Our team
Katie Thompson, Executive Director
Katie Thompson, Executive Director of the Science Venture Studio (SVS) at Winrock International has over a decade of experience working with science and technology startups in Arkansas. As the leader of SVS, she diligently works to identify and nurture relationships within the science and technology community and connects founders to the broader ecosystem to ensure support and success. Launched in 2020 by the support of the Walton Family Foundation, the SVS team has helped Northwest Arkansas (NWA) companies secure more than $6.69 million through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The team is dedicated in providing in-the-trenches support for early-stage science and technology companies at their riskiest stage of development. In 2021, with the support of the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Competition (GAFC) she launched EMPOWER that is dedicated to supporting all women in STEM by giving them the needed support, through mentorship and training, to help secure non-dilutive federal research funding to develop their technology and start their company. She is deeply passionate about listening to people’s stories and helping them on their entrepreneurial journey so that they feel supported every step of the way.
Paola Marie Franco
Paola Marie Franco is a professional with a strong operations management and industrial engineering background. She has a proven track record in supporting startup companies through strategic analysis and commercialization efforts, with a keen ability to streamline processes and manage projects efficiently. Marie is passionate about fostering collaboration and ensuring sustainable growth within organizations in both English and Spanish-speaking environments.
Astha Malhotra, PhD
Astha Malhotra is a biomedical scientist turned entrepreneur. Dr. Malhotra earned her PhD from University of Central Florida in Chemistry and Nanotechnology and developed multiple polymeric materials for various applications ranging from self-cleaning surfaces to drug delivery systems. She then focused her research on polymeric biomaterials and developed 3D printed vocal cords and hemi-larynxes in Mayo Clinic. Dr. Malhotra then received NIH’s TL1 Research Fellowship and joined University of Arkansas Medical Sciences UAMS) where she continued developing polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine, especially for cardiovascular grafts. Subsequently, she started her first new venture at UAMS, as a funder CEO and CTO of ReGen Technologies, which won multiple national and international business competitions. To better balance her maternal and professional life she took the position of CTO at a biomedical startup, followed by founding her second new venture. She is currently the Founder CEO and CTO of Phylactics LLC, which is a biomedical startup that works closely with federal agencies such as DOD and NIH in developing technologies such as advanced trauma and infection care, AI integrated point-of-care (POC) diagnostics devices, and medical image analysis for improved healthcare. Apart from a tech entrepreneur, she is a full-time mother of two and enjoys reading and travelling.
Mahsa Haseli, PhD
Mahsa Haseli is a dynamic and accomplished professional known for her multifaceted expertise in technology licensing, entrepreneurship, and chemical engineering. With a strong educational background and a passion for innovation, Dr. Haseli, has made significant strides in both academia and the business world. As a Licensing Associate, Dr. Haseli specializes in identifying and capitalizing on intellectual property opportunities. Her keen eye for innovation and strategic thinking has facilitated successful technology transfers and collaborations between research institutions and industry partners. Her work has not only accelerated the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies but has also fostered valuable partnerships. Dr. Haseli is not just a professional; she is a visionary entrepreneur. Her role as a Co-founder & CEO of Vitruvian Matrix reflects her commitment to transforming ideas into successful businesses. With a focus on merging scientific innovation with market needs, Dr. Haseli has played a pivotal role in steering startups towards growth and sustainability. Dr. Haseli’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact. Her entrepreneurial ventures aim to address real-world challenges, ranging from sustainable energy solutions to advancements in materials science. Aside from her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Haseli loves nature, hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking as well as watching movies with friends and family. She will become a first-time mother in March 2024.
Gurshagan Kandhola, PhD
Gurshagan Kandhola has a PhD in Biological Engineering. Dr. Kandhola is the Co-Founder and CTO of CelluDot, a startup that's commercializing a nanocellulose-based patent-pending technology to address the problem of herbicide drift in the agricultural sector. She has experience in grant writing, technology, and IP (product as well as process) development, and project management. She divides her time between CelluDot in the US and Punjab State Council for Science and Technology in India, where she works as a Project Scientist and is helping build a conducive ecosystem for women techpreneurs in her home state, Punjab. She is passionate about technology commercialization, sustainability, science communication, and mentoring women in STEM research and entrepreneurship.
Humeyra Ulusoy Erol, PhD
Dr. Humeyra Ulusoy Erol is an accomplished professional with a distinguished background in chemical engineering and serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of HydraLyze, a pioneering company specializing in electrochemical and membrane-based water treatment. Having earned a PhD from the University of Arkansas, Humeyra has dedicated years of study and research to advancing sustainable solutions for wastewater and drinking water treatment. Humeyra is known for delivering state-of-the-art solutions for emerging contaminant problems in water. With valuable experience and a proven track record of solving water treatment and product development challenges for corporations, startups, and the U.S. federal agencies, she brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical industry knowledge to her work. Beyond her role at HydraLyze, Humeyra is the CEO and Co-founder of Smyrna Technical Solutions (Smyrna.ai), a venture she initiated to bridge the gap between the promise of AI and its practical adoption in businesses. At Smyrna Technical Solutions, she and her co-founder collaborate with clients to provide tailored AI solutions, aligning technology with the unique needs of each business. Humeyra's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation continue to drive her endeavors in both the water treatment and artificial intelligence sectors. In addition to her commitment to advancing sustainable solutions, Humeyra is passionate about promoting women's rights. She actively advocates for equal opportunities and representation in STEM fields, exemplifying her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity.
Angeline Rodriguez, PhD candidate
Angeline Rodriguez, PhD candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas (UofA) has nearly a decade of scientific experience with infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and poultry science. Among her PhD endeavors, she is currently the Biotechnology Unit Lead at Nanomatronix, a Northwest Arkansas-based engineering firm focused on using nanotechnology, microelectronics, and biotechnology to provide solutions to the healthcare, energy, and defense industries. She is an experienced grant writer submitting multiple federal grant proposals on varying topics including immunology, poultry, bovine health, and biomedical technologies to NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOD including project management, marketing, and customer discovery. She currently manages a Phase II STTR with Nanomatronix. In addition, she was the technical lead for the Avian Immunology Dermatological Test (AvIDT) service, a for-profit service model to evaluate the immunological response of poultry through a patented, growing feather method. In this role, she was responsible for the licensing of IP, developing a cost structure, and performing customer discovery/marketing that resulted in one commercial project with Cobb-Vantress. In addition, she served as the Technical Lead for a Nanomatronix team participating in the NSF National I-Corps Program which led to enhanced knowledge of commercialization and customer discovery through the lens of the Lean Canvas Model.
Additionally, she is actively involved in several organizations at UofA including President of the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Organization, the UofA Graduate Professional Student Congress At-Large Representative for the College of Engineering, and the chair of the GPSC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.