Ashley Brown, PhD (SelSym Biotech)

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Overview

Ashley Brown, PhD, is an acclaimed biomedical engineer known for her pioneering work in synthetic platelet research. As a co-founder of SelSym Biotech, she is at the forefront of developing innovative biomedical technologies aimed at improving hemostasis and wound healing. Dr. Brown's work is notable for its potential to transform emergency medical care through synthetic platelet technology, which addresses critical shortages and limitations associated with traditional donor platelets.

Recent Developments

Recent years have seen significant progress and recognition for Ashley Brown and her company, SelSym Biotech.

  • February 2025: SelSym Biotech publicly announced their plans for a $5 million seed funding round to support FDA clinical trials for their synthetic platelet technology, anticipated to commence within two years.
  • April 2024: A landmark study co-authored by Ashley Brown was published in Science Translational Medicine, demonstrating the efficacy of synthetic platelets in animal models. The research showcased the ability of these platelets to expedite clot formation and healing without causing adverse systemic effects.
  • March 2024: Dr. Brown was appointed co-director of the Comparative Medicine Institute at NC State University, reflecting her leadership in the field of biomedical engineering.
  • July 2023: Ashley Brown was recognized as one of Georgia Tech's Forty Under Forty honorees for her contributions to academia and biotechnology.
  • 2023: She was inducted as a Fellow into both the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and the American Heart Association (AHA), underscoring her impact and influence in medical research.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameAshley C. Brown, PhD
Born1984, (USA)
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBiomedical Engineer, Co-founder of SelSym Biotech
Known ForSynthetic platelet technology, Hemostasis research
EducationBS in Biosystems Engineering, Clemson University; PhD in Bioengineering, Georgia Tech

Early Life and Education

Ashley Brown developed an interest in biomedical engineering during her undergraduate studies at Clemson University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biosystems engineering in 2006. Moving on to Georgia Institute of Technology for her doctoral research, she focused on bioengineering, completing her PhD in 2011. Her academic journey was marked by a profound interest in the applications of bioengineering for medical innovation, particularly in biomaterials.

Career and Notable Achievements

After completing her PhD, Dr. Brown joined the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill in 2015. Her career has been distinguished by several key achievements:

  • 2019: Founded SelSym Biotech, focusing on the development of synthetic platelets designed to address the limitations of donor platelet transfusions in medical emergencies.
  • Awards: Recipient of various prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award, Young Investigator Awards, and the Mid-Career Award from the Society for Biomaterials.
  • Leadership: Serves as the Secretary/Treasurer Elect for the Society for Biomaterials and is a recognized leader in multiple scientific societies.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Dr. Brown's work at SelSym Biotech is driving major advancements in the field of emergency medicine. By developing synthetic platelet technology, her team aims to provide a reliable alternative to donor platelets, which are often in short supply. This work holds the potential to significantly improve the outcomes for patients requiring immediate intervention for bleeding disorders.

Ashley Brown UNC

Based in North Carolina, Dr. Brown holds a dual academic position with NC State and UNC Chapel Hill, strengthening the collaborative research efforts in the state. Her role extends beyond research, as she actively mentors students and fosters a new generation of biomedical engineers through her joint appointment.

Ashley Brown Raleigh, NC

In Raleigh, North Carolina, Ashley Brown is well-regarded not just for her scientific advancements, but also for her contributions to the local biotechnology and medical research community. Through her leadership at SelSym Biotech, located in the Research Triangle, she has bolstered regional innovation and industry growth.

Conclusion

Ashley Brown, PhD, stands out as a leading figure in biomedical engineering. Her innovative approach to synthetic platelet technology is poised to revolutionize medical treatments for bleeding disorders. As her career progresses, her continued focus on research and development promises to have a lasting impact on healthcare solutions globally.

References

  1. NC Biotechnology Center News
  2. NC State University Feature on Women Entrepreneurs
  3. UNC Blood Research Center Profile
  4. SelSym Biotech Success Story
  5. Fierce Biotech Research Article
  6. Georgia Tech Alumni Association
  7. SelSym Biotech About Us