2025 iC³ Summit Sessions

10 Years & Beyond

September 16, 2025: 7:30am - 7:00pm

September 17, 2025: 8:00am - 3:30pm

Beyond the Bench and the Boardroom:

Unlocking Federal & Alternative Funding in the New Policy Era

As federal priorities shift, access to non-dilutive funding and preclinical support is more critical—and complex—than ever. This session brings together experts from D.C., academia, and state agencies to demystify the evolving landscape.

Learn how to navigate federal grants, tap into emerging resources, and align your work for long-term, mission-driven growth.

  • Travis Taylor, PhD

    Vice President of Life Sciences

    Strategic Marketing Innovations

  • Kristen Doyle, JD, MS

    CEO

    CPRIT

  • Chelsea Luxen, MBA

    Co-Founder & CEO

    ParaNano Wound Care

  • Senator Tan Parker

    Co-Chair

    Texas AI Advisory Council

  • Lito Rodriguez

    Research Grants Specialist

    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Putting Patients First: Access & Business Strategies for Better Care

Patient advocacy ensures individuals receive the care and support they need, but true impact happens when businesses integrate patient needs into their strategies.

This session will explore how advocacy and patient-centered business models drive better healthcare outcomes.

  • Casey McPherson

    Founder & CEO

    AlphaRose Therapeutics

  • Diana Castro, MD

    Founder & Director

    Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center

Talent, Tech & Trajectory — Building the Life Science Workforce of Tomorrow

As biotech and life sciences accelerate driven by AI, personalized medicine, and advanced therapeutics—the demand for skilled, future-ready talent is surging.

This session explores how North Texas is connecting education with opportunity to build a strong regional talent pipeline and position itself as a full-spectrum innovation hub.

  • Gabby Everett, PhD

    Director of Business Operations & Strategy, Site Head

    BioLabs Pegasus Park

  • Andrew Dickhaut

    Director of Life Sciences

    Catapult Solutions Group

  • Micaela Herndon, EdD, MBA, MEd

    Senior Director, EDA Good Jobs Challenge, Biotech

    Dallas College

  • Andrew Zinn, MD, PhD

    Henry Ross Perot Distinguished Professorship in Biomedical Science; Rolf Haberecht and Ute Schwarz Haberecht Deanship

    UT Southwestern Medical Center

Stay Tuned: More Sessions Coming Soon