Meet Our Team

The People Behind Our Mission

Our co-founders bring together expertise in neurology, machine learning, and stem cell biology.

Dr. Tristan McKinney

Co-Founder & Director

Tristan McKinney is a machine learning scientist with a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Caltech. He is passionate about using computational tools to enhance drug screening platforms and accelerate discoveries that advance human health.

Dr. Sami Barmada

Co-Founder & Director

Dr. Sami Barmada is a neurologist and professor at the University of Michigan. An MD/PhD by training, he leads research aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and frontotemporal dementia, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Arpana Arjun McKinney

Co-Founder & Director

Dr. Arpana Arjun McKinney earned her PhD in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology from UCSF. Having witnessed the impact of ALS in her family, she is dedicated to advancing personalized treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Guidance & Expertise

Advisors

Dr. Suresh Subramani

Former Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, UC San Diego

Dr. Namita Goyal

Professor of Neurology, UC Irvine — ALS clinician and lead investigator for clinical trials

Dr. Amy Jacobson

Director of Microbiome Therapies, Stanford — translational scientist with IND experience

Nat Arjun

Former VP/GM, Asian Operations, Mattel Toys - Financial & Operations Advisor

* All advisors serve in an unpaid capacity. Institutional affiliations are provided for identification purposes only and do not constitute endorsements by those institutions.

Together, We Can Change the Future of ALS

Join us in advancing personalized medicine for neurodegenerative diseases.

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