Ep. 11: Indiana's Higher Ed Research Landscape with Jeff Rhoads

Across the biotechnology industry, researchers are developing new ways to target cancer more precisely, delivering powerful therapies directly to tumor cells while working to limit the impact on healthy tissue. One promising approach is antibody-drug conjugates, which combine the targeting capabilities of antibodies with potent cancer fighting medicines. But turning that science into a safe and effective treatment requires years of research, rigorous testing and a deep understanding of tumor biology.Our guest today is Dr. Dowdy Jackson, Chief Scientific Officer of Antigenix Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing antibody-based therapies for aggressive cancers. Dowdy brings more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug development, with expertise spanning antibody-drug conjugates, targeted therapies and other innovative approaches to treating cancer.Throughout his career, he has helped advance drug candidates from early discovery toward clinical development, including work on therapies that have gone on to receive FDA approval.Today, he is applying that experience to help advance Antigenix Therapeutics’ next generation of cancer treatments, with a focus on addressing diseases where patients still have significant unmet medical needs.So, as advances in biotechnology create new possibilities for precision oncology, what will it take to make the next generation of cancer therapies more effective—and how do we bridge the gap between promising science in the laboratory and meaningful outcomes for patients?

Healthcare is changing. And it’s changing fast. AI and automation are reshaping how care is delivered. Workforce shortages and rising costs are challenging health systems to rethink how they operate. At the same time, advances in precision medicine, earlier disease detection and personalized care are creating new possibilities for patients. It’s a time of extreme challenges and, at the same time, great optimism.Few people are better positioned to see all of these forces coming together than our guest today, Dr. Patrick McGill, President and CEO of Community Health Network. Dr. McGill became CEO of Community in January 2026, after serving as the health system’s executive vice president and chief transformation officer. In that role, he led work across information technology, analytics, digital transformation, population health, personalized medicine, health equity and value-based care.His perspective is shaped by both medicine and technology. He is a practicing board-certified family medicine physician with an MBA focused on data analytics and a doctorate in healthcare administration, and he chairs the Indiana Health Information Exchange board. Today, Community Health Network has more than 200 sites of care and approximately 17,000 caregivers across Central Indiana, providing everything from primary and urgent care to advanced cancer, cardiovascular and behavioral health services.So, as one of Indiana’s largest healthcare organizations navigates a period of extraordinary transformation, what does the healthcare system of the future look like and how can technology and innovation help us build a healthier Indiana?

Indiana’s life sciences strength is built from more than just the companies here—it's rooted in the research, discovery and innovation happening at our world-class universities—and in our ability to turn those discoveries into technologies, innovations, and ultimately better outcomes for patients.In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at one of Indiana’s most important research institutions and the role it can play in the next chapter of our state’s innovation economy.Our guest is Jeff Rhoads, vice president of research at the University of Notre Dame. Jeff brings a unique perspective on Notre Dame’s research enterprise, the evolving landscape of science and engineering, and the opportunities to move groundbreaking research from the lab into the real world.We’ll talk about what makes Notre Dame’s research ecosystem distinctive, where there are opportunities for greater collaboration across Indiana, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, advanced computing, engineering and data science are changing biomedical research.

In this episode of BioSignals, Vince Wong talks with Milan Radovich, a nationally recognized leader in cancer genomics and Precision oncology. Milan’s work sits at the forefront of translating complex genomic data into real-world clinical insights, helping redefine how cancer is diagnosed and treated. His research has been instrumental in advancing biomarker-driven approaches, enabling more personalized and effective therapies for patients.In this conversation, we explore how precision medicine is evolving, the challenges of turning data into action in clinical settings, and how Indiana’s unique ecosystem is accelerating the path from discovery to patient impact. We’ll also discuss the future of oncology, the role of AI and data science, and what it will take to bring the next generation of therapies to patients faster.

Today’s episode is essentially a greatest hits compilation of everything we’ve touched on so far since we launched this podcast--innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem building, venture capital, R&D. Today’s guest is a jack of all trades--Derek Small.Derek is a builder at his core. Over the course of his career, he’s helped launch and scale numerous companies. He’s worked across investment and operating roles and developed a deep understanding of what it takes to move an idea from concept to real-world impact. Today, through Luson Bioventures, he’s focused on creating and supporting the next generation of life sciences companies--bringing together science, capital, and talent to turn promising ideas into scalable ventures.In this conversation, Derek and Vince talk about what it really takes to build companies in the Midwest, how venture studios are changing the startup landscape, and what he thinks it takes to launch a successful idea. If you’re interested in innovation, company building, or the future of this ecosystem, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss

One of the greatest challenges in biomedical research isn't making a discovery—it's turning that discovery into something that improves patients' lives. The path from a promising scientific breakthrough to a new therapy is long, complex, and often filled with obstacles. That's why translational research and strong industry partnerships have become so critical to advancing innovation.Today's guest is Dr. Alan Palkowitz, President and CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, or IBRI. Alan is a veteran pharmaceutical R&D leader with decades of experience in drug discovery, translational science, and therapeutic development. Throughout his career, he has helped advance innovative therapies and led teams focused on transforming scientific insights into real-world impact.

Indiana—we're better together. That’s the driving philosophy behind innovation districts nationwide and here in Indiana. Indiana is home to numerous innovation districts includingLEAP, the Fishers Life Sciences and Innovation Corridor, the One Health Innovation District, and 16Tech. Today’s guest, Emily Krueger, is the President and CEO of the 16 Tech Innovation District--a transformative 50-acre mixed-use development in downtown Indianapolis created to advance innovation, collaboration and economic opportunity. Krueger joined 16 Tech in 2018 as its chief operating officer and was named President and CEO in 2022. In 2024, she was named to the Indiana 250, honoring the state’s most influential leaders.

Today’s episode marks the launch of something bigger than a brand. It’s the beginning of a new regional identity — one designed to tell the story of how human, animal and plant biosciences converge right here in the heart of America.It’s called BioHeartland.Across Indiana and the greater central region, a powerful ecosystem is already taking shape — where breakthrough therapies are invented, advanced technologies are manufactured at scale and products move efficiently across the globe. From life sciences and agbiosciences to advanced manufacturing, logistics and research, this region is uniquely positioned to lead the future of bioscience innovation.In this episode, we’ll unpack how the BioHeartland initiative came together, why this moment matters and what it means for companies, communities, entrepreneurs and talent across the region.Joining us for the conversation are Melina Kennedy (CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership), who will serve as moderator, along with Vince Wong (President and CEO of BioCrossroads), Christy Wright (President and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana) and Scott Fadness (Mayor of Fishers, Indiana).Together, they’ll discuss the research, collaboration and momentum behind the BioHeartland launch — and why telling a unified biosciences story has never been more important.This is BioSignals. And this is the beginning of BioHeartland.

We’re doing things a little differently with this episode. Instead of an external guest, we’re bringing in someone internal—Mike Bolinder SVP, External Engagement & Chief Innovation Officer. Last month, BioCrossroads released our 2025 annual report. And in this episode, Mike and Vince take a step back to reflect on 2025. Together they unpack a year’s worth of milestones across innovation, manufacturing, workforce, communications, and capital. 2025 was a watermark year for Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem—for the first time ever, life sciences in Indiana surpassed $100B in economic contribution, at $102B to be exact. We also became known as the radiopharmaceutical capital of the world. And we vastly expanded our workforce infrastructure and supports. This episode is the perfect companion piece to our annual report, and I recommend everyone take a look at it for a comprehensive look at all of the state’s activities in life sciences.

How do cells know what to do, and what happens when that process goes wrong? In this episode of BioSignals, Vince Wong talks with David Umulis, Purdue University Senior Vice Provost and Chief Academic Officer for Indianapolis, to explore the cutting edge of systems biology and biomedical engineering. From decoding how cells communicate and organize to leveraging AI and computational modeling to accelerate discovery, Umulis shares how his lab and the EMBRIO Institute is working to uncover the fundamental rules that govern living systems.The conversation also explores why Indiana’s uniquely collaborative life sciences ecosystem is helping move innovation from the lab to application. Finally, Umulis discusses Purdue’s expanding presence in Indianapolis and how it could shape the next generation of talent and research.Tune in for a deep dive into the science and strategy behind the future of human health.