Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow

HOLY SEASON IN REVIEW!

In this special Season 1 roundup of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms revisits standout moments from this season's conversations with researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Guests share their engineering solutions, the personal stories and unexpected paths that brought them to the lab, and why public funding for basic science and biomedical innovation is more critical than ever. This episode features clips from conversations with Melissa Kemp, Lena Ting, David Myers, Mike Davis, Scott Hollister, Zachary Danziger, Annabelle Singer, Shella Keilholz, Machelle Pardue, Anant Madhabushi, Chethan Pandarinath, Felipe Quiroz, and Ming Fong. As we look ahead to Season 2, we want to hear from you! Take a few minutes to fill out our listener survey [https://form.asana.com/?k=l3jHstQYV7xoQNuKvGNSEA&d=952454681443992] and let us know what you loved, what you want more of, and what we can do better. One lucky respondent will receive a Holy Shift! listener swag package. Survey Link: https://form.asana.com/?k=l3jHstQYV7xoQNuKvGNSEA&d=952454681443992 [https://form.asana.com/?k=l3jHstQYV7xoQNuKvGNSEA&d=952454681443992] Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:  If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F46972%2Fdonations%2Fnew&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.buckley%40emory.edu%7C1676ae04c75a4f5675e208ddec86169f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C638926782905344737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EYbCeOrthi8Xa7rGvJVjj7LvAlXtHS9GjNtefDCUyE8%3D&reserved=0] * Select "Designation" * Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)" * In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788) Connect! * Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/ [https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university [https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university/posts/?feedView=all] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME [https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME] * Twitter/X: https://x.com/CoulterBME [https://x.com/CoulterBME] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social] About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com [http://www.angelagillnelms.com/]. Meet The HolyShift! Team: * Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger * Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton & Zachary Winiecki * Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group

COMPUTING CANCER | MELISSA KEMP

What if we could simulate your cancer on a computer and predict which treatment will work before you ever receive it? In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Melissa Kemp, a biomedical engineer and systems biologist using computational modeling to understand how cells behave and how diseases develop. By combining biology, engineering, and computer science, Dr. Kemp builds simulations that help researchers predict how cells respond to drugs, radiation, and other therapies. Dr. Kemp explains how computer models can reveal patterns that are nearly impossible to see in traditional experiments. Her work is helping move medicine toward a future where treatments can be tailored to each individual patient. Dr. Kemp also shares how unexpected research challenges led to new scientific insights, why intellectual curiosity is essential in science, and how interdisciplinary collaboration is shaping the next generation of biomedical breakthroughs. If you have ever wondered how computers can help scientists understand disease or how personalized medicine may change the way we treat patients, this episode offers an accessible look at how computational biology is helping push healthcare beyond one size fits all. Learn More About Dr. Melissa Kemp: * Redox Systems Biology Lab: https://kemp.gatech.edu/pi-bio/ [https://kemp.gatech.edu/pi-bio/]  *  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kemp-8156774/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kemp-8156774/]  Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:  If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F46972%2Fdonations%2Fnew&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.buckley%40emory.edu%7C1676ae04c75a4f5675e208ddec86169f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C638926782905344737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EYbCeOrthi8Xa7rGvJVjj7LvAlXtHS9GjNtefDCUyE8%3D&reserved=0] * Select "Designation" * Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)" * In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788)   Connect! * Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/ [https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university [https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university/posts/?feedView=all] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME [https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME] * Twitter/X: https://x.com/CoulterBME [https://x.com/CoulterBME] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social] About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com [http://www.angelagillnelms.com/]. Meet the HolyShift! Team: * Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger * Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton & Zachary Winiecki * Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group

BEYOND 20/20 VISION | MACHELLE PARDUE

What if we could stop vision loss before it starts? In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Machelle Pardue, a vision scientist working to protect one of our most precious senses. Dr. Pardue studies how diseases like diabetic retinopathy damage the eye and explores new ways to preserve sight for millions of people at risk. From the surprising ways diabetes affects vision to the cutting edge tools researchers use to study the retina, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how engineering and medicine come together to tackle blindness. Dr. Pardue also shares what motivates her work, how research moves from the lab toward real treatments, and why protecting vision is such an urgent challenge. If you have ever wondered how scientists study the eye or how future therapies could prevent blindness, this episode offers an accessible look at how biomedical engineering and neuroscience are working together to move vision science beyond 20/20. Learn More About Dr. Machelle Pardue: * Pardue Lab: https://med.emory.edu/departments/ophthalmology/ophthalmic-research/research-groups/machelle-pardue.html [https://med.emory.edu/departments/ophthalmology/ophthalmic-research/research-groups/machelle-pardue.html] *  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/machelle-pardue-26aa4958/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/machelle-pardue-26aa4958/] Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:  If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F46972%2Fdonations%2Fnew&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.buckley%40emory.edu%7C1676ae04c75a4f5675e208ddec86169f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C638926782905344737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EYbCeOrthi8Xa7rGvJVjj7LvAlXtHS9GjNtefDCUyE8%3D&reserved=0] * Select "Designation" * Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)" * In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788) Connect! * Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/ [https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university [https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university/posts/?feedView=all] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME [https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME] * Twitter/X: https://x.com/CoulterBME [https://x.com/CoulterBME] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social] About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com [http://www.angelagillnelms.com/]. Meet The HolyShift! Team: * Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger * Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton and Zachary Winiecki * Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group Keywords for platforms that allow tags: Beyond 20/20 Vision, vision science podcast, retina research, retinal degeneration, vision loss, blindness research, visual neuroscience, vision restoration, eye disease research, ophthalmology research, vision research innovation, eye health science, biomedical engineering, neuroengineering, retina disease, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Machelle Pardue, Angela Gill Nelms, Holy Shift Research

MIND OVER BLADDER | ZACHARY DANZIGER

What actually controls when you pee — and what happens when that system breaks down? In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Zachary Danziger, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Medicine at Georgia Tech and Emory University, about how the nervous system coordinates the bladder and urethra — and why disruptions in those signals can lead to conditions like underactive bladder, which affects millions of older adults. Dr. Danziger shares how his lab uses electrical nerve stimulation and AI-driven mathematical models to better understand bladder dysfunction and develop more precise, predictive treatments. The conversation highlights the role of system neuroscience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained public research funding in solving common but often overlooked health challenges. From theoretical models to real-world clinical impact, this episode explores how engineering and neuroscience are coming together to reshape the future of bladder health. Learn More About Dr. Zach Danziger: Danziger Lab: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/danziger/ [https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/danziger/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-danziger-35b7581a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-danziger-35b7581a/] Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:  If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F46972%2Fdonations%2Fnew&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.buckley%40emory.edu%7C1676ae04c75a4f5675e208ddec86169f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C638926782905344737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EYbCeOrthi8Xa7rGvJVjj7LvAlXtHS9GjNtefDCUyE8%3D&reserved=0] * Select "Designation" * Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)" * In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788) Connect! * Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/ [https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university [https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university/posts/?feedView=all] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME [https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME] * Twitter/X: https://x.com/CoulterBME [https://x.com/CoulterBME] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social] About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com [http://www.angelagillnelms.com/]. Meet The HolyShift! Team: * Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger * Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton * Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group

BRAIN STORMS | SHELLA KEILHOLZ

What if we could watch the brain change in real time—and use that insight to personalize medicine?  In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Shella Keilholz, professor of biomedical engineering at Emory University and Georgia Tech, about how advanced MRI imaging is reshaping our understanding of the brain. Dr. Keilholz explains how high-field MRI captures second-by-second brain activity, why brain variability matters, and how its not just location but also timing that could transform future brain-based therapies. The conversation highlights the power of basic science, public research funding, and the path toward personalized treatments for conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease. Learn More About Dr. Shella Keilholz: Keilholz Mind Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/keilholz-lab/home [https://sites.google.com/view/keilholz-lab/home] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shella-keilholz-5786491a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shella-keilholz-5786491a/] Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today:  If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F46972%2Fdonations%2Fnew&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.buckley%40emory.edu%7C1676ae04c75a4f5675e208ddec86169f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C638926782905344737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EYbCeOrthi8Xa7rGvJVjj7LvAlXtHS9GjNtefDCUyE8%3D&reserved=0] * Select "Designation" * Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)" * In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788) Connect! * Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/ [https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory/podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/@BMEGeorgiaTechEmory] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university [https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-wallace-h-coulter-department-of-biomedical-engineering-at-georgia-tech-and-emory-university/posts/?feedView=all] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME [https://www.facebook.com/CoulterBME] * Twitter/X: https://x.com/CoulterBME [https://x.com/CoulterBME] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/holyshiftresearch.bsky.social] About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com [http://www.angelagillnelms.com/]. Meet The HolyShift! Team: * Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger * Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton * Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group