FlashTalks 02021 – From Crisis To Innovation

Emilia Javorski, MD, MPH, is the Director of Grants & Multistakeholder Engagements at the Future of Life Institute, and was previously names by Forbes as 30 Under 30 in Healthcare. Emilia is focused on the invention, development and commercialization of new medical therapies using a problem-focused approach. She is also an advocate for the beneficial use of emerging technologies at the Future of Life Institute and Scientists Against Inhumane Weapons. Emilia received her undergraduate degree from Columbia University, her masters from Boston University, her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts, and completed her post-doctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital. Currently she is involved in early-stage life science ventures. She previously cofounded a skin health company, which was acquired in 2020. She was a Fulbright-Schuman Scholar to the European Union, World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper, and was previously a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Healthcare.

Steven Wardell is a healthcare leader and analyst who grapples with the challenges of America’s healthcare system. His focus is on addressing the challenges and opportunities as software “eats” traditional healthcare, healthcare payers demand value, and patients seek empowerment. Steven runs Wardell Advisors, a consulting firm for innovative digital health companies. He produces DigitalHealth InvestorTalk events for healthcare investors and company leaders. He is the author of The Future of Digital Health, the founder of the Boston Chapter of Health 2.0, and a member of the Founders Circle of Long Now Boston. You can follow him at Twitter.com/StevenWardell.

Eleanor Murphy, Director, Philanthropy and Engagement with Acumen, where she builds relationships with a variety of stakeholders to secure the resources needed to scale social enterprises and develop leaders across the globe that are tackling issues of poverty and injustice. In doing so, she is constantly evaluating some of the world’s toughest problems –from gender inequity and climate change, to the next generation of leaders – and seeking out the most innovative solutions to address them. Collaboration and partnership are core to her work (and what makes it fun!). Eleanor is a graduate of Boston University and earned a Masters in Humanities from NOHA, the Network on Humanitarian Action.

Joe Levine earned his PhD in Biology at Harvard University, and after teaching at Boston College, dedicated his life to improving science education and public understanding of science. Following a fellowship in Science Broadcast Journalism at WGBH, he produced science features for NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, served as science advisor to NOVA, science advisor for several WGBH Science Unit projects, and helped launch Discovery Channel’s Discover Magazine. He co-authors the most widely used high school biology textbook in the United States, and is active internationally in providing professional development for science teachers. Joe was recently elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in recognition for his work championing evolution and climate change education in public schools.