What is your current position at Allevi and how long have you been with the company?
I am currently the Chief Scientific Officer. I have been with the company for almost 3 and a half years!
What led you to where you are today?
I have always had a deep passion for math and physics (in school, I would do my math homework for the year in the first few days of classes just for fun). When I lost all of my grandparents to cancer, I decided to apply that passion and knowledge to bioengineering, where I saw the chance to develop technologies to save people like my grandparents. In college, I did research in tissue engineering and biomaterials for cancer immunotherapy, which led me to fall in love with tissue engineering. My love for tissue engineering and interest in startups led me to Allevi (and Philadelphia). I still have a long way to go to reach my objective, but Allevi has been a key part of this journey.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is to have been able to create a life a community as an immigrant in the United States. I am from Brazil and moved to the US when I was 18 to pursue a high quality education and opportunities in the biotechnology space. It is not easy to be an immigrant. I miss my country, my family, and often get tired of the bureaucracy I have to deal with, but I have found incredible people along the way who have made this country my second home.
If there was one thing you would want someone to know about Allevi, what would it be?
We are a world leader in 3D bioprinting and are revolutionizing regenerative medicine and drug discovery.
Do you have any key mentors or people who have deeply influenced you?
My biggest mentor has been Dr. David Mooney, who was my professor and research advisor at Harvard. He is a pioneer in the field of tissue engineering and was a big driver for me to get into this industry.
How would people in your life describe you?
This is a copy/paste from our very own Madeline Winter (Allevi's employee #1 and COO): dedicated, driven, honest, caring, competitive, earnest.
Lightning Round:
What is your favorite season?
Summer (have I said I'm from Brazil?)
What music gets you through the tough days?
Brazilian country music. My playlists are 92% Brazilian country, 5% Brazilian pop (funk), and a varied 3%.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
If it is just for vacation - my kindle, my guitar, and a soccer ball. If it is for a longer period of time, I would think of more cross-functional items.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
We don't look alike (I wish), but Emma Watson.
What was your first job?
My first full-time job was actually at Allevi as an entry-level bioengineer when I moved from Boston to Philly 3.5 years ago
