The Engineer Working to Bring New Cancer-Fighting Treatment to Millions

What does it take to turn a promising medical breakthrough into a treatment that can change someone's life?

In this episode of Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Johnna Temenoff, professor of biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory, about reprogramming a patient’s own immune cells to attack cancer. You'll hear why producing enough immune cells is a crucial part of making these treatments accessible, and how experts in from fields ranging from insurance billing to supply chains are helping solve problems scientists can't tackle alone.

You'll also hear the story of a participant in an early cancer cell therapy trial who is still alive more than a decade later, living well and watching their grandchildren grow up. It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when bold ideas receive the time and investment they need.

Dr. Temenoff reflects on the experiences that inspired her career and why solving healthcare's biggest challenges requires collaboration far beyond the laboratory.

Learn More About Johnna Temenoff

• Johnna Temenoff's Website
• Johnna Temenoff's Linkedin

Mentioned in this Episode

• Marcus Center of Excellence for Cell Biomanufacturing
• Quebec ice hotel

Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today: 

If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new

• Select "Designation"
• Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)"
• In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788)

Connect!

• Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/
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About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

Meet The HolyShift! Team:

• Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger
• Filming & Editing: Vani Sridar, Katie Hart
• Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy