Episode 78: Unleashing Innovation at Tulane’s Research, Innovation, and Creativity Summit 2025

Innovation, discovery, creativity in biotech and more. This is Trix, Tulane's hub for groundbreaking ideas. Let's dive in.

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Welcome back to Bio from the Bayou. I'm James Zanewicz, the Chief Strategy Officer at Tulane Medicine, and today's topic is the 2025 Tulane University Research, Innovation, and Creativity Summit, or TRICS for short, which will occur from April 8th to April 10th at the historic Civic Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event will convene Tulane's foremost scholars to celebrate research and collaboration across a wide variety of our schools and disciplines. But as some of it is life science, it's a perfect subject for our podcast. And here with me today to give us the inside scoop are 2 amazing guests, the fabulous Dr. Kimberly Graham, our Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at Tulane University. Welcome, Kimberly.

Thank you. So excited to be here.

And Kimberly has brought a friend with her. We're also joined by this year's keynote speaker, who I'm so excited to bring with us, Dr. Greg Buchert. Greg earned his Doctor of Medicine, his MD, from Tulane Medicine and Master of Public Health, MPH, in Healthcare Administration from the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Probably wasn't that long of a name when you were there since that happened this year, but it's all there now. Welcome to the show to both of you. Greg, welcome. Thanks for joining us.

Thanks so much. It's great to be in New Orleans virtually.

Exactly. And we'll get you here soon too, which we're gonna talk about today. And Kimberly, to give an overview of that, could you tell us a bit about TRX 2025 and highlight what people can expect this year?

Yeah, I'm super excited to talk about this because it really gives us an opportunity to showcase the best and the brightest here at Tulane University to the world, right? So it's showcase, and this year's summer will feature poster sessions representing every school on campus, and it will also host a lightning talk, or talks, I should say, where Tulane researchers are going to present their ideas and the concepts in these 3-minute formats. Our faculty love to talk, but this is sort of that lightning round, and so it gets people excited and gives them a taste of what's going on in their research. The event will also include a pitch competition and an entrepreneurial ecosystem happy hour, which we're excited about because we're inviting the investment community to that. The centerpiece of the summit will be the keynote address by Dr. Greg Buchert, our friend here on our podcast, who recently assumed the position of chair of the Dean's Advisory Council for the Celia Scout Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. So he brings— A ton of experience, 30 years of expertise in healthcare.

Because he was a child prodigy.

That's right.

Right. I got you, Greg.

That is absolutely— that's how we roll around here. He has experience in managed care health plans, hospital administration, and medical group management. He is also the president and CEO of GSB Health Management Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations. Another thing that I'm excited about is he's a CEO of Makani Science and an angel investor. And so everything from being able to run healthcare systems to actually jumping in as a founder of a startup CEO and being an investor, which is really important to innovation here at Tulane. So we're excited to have him with us.

So, Greg, you sound like you've done it all. I mean, you're spanning business, medicine, also some social issues. But could you tell us a little bit about your professional journey and how it evolved from getting your MD to getting your MPH to working with innovative healthcare startups? Because that's got to be quite the journey.

It's been a fascinating and fun journey too. I was thinking about this this morning, and I'm one of those people that never orders vanilla. If there was opportunity to get blueberry peanut butter licorice ice cream, I would try it because it's always, always been fascinated by what else is out there, what new opportunities are out there, or importantly, how I can make a difference. And so between my time at the public health school and the medical school, I had the good fortune of being at Oakland Children's Hospital and was one of the pioneers in the field of pediatric emergency medicine. And it was great to take that, not only just the direct patient care experience, but be able to address the systems of care. And so at that point, we were developing training programs, new equipment, And so it was fun to launch a field. And then I had the good fortune of being able to come to Orange County, lead a medical group, operate a clinic with 100,000 visits, build satellite units for hospitals. And then California launched their Medicaid managed care programs. And here I was as a clinician seeing the challenges that Medicaid patients had of getting the care that they needed. And it was a new concept. That kind of led to 25 years in the health plan side as a chief medical officer, a chief operating officer, and then CEO for a couple of health plans and having the good fortune of being able to launch several of them. And then around 2020, I tried to retire and failed miserably.

That's what happens with most entrepreneurial people. They just say, hey, I'm retired now, and then something interesting pops up. I've noticed that.

Exactly. And in those C-suite roles, I had the opportunity to have Lots of companies proposition me and say, we've got the greatest new technology. And it's always been fun and fascinating to see that. And so when I, well, retired, I joined 2 different angel investing groups, and it gave me the chance to see the future of medicine, the future of healthcare, which has been incredibly exciting. Ended up advising a number of companies, and I've always stuck to my thesis of they've got to be improving quality, lowering cost, and at least applicable to a Medicaid population. And as a result of one of my investments, I'm now the CEO of a startup company. So it's been a very fun and fruitful and enriching journey.

That's kind of the perfect segue. And I love that you said the future of medicine because that is our tagline at Tulane Medicine. The future of medicine is here. It's academic medical centers are where people come for the latest and greatest in healthcare. And you're working on developing that through one of your companies that Kimberly mentioned earlier, Makani Science. where you're developing a wearable respiration monitor that has potential to significantly impact neonatal care and other chronic conditions. Could you tell us a bit more about this technology and how it can revolutionize early detection in healthcare?

What's exciting about this is it's a very different approach to how we've measured the respiration in the past. And the Joint Commission identified that respiratory rate monitoring is the least accurate vital sign that's measured. So what we're doing is we've got a stretchable electronic sensor that measures rate, volume, generates a waveform of how people are breathing. And what's interesting about that is unlike other monitors where you see that waveform kind of disappear off the end of the monitor when it goes by, we're capturing that in the cloud. And that's what's really exciting is that we think that being able to capture that information, index it by various diseases, We've got the ability to potentially see other precursor events where we can predict, prevent, or intervene in the event of respiratory deterioration.

So, Greg, that was fabulous. I love that you're doing this work for that population. Something that we're also interested in is this angel investing that you're doing, and you've earned this title as Innovester. And so how do you envision the intersection of innovation and investment? Shaping the future of healthcare.

I'd like to see more people involved in this area and actually get involved earlier. Here I am, an older individual, and I'm looking at the angel investing where timeframe for getting a return on investment might be 3, 5, 7, 10 years. And so I'm looking at what my kids might do well for my investments. And so it's, I'd say one is to help people get started earlier. But it's interesting to see just the incredible ideas. I probably see 10 to 15 new companies every week, and I'm just stunned by the creativity of the individuals. And as an angel investor, I'd like to help some of them succeed. It's one of those things that I know that they're not all gonna succeed, and the statistics are actually pretty shocking that quite a few companies don't succeed, but those that do can make a world of difference. And I think this is important, especially now that a lot of the federal funding is at risk for NIH grants, other things like that, that if angel investors, VCs, private equity firms can step up to fill in some of those gaps, it'll be really important to move the future of healthcare along.

That's where I think impact investing is so important and why I'm really excited to hear your talk. And I don't want to give away your entire talk, so I want to turn back to Kimberly for a second and Trix, if we can. My understanding is there are several awards that are going to be presented for research posters with some prizes, including 2 prizes from the Innovation Institute, which emphasize technology development and societal impact. So it sounds like 2 things that Greg is really focused on. What prompted the introduction of these awards last year, and what criteria are you looking for in the award recipients so that people can prepare their pitch as well?

I think what really spurred interest in getting involved is this showcase is really special here at Tulane because we have, I don't know, something in the magnitude of over 400 posters being presented.

Oh, wow!

So that's a big number. So everybody's all in on this activity and showing their best work, their best science, their best creativity. And what we wanted to be able to do is ask the questions, what's next? Right? And so in my world, we talk about translation, we talk about commercialization, and we say, okay, well, well, this is really great and that is really interesting. And how does that impact the citizen, the human side of things. And so we pitched to our deans and our faculty and said, what if we put a box in the poster and said to answer and respond to a few questions? And so we have folks like Greg and some of our investment community that will be coming in and asking those questions. And they're simple, they're pretty straightforward. Who would this science impact? And the student or the faculty member can think about a little bit more downstream. So I know you know this, James, and I'm sure Greg does too, but we talk in terms of technology readiness levels, right? And so basic science and science is like 1 to 3. So people can spend their whole career, 20, 30, 40 years just doing that. But in levels 4 through 7, sometimes 8, before you can actually validate, de-risk, see if it works. And so it gets them thinking about how that can be used. And so we are looking at those 2 awards, innovation development and/or technology development and societal impact, because it covers the span of all the kinds of research that are being— is being done here at Tulane.

Well, it gets people thinking outside their lab, which I think is the great thing, or their research, because it's not just about labs, for instance. It's about things coming out of liberal arts, architecture. And that's what's so great about this is it pulls— you're pulling all the disciplines together. And sometimes some really interesting cross-disciplinary things happen because you have people mixed with people they might not normally talk to.

That's right. That's right. And it's interesting because in those questions, there's this sort of critical thinking thing that happens with the person that's asking the question and the individual that they hadn't thought about. And that can help them to shape their future research agenda as well. And so it's a really interesting catalytic moment when different people from different disciplines come together, investors come in, and they're like, oh, did you think about it this way?

Mm-hmm.

I've seen this happen that way. And someone like Greg, who has the span of decades in a career can really provide insights in those moments.

You can come in and say, here's some things to think about and how I did it.

Yeah.

Now, we know that many researchers, scientists, whatever field they're in, are often drawn to it because they're introverts. But you've got a happy hour and a pitch competition to try and shake that up and break down those barriers.

That's right.

Can you tell us a little bit more about that and kind of your brainpower behind how that works?

That's right.

Well, thank you for that. So the pitch competition is April 9th, and we are partnered with Startup NOLA, so we're interested in building our entrepreneur ecosystem deeply here in the greater New Orleans region. And so we're partnered with them and the Times-Picayune. So we're going to host the April edition of our happy hour. And these monthly gatherings are really about bringing the entrepreneurs or operators together with our scientists and industry professionals, as well as investors. And so the idea, again, is to create bumpability. And there's no better way to do that in New Orleans than with a cocktail.

Exactly. It lowers those inhibitions, right? And people start chatting. That's right.

That's right. Even if you're an introvert. So, we're co-hosting this event, and we do this terrific event with the School of Medicine called Open MIC Night. And MIC stands for Medical Innovation Challenge. It was the first program that we started with the Innovation Institute when we launched. And so, thank you to the School of Medicine for that because it has grown significantly. And so, what we do is we identify So people apply, and we identify 10 that will then do a pitch. And this can be anyone from the Tulane community, students, faculty, staff, and they pitch their innovative health and wellness ideas for 3 minutes. And it's just conceptual. These aren't fully baked ideas, and they get immediate feedback from the panel, which is usually made up of experts and investor types. And it's amazing how sophisticated those 3 minutes really are. When we give them a little coaching, and then we give them an audience, and they feel like that experience then can validate their idea. And then we give them next steps for how they're gonna build a prototype or get some mentoring and that sort of thing. So it's a very early stage, what we call ideation program, that people love, and people love to see that kind of science being on display in our community.

Yeah, and while it's open— well, it has Tulane in the title, it's TRIX, Tulane Research Innovation Creativity Summit— it is open to everyone. That's one of the things I love about the Innovation Institute is you guys are here for the region, not That's right. Tulane, which is an incredible mission. And as part of the region, Greg, I'm sure you're excited to come back. And I'd like to ask you what you're most excited to return for from Trix and from New Orleans. Like, where are you going to eat?

Well, so it's always a great question. And I'm one of those people that smiles from the time I get off the plane until I get back on when I come to the city. And I think what's really exciting about this time is There's actually a lot of events that I am going to in addition to TRICS. I've got a Dean's Advisory Council meeting with the School of Public Health. I've got a Tulane Medical Alumni Association meeting with the medical school. TRICS is definitely the highlight. And what's going to be great is get that exposure to other schools that I haven't always had. And so that'll be fun to see those ideas. I think that cross-fertilization that Kimberly talked about will be important. Now, as far as the food goes, remember, I don't eat vanilla, so I'm always going to be looking for the newest taste treat and the newest experience. And I've, it's been interesting to see not only the traditional New Orleans foods, but to see so many other culinary delights coming to the city. So I'm sure I'll find a couple new restaurants that I've never been to before, and I'll tell you about some great meals when I see you again.

You'll have to check out Akamaya, which they're on the Beard shortlist again, and New York Times wrote them up, but it's over in the Marigny Bywater area. Phenomenal elevated Mexican cuisine, like incredible.

I'm there.

All right, we're going to have to get him a reservation.

I know, right? We'll have to hook you up.

Yeah. If you have a call—

I have not been.

I have not been.

Oh, let's go.

Yeah.

Do a happy hour.

Let's do it.

This is what always happens in New Orleans. We're like, hey, cocktails, and then we'll work.

Yeah.

And the good ideas happen. So both of you are familiar with Trex. And if someone's attending for the first time, whether they're inside Tulane or coming in from the outside, What advice would you each give them to maximize their experience? And Kimberly, maybe we'll start with you and finish up with our keynote speaker.

Well, thank you. So I think we have incredible talent here at Tulane. And of course, I'm a little bit biased, but—

But you're right.

But yeah, when you walk around, like, there are 400— imagine 400 young people inspired by the science and the problems that they're trying to solve in the world. And so the place is just buzzing anyway. They're talking with one another. They're being interviewed by these different folks that are judging them for the Impact Awards and that sort of thing. So it's very vibey in that respect. And I just think you just dive in and just start talking to people and ask them about their science. I remember last year, I was so moved by some of the young people that are trying to solve our planet's biggest problems and how deeply they understand these issues and the way that they're trying to come up with these solutions. I mean, it's absolutely inspirational. And so it's just get in there and enjoy yourself. And if you are an introvert, well then—

Find you and you'll come around and introduce them to everyone.

That's right. I mean, really, I did that last year and it was just fabulous. People don't know what to— because it is, you walk in and it's exciting and people don't know where to start and a lot going on. But just start, just find someone and just start talking to them about what they're doing and you'll be inspired.

We have a whole podcast on that and Ian can probably link that, that Elaine and I did, because Elaine is a complete introvert and I'm an ambivert. And she was like, yeah, I just find a James. And, you know, so find a Kimberly, find somebody who is more outgoing, tell them what you're interested in. They'll be like, oh, here are 5 people you should meet. And then you don't have to be awkward. That's right.

Exactly.

Exactly. Yeah.

Greg, your thoughts on that?

I think just to riff on where Kimberly was, I think it's really important for people to get outside of their comfort zone. And it's easy to look at what's— for me, it might be medicine, public health, other things like that. And there's a lot of things I don't know about, such as in the arts and sciences and engineering and law and all these other schools that are represented there. And I think the— again, that idea of cross-fertilization and speaking to people. And just open your mind to new ideas. And also, it's not just their poster, not just their research, but talk to them about individuals being individuals and find out more about them, their personalities, their backgrounds. And I think it'll be a really enriching experience for everybody who attends.

And do you have any final thoughts you want to leave folks with today before we wrap up?

Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Oh yes, I like it. Kimberly, you?

Well, I'm just going to go with the Tulane motto, not for oneself, but for one's own. And I think Greg is absolutely representative of the DNA that Tulane is all about. And so the idea that we're going to open our doors and welcome our community in and make them a part of what we do best is something that's really important to me. And I think in the redevelopment of our downtown campus and all the things that we're trying to strive for together. And so I'm excited to have Greg as our guest, and I'm excited to be a part of such an amazing university.

You'll have him moving to Makani here before he's gone.

Yes.

We got space for you. I know she's working on it. Well, I want to thank you both so much for joining us, Greg and Kimberly. I mean, I think we've determined that the future of everything is here.

Completely.

It's not just medicine. It's everything. It's art. It's science. It's creativity. It's architecture. It's law. All those things come together at TRIX, which is incredible and a really great way to do it. I'm looking forward to attending it April 8th to April 10th. And I hope all of our listeners are marking those dates down and go to our show notes because we're going to have registration information, all that stuff linked there. Make sure they get Greg's keynote.

That's right.

On your agenda. And as always, we're going to have your contact info as well for both of you, other informational links, all that good stuff, information on the Tulane University Innovation Institute, our Provost and Vice President for Research Office that I believe partner with you on this.

Yeah.

All those good things. And I want to remind everyone, like, share, subscribe to Bio from the Bayou. so that you can learn more about great stuff like this.

Yay!

Thanks so much to you both.

Well, thank you for the opportunity to join you.

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