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Complete Connectivity to Top-Tier Experts, Assets, Tools & Solutions.
1000+
Business Development Interactions per Year
$204M
NSF Research Expenditures in FY20
380+
Original research publications in FY21
620+
BioMedical Focused Faculty
Signature Research Strengths Addressing The Worlds Most Compelling Problems.
Examine focus areasImmunology and Microbiology: Vaccine Biology
A rich history of cutting-edge infectious disease research is elevated by vaccine biology, including how pathogens stimulate the immune system to make more effctive vaccines. Our adjuvant research program is augmented by a National Primate Research Center, home to an array of infectious disease research in HIV/AIDS, emerging viral infections, and vector-borne diseases.
Oncology: Breast and Prostate Cancer, DNA Damage and Repair
Cancers are driven by genetic changes that cause uncontrolled cell growth. Our basic cancer biology research centers on understanding the biology behind DNA damage/repair and genomic instaibility. This includes the role of BRCA in senescence, retrotransposon-mediated instability, and the role of polymerase enzymes. Historic strengths include Prostate and Breast cancer focused on areas of unmet need, i.e: triple-negative breast cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Vascular Biology and Disease: Neurovascular Biology
A strong expertise in vascular biology combines with interdisciplinary programs examining diverse topics like the role of estrogen in CV health and the biology of irregular heart rhythms. By collaborating with our approach to neurovascular disease, cutting-edge clinical care is paired with advaced basic research in vascular disease and the brain. Our neurovascular research centers on early warning genetic changes, as well as the role of the extracellular matrix.
T-cell Adjuvant (T-vant)
T-vant is a potent adjuvant developed by Tulane scientists. This isolated lipid nanoparticle can stimulate not only the B-Cells and CD4+ T-Cells usually associated with vaccine protection, these OMVs also stimulate a potent CD8+ T-cell response. This new technology is suitable for use with any microbe or antigen and has been tested in multiple virus and bacterial challenge models.
Antimicrobial Peptides
Using a unique screening process, Tulane scientists have developed and patented novel antimicrobial peptides with broad spectrum activity. These noncytotoxic peptides are effective against major pathogens with known propensity to developing antimicrobial resistance, including clinical isolates. Bacteria are unable to develop resistance to these peptides under conditions that lead to resistance against traditional small molecule antibiotics.
Publications
PDX Model
Triple Negative Breast Cancer is an aggressive subtype of cancer for which there are minimal treatment options. Studying real human tumors and testing drugs against them is critical for developing new treatments for this disease. Tulane has deep expertise in generating and assessing Patient Derived Xenografts (PDX) of this cancer type, along with corresponding organoids and cell lines.
Publications
Trained Innate Immunity for Sepsis
Trained Innate Immunity can be harnessed to tame out of control immune responses and inflammation. Tulane researchers have shown that non-pathogenic fungi and their cellular building blocks can activate this branch of the immune system through a specific cell type, leading to protection against lethal infection-derived sepsis.
Publications
NHP Research
Improves human and animal health through basic and applied biomedical research. Primary research interests include developing vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools for infectious diseases such as AIDS, Lyme disease, malaria and tuberculosis; has a BSL-III on site.
Other resources
Ultrasensitive TB Test
Pediatric TB is hard to definitively diagnose with existing methods. The Hu Lab has developed an ultrasensitive blood-based test for TB that looks for extracellular vesicles secreted by infected cells.
Publications
Target for Treatment of Solid Tumors
TRAF3IP2 modulation can be a viable strategy for targeting agressive solid tumors like triple negative breast cancer and glioblastoma as shown in in vivo studies from Tulane.
CRISPR-Based SARS-CoV-2 Test
Leveraging CRISPR, Tulane scientists have developed an ultrasensitive test for COVID that is simple to execute.
Go In-Depth with Details & Data as We Push the Boundaries of Science & Medicine.
See more publicationsIn-depth characterization of a new patient-derived xenograft model for metaplastic breast carcinoma to identify viable biologic targets and patterns of matrix evolution within rare tumor types
Burow, et al.
Tulane breast cancer researchers characturize a patient sample of a rare, aggressive breast cancer subtype using multiple model systems including organoids and patient-derived xenograft passaging.
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilms with bacterial-derived outer membrane vesicles
Morici, et al.
Ounter membrane vesicles, secreted by bacteria, may be able to be leveraged to help fight bacterial biofilms, a major concern in infection, according to new Tulane research.
Vaccine-driven lung TRM cells provide immunity against Klebsiella via fibroblast IL-17R signaling
Kolls, et al.
A new, lung-targeted vaccine for pneumonia shows promise in preclinial models of disease, developed by Tulane scientists and colleagues.
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James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP
Chief Business Officer
James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, (’95, Tulane Law) returned to Tulane in 2015 after establishing the open science functions for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus, one of the most innovative experiments in scientific research. His career also includes functioning as a chemist for Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, launching the “new media” division for the syndicated daily news show EXTRA, elevating knowledge transfer and corporate partnerships at the University of Illinois, and founding the Innovation and Engagement functions at the University of Louisville. With a career defined by creating new divisions that propel organizations forward, he could not pass up the chance do so for the institution (and in the city) that is always closest to his heart. As Chief Business Officer, he serves as the principal biotech business development strategist and connectivity officer to industry, venture capital and other external collaborators; as well as overseeing marketing & communications, working on change-oriented special projects, and crisis management. Currently on the executive committee of the AAIH Board and co-chair for BIO's technology transfer committee, his former service include Chair of the Board of ATTP (the international organization for knowledge transfer professional accreditation), as well as the Boards of AUTM, NACRO and The BioJudiary Project. Seeing the world through the collaborative and forward-thinking lens of “What if we…”, he works closely with all other departments at Tulane to develop win-win endpoints and ensure an optimal enterprise experience.
Elaine Hamm, PhD
Executive in Residence
Elaine Hamm, PhD, is the CEO of the pharmaceutical accelerator, Ascend BioVentures where she manages early stage life science startups and evaluates the commercial potential of life science technologies, and as the Executive in Residence for the Tulane SoM she shares her expertise to elevate the connectivity between the Tulane and our corporate and investor community. Prior to joining Tulane and Ascend BioVentures, Dr. Hamm was the COO of Accele BioPharma and served as management for a portfolio of early stage pharmaceutical companies ranging from diabetes to hearing loss to infectious disease. Dr. Hamm has 13 years of professional leadership experience in the commercialization of early stage pharmaceutical therapeutics and diagnostics with experience in technology transfer, market analysis, and commercialization of preclinical and clinical stage products. She has designed and served as the Director for several, statewide start-up accelerator programs. Dr. Hamm also has experience in equity and nonequity funding of early stage companies and has been directly involved in closing almost $30M in equity investment deals, with a focus in the pharmaceutical industry and recently closed a $100M+ deal with a large pharmaceutical partner. In addition to her commercialization experience, Dr. Hamm has also worked a Senior Protein chemist in discovery and pre-clinical development of new chemical entities. Dr. Hamm received her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma and holds several licensed US and International patents.
Kaylynn Genemaras, PhD
Business Development Associate
Kaylynn Genemaras, PhD, (22', Tulane Bioinnovation PhD Graduate) joined the team in early 2022 as the office’s first Business Development Fellow. After completing her Bachelor’s in Science in Bioengineering at Lehigh University (’15), Kaylynn—a New Orleans native—moved back to the city to pursue her PhD in Tulane’s Bioinnovation Program. While completing her PhD, she gained real world experience via various internship opportunities that included working at the Food and Drug Administration as a Research Analyst and working at the New Orleans Bioinnovation Center as a Commercialization Intern. Her interests encompass the junction between biomedical research and commercialization, with expertise in infectious disease diagnostics and global health technologies. Kaylynn’s ultimate career goal is to tap into the translational research potential of her city by way of Tulane University assets and collaborations.
Carolyn Scofield, MPS
Asst. Director, Marketing & Communications
Carolyn Scofield, MPS, (’21, Tulane School of Professional Advancement) joined Tulane University in 2015 after more than 14 years as a television news reporter. Her initial role in public relations often brought her to the School of Medicine to cover stories about groundbreaking research and connect media with leading experts. As the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications at the School of Medicine, Carolyn is continuing that work overseeing the team that reports on research and expertise and ensures that departments, programs and people share their discoveries and solutions with the world. She has a special talent for bringing science to life through a variety of media and ensuing that everyone (from business development executives to the general public) can understand what the latest groundbreaking research at Tulane could mean for them. Carolyn has a master’s degree in emergency management, a field that studies everything from natural disasters to reputational crises. She has an extensive background in television and radio broadcasting, journalism and social media.
Maryl Wright Ponds, MS
Business Development Fellow
Maryl Wright Ponds, MS, joined the team in 2023 as an intern for the Business Development team as she completes her PhD in Tulane's Bioinnovation Program. Maryl, a New Orleans native, received her Bachelor's in Biological Sciences at the University of New Orleans ('10) and her Master's in Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University ('15). The Bioinnovation program provided Maryl with formal knowledge of business models, intellectual property, technology transfer, and technology readiness assessment. She also gained knowledge of the drug and medical device regulatory processes through an FDA internship. Maryl’s interests include translational research, health disparities, and commercialization, with expertise in cancer model development. Her ultimate career goal is to work at the interface between academia and commercialization in the New Orleans Metropolitan area and Southeast Louisiana region.
Set up a meeting with one of our team members by using the Calendly integration below.
Is it urgent? Call us: James Zanewicz (504.919.3800), Clay Christian (504.909.3905), Carolyn Scofield (504.881.4542).