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Inside Biotech

Daniel Arce, Bryan Jimenez, Danielle Luu, Stephanie Wu, Riley Elmer, Sanju Vardhan, Karishma Chhugani, Ethan Chung

Inside Biotech is an exciting podcast from BCLA, which focuses on the science behind SoCal’s most innovative new biotech companies. This monthly podcast, hosted by Riley Conover Elmer and Karishma Chhugani, two Ph.D. Candidates at USC, and is the perfect way for anyone interested in LA’s biotech community to stay informed about current progress and developments. Episodes feature conversations with scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and more about the cutting-edge science that goes on inside their companies to offer listeners diverse perspectives from experts across niches and levels in the biotech space. On Inside Biotech, science story-telling meets big business, touching on a range of themes from across the world of southern California’s biotechnology industry.

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21 episodes
monthly
Avg 46 min
English

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#46
October 5 · 18 min
Biotech Investment Trends in 2026
In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with Eileen, a UC Irvine PhD candidate and member of the BCLA Consulting team, to explore biotech investment trends across the U.S. in 2026. We discuss shifts in early- and late-stage venture funding, the rise of licensing and M&A activity, growing investment in AI and biologics, and changing trends across therapeutic modalities. Eileen also shares insights from BCLA’s Card News research and discusses what these trends could mean for biotech startup
#45
August 21 · 23 min
Becoming a Better Scientific Writer
Becoming a Better Scientific Writer In this episode of Inside Biotech, hosts Riley Conover Elmer and Karishma Chhugani discuss what makes scientific writing effective and how researchers can become better writers. They explore the importance of clarity, storytelling, and balancing technical language with accessibility. Riley and Karishma also share practical tips for becoming a better reader, efficiently navigating scientific literature, organizing important papers, and identifying key finding
#44
July 29 · 54 min
Breaking Into Biotech: 5 Key Strategies to Success
In this episode of Inside Biotech, Karishma Chhugani sits down with Rene Hubert, PhD, Scientific Director of Early Career Talent and Academic Engagement at Amgen, to discuss the experiences that shaped his journey from first-generation student to biotech leader. Rene reflects on overcoming financial hardship, language barriers, self-doubt, and setbacks while staying focused on his lifelong mission to make an impact on patients through science. Rene also shares his practical five-point plan for
#43
July 8 · 19 min
Hosts Chat with Riley Elmer : Tips and Tricks to Improving Scientific Presentations
Strong scientific presentations are about more than sharing data they’re about making your research clear, engaging, and memorable. In this solo Host Chat episode of Inside Biotech, co-host Riley Conover-Elmer explores practical strategies for creating presentations that effectively communicate complex scientific ideas to a variety of audiences. Whether you’re preparing for a lab meeting, conference talk, thesis defense, or industry presentation, Riley shares techniques that can help you present
#42
July 3 · 53 min
The Unexpected Road to Changing Metabolism
In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with Philip Sell, founder of Metaba, a biotech company focused on developing new approaches to combat drug-resistant infections, including tuberculosis.We dive into the founding story of Metaba, exploring the problem the company aims to solve and the scientific strategy behind its approach. Philip discusses the challenges of transitioning from a research-focused background to leading a startup, as well as the realities of building a biotech company
#41
June 3 · 22 min
Networking Your Way Into Biotech
NEW HOSTS CHAT EPISODE Networking can feel intimidating, but it remains one of the most powerful tools for career growth. In this Hosts Chat, Karishma Chhugani shares her perspective on building meaningful professional relationships, making the most of LinkedIn, and why attending local networking events can lead to opportunities you never expected. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or industry professional, the connections you make today could help shape your future tomorrow. Listen no
#40
May 16 · 54 min
Careers in Motion Across Life Sciences
Live from BPI West 🎙️ This week on Inside Biotech, Riley Elmer sits down with Andrew Bender from Atlas, Sage Aronson from Kymo Co, and Yogesh Brahmecha from Janux Therapeutics for a conversation on AI wearables, metabolism and inflammation, cancer immunotherapy, and the future of biotech innovation. From machine learning and translational oncology to drug discovery and entrepreneurship, this panel dives into the interdisciplinary future of biotech. Hosted by Riley Elmer. 🧬 #InsideBiotech
#39
March 2 · 36 min
Where Life Science Meets Litigation
In this episode, Karishma interviews Tim, a patent litigator at Mintz, discussing his journey from a potential medical career to law, the skills gained in law school, and the intersection of biotechnology and law. Tim shares insights on his current role, the importance of scientific knowledge in patent law, and the challenges of explaining complex scientific concepts in legal contexts. He also offers advice for aspiring lawyers and reflects on the future of biotech and patent law in the LA ecosy
#38
January 29 · 36 min
5 Key Findings to Becoming a Great Scientific Mentor with Riley Elmer
What actually makes a good mentor, and how do you find one who’s right for you? In this episode of Inside Biotech, new host Riley explores how mentorship shapes scientific careers, sharing five key principles for building strong mentor–mentee relationships. Drawing from personal experience, the conversation highlights aligning values, looking beyond expertise, and embracing productive tension to support growth in science. Perfect for graduate students and early-career researchers navigating advi
#37
Dec 29, 2025 · 30 min
From One Voice to Many: Gabriella Rubert, Riley Conover Elmer & Karishma Chhugani
In this episode, Gabriella Rubert joins the Biotech Connection Los Angeles team for a thoughtful conversation reflecting on her journey as a host of the Inside Biotech podcast. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of science communication, the responsibility of making complex scientific topics accessible, and the impact storytelling has in connecting the biotech community with the public. The discussion highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and embracing non-linear ca
#36
Nov 21, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Shaping Tomorrow's Researchers with Dr. Reginald Hill, Founder of Lab Lift-off
What if we’ve been focusing on the wrong cells in cancer? In this episode, Dr. Reginald Hill explains how fibroblasts, inflammation, and tissue stiffness shape tumor behavior and chemoresistance—and how mouse models, organoids, and microfluidic devices can turn those insights into better diagnostics. We dig into his path from a Cell cover story to a patent on an exosome-based cancer detection platform, his work lobbying Congress for pancreatic cancer research, and his aviation-inspired approach
#35
Oct 10, 2025 · 51 min
The Future of Mental Health Treatment with Shawn Singh, CEO of Vistagen
CEO of Vistagen, Shawn Singh, returns to Inside Biotech to discuss groundbreaking developments in intranasal therapeutics. Shawn shares exciting results from Vistagen’s fast-track phase 3 trials, explains how intranasal drug delivery bypasses limitations of traditional therapeutics relying on systemic absorption, and reflects on telehealth’s role in accessibility. This conversation spotlights a transformative moment in neuroscience, drug development, and mental health innovation. Learn more abo
#34
Oct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Revolutionizing Biotechnology with Exozymes: Michael Heltzen, CEO of Exozymes
Serial entrepreneur Michael Heltzen, CEO of Exozymes, reveals how his NASDAQ-listed company is "liberating enzymes from cells" to create a new generation of chemical manufacturing. Instead of using living cells as factories, Exozymes isolates enzymatic pathways to work as pure chemistry—achieving engineering-level control previously deemed impossible in conventional synthetic biology. Michael discusses Exozymes’ AI-powered enzyme evolution, six-week development timelines, bold IPO strategy durin
#33
Sep 17, 2025 · 53 min
Diagnosing the Undiagnosed: John Marlow and Pete Kane of Research to the People
In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with John Marlowe and Pete Kane to explore how patient-driven innovation is transforming research on rare diseases and oncology. John shares his own 15-year medical odyssey filled with misdiagnoses and being told his symptoms were “in his head” and how his relentless determination led him to long-read sequencing which finally revealed his rare disease diagnosis. Pete, founder of Research to the People, explains how his nonprofit brings together scie
#32
Aug 21, 2025 · 55 min
The AI Revolution in Drug Development with Jennifer Bittinger, President and Co-founder of Narrativa
From TV production to trailblazing in generative AI, Jennifer Bittinger’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Inside Biotech, Jennifer shares how her non-linear career path–from helping launch Hulu to leading Narrativa–prepared her to bring AI innovation into the life sciences. She reveals how Narrativa became the first company to have FDA-approved, AI-generated clinical trial documentation, cutting years of “white space” in the drug-development process. Along the way, she tackl
#31
Jun 18, 2025 · 52 min
The Biotech Hiring Secret Sauce with Colin Smith, ExecNow CEO
Biotech is bursting with innovation—from gene editing to AI-powered diagnostics—but behind every successful breakthrough is something far less talked about: leadership. In this episode of Inside Biotech, we’re joined by Colin Smith, CEO and co-founder of ExecNow, a next-gen talent partner helping some of the world’s most innovative biotech, greentech, and AI companies find the leaders they need to scale science into sustainable businesses. Colin has spent years working behind the scenes, partner
#30
May 21, 2025 · 56 min
CRISPR Campaigns & Beyond: Science Marketing with Elizabeth Chabe, Founder/CEO of High Touch Group
What does it really take to bring cutting-edge science out of the lab and into the world? In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with Elizabeth Chabe, founder and CEO of High Touch Group, a strategic marketing firm specializing in biotech, medtech, and deep tech. Elizabeth shares her unique journey—from working in a structural engineering lab and helping scale pilot manufacturing projects, to becoming a trusted advisor to venture-backed startups across the life sciences. Along the way, s
#29
Apr 16, 2025 · 52 min
From Neuroscience to OmBiome: Dr. Julia Perederiy on Building a Science-Backed Wellness Brand
In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Julia Perederiy, neuroscientist and Founder of OmBiome, a regenerative health company revolutionizing personal care through microalgae. Julia shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the science behind her mission, and how wellness trends are evolving in today’s market. Tune in for insights on building a biotech-driven wellness brand and how algae could shape the future of holistic health. (0:00) Intro to this months episode w
#28
Mar 7, 2025 · 59 min
Repurposing Drugs & Reinventing Biotech: Dr. Adam Watson on Building MeCo Diagnostics
In this discussion, Dr. Adam Watson, Co-founder and CEO of MeCo Diagnostics, shares the personal and professional experiences that led him to focus on cancer research and, ultimately, to launch his own company. From the profound influence of his family’s battle with cancer to the long and complex journey of developing the MeCo Score™, he walks us through the challenges of translating academic research into a commercial product. Dr. Watson offers insights into the realities of working with a tech
#27
Nov 27, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
From Tech to Biotech: Lital Gilad-Shaoulian on Leading PurposeBio to Transform Cardiometabolic Health
In this episode of Inside Biotech, we sit down with Lital Gilad-Shaoulian, CEO of PurposeBio, to explore her inspiring journey from a non-science background into the world of biotech. Lital shares how she transformed PurposeBio into an industry leader focused on tackling cardiometabolic diseases. It was named by UCLA as one of its “Best and Most Investment Worthy Startups." They have been awarded the Department of Defense Award for Innovation and Impact and received a personal invitation to the

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