face in technology development. ASCEnD provides valuable resources and customized support, regardless of your technology development stage.

Gabrielle Scronce, DPT, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Department of Health Sciences & Research
MUSC College of Health Professions
Research Scientist, Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

Entrepreneurial Interests/Goals

Developing interventions to improve the lives of stroke survivors.

How is the ASCEnD program helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals?

The ASCEnD program has taught me how to develop, protect, and pitch my research ideas as intellectual property.

Allison K. Wilkerson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
College of Medicine