BioBlast Scheer Partners

Ruth Cheng, PhD, is a distinguished leader in healthcare and life science innovation, boasting extensive experience in product development, strategic planning, corporate venturing, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio management, marketing, business operations, and regulatory and clinical affairs. Her technical expertise spans multiple major therapeutic areas, Class II and III medical devices, drug delivery systems, and combination products.
 
Dr. Cheng is renowned for her proven ability to shape and manage high-performing teams, demonstrating exceptional skill in de-risking and accelerating the market introduction of innovative products. Her strategic insights and comprehensive knowledge make her a pivotal figure in advancing medical and technological advancements in the healthcare industry.

John Mumm brings over 20 years of experience in academia and the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, having held positions of increasing responsibility. His primary focus has been on discovery research at the interface between cancer biology and the adaptive immune response. John has significant expertise in understanding what tumors secrete that negatively impacts the immune response and developing therapeutic strategies to overcome these barriers.
 
He has accumulated substantial experience in translational research, particularly in rendering cytokines into therapeutic entities. Recently, John has directed his efforts toward the manufacturing of biologics for Phase 1 and 2 immuno-oncology clinical trials. His specialties include Discovery Research, Biologics Manufacturing, Oncology: Immune Interface, Cytokine Biology, and Translational Research.

Astek Diagnostics was founded by Mustafa Al-Adhami, PhD, inspired by his grandfather's experience with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Al-Adhami saw the pressing need for a more efficient and accurate diagnostic solution, leading him to create the Jiddu Analyzer, designed to deliver rapid antibiotic sensitivity testing within one hour.
The company began its journey in 2021, when Al-Adhami outlined his vision for a one-hour antibiotic sensitivity test. Over the next year, Astek Diagnostics focused on developing its first prototype, recognizing that the issue was widespread and affected many beyond Al-Adhami’s personal experience. The high incidence of UTIs, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and post-menopausal individuals, highlighted the urgent necessity for innovation in this field.
www.astekdx.com

Neal Piper is the Founder and CEO of Luminoah, a MedTech company focused on improving the lives of enteral nutrition patients through the development of an innovative hardware and software system.
Prior to starting Luminoah, Neal had a successful career in the healthcare industry, starting at Pfizer's Neuroscience Division and later serving as President of the Global Health Fellows Alumni Business Network. He has also worked as a Global Malaria Advisor for Pfizer's Emerging Markets Division and helped expand the sales and distribution program in 18 countries at Population Services International.
In addition to his work at Luminoah, Neal has founded several other startups, including a home healthcare company and a non-profit organization. He is passionate about using technology to improve healthcare and making a positive impact on communities around the world.

Heather Ahlborn is an experienced management professional in the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry, specializing in developing and executing business and technology strategies to drive growth. She has held various commercial, strategy and marketing roles of increasing responsibility across the Merck Millipore / MilliporeSigma organization.
She has also served as the Market Growth Leader for Gore BioPharma, Head of Research and Drug Development IT&S at Cephalon and as a Senior Managing Consultant for IBM’s Global Business Services, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Practice. Heather has 15+ years of industry and consulting experience developing successful business strategies that lead to increased growth, productivity, and compliance.

On this episode of BioBlast, Devin Zitelman interviews Morgan Berman, the Executive Director of Life Science Cares Philadelphia.
Morgan is an internationally recognized and award-winning serial-entrepreneur. She serves as the Executive Director of Life Science Cares Philadelphia and is the Founder of two companies, the first is a mobile app platform for nonprofits called MilkCrate and her newest venture, Glitter, is cleaning up the litter in residential communities while hiring people with barriers to work. She is a community leader with a passion for impact serving on multiple nonprofits boards.
She has presented at Forbes 30 Under 30, was listed by the UN Foundation as one of the "Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch" in the world and invited to the White House for Clean Energy Plan talks. She has been a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a Fellow at the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship, honored by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and an Environmental Leadership Program Senior Fellow.
She regularly travels the country sharing her story as a female tech founder, B Corp leader, and jiu jitsu fighter. Some of her favorites have been presenting at Grace Hopper, keynoting for Wharton's Social Impact Summit, and giving the Cum Laude speech at her high school alma mater.
In her free time she mentors young entrepreneurs, helps other mission driven groups, and competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.