My Career -Chapter 5: Driving Innovation and Collaboration

Developing Transformative Neuroscience Tools

After my work at the University of Chicago (see Chapter 2), where I integrated engineering and neuroscience to study neural activity and behavior, I sought to deepen my expertise in engineering and its practical applications. At Modendo Inc., I took on a central role in the development of the Ultrathin Endomicroscope (UTE), a minimally invasive tool designed for high-resolution imaging of deep brain regions. This innovation tackled longstanding challenges in neuroscience by providing access to previously unreachable brain structures while significantly reducing tissue damage.

The UTE’s applications span fundamental neuroscience research and potential clinical innovations, including targeted neurostimulation and advanced diagnostics for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. By combining technical design, strategic outreach, and user-focused development, I helped position the UTE as a transformative tool in neuroscience research and beyond.

"Laurie is not only a skilled scientist but also a leader with a deep understanding of how to translate research into impactful commercial products."

Susan Strong

Interim Director of Venture Development Entrepreneur in Residence and Program Manager, NSF I-Corps Venture Partners at CU Boulder Advisory Board Member, San Jose State University Masters in Biotechnology Program Boulder, Colorado, United States

Engaging with the Scientific Community

A key aspect of my role involved representing Modendo at prominent neuroscience conferences, including the BRAIN Initiative Conference, NINDS Conference, and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting. At each event, I held booth presentations to showcase the tool’s capabilities, engaging with scientists to gather feedback, discuss applications, and foster collaborations.

BRAIN Initiative Conference: I highlighted Modendo’s innovative approach to minimally invasive imaging, aligning with the initiative’s focus on cutting-edge neurotechnological advancements. These discussions often revolved around the transformative potential of the tool for large-scale brain mapping projects. Check my blog post here.
NINDS Conference: Engaging with researchers focused on neurological disorders, I demonstrated the UTE’s relevance for studying deep brain regions implicated in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. This platform allowed me to discuss potential clinical applications and foster disease-oriented collaborations. Check my blog post here and here.
SfN Annual Meeting: As the largest neuroscience gathering, SfN provided a unique opportunity to connect with a global audience of researchers spanning diverse subfields. I delivered detailed demonstrations, addressing both basic and applied neuroscience queries, and discussed how the tool could bridge gaps between technology and translational research. Check my blog post here.

These interactions provided invaluable insights into researchers’ needs, enabling me to refine the tool’s design while broadening its reach within the neuroscience community.

From Lab to Market: Shaping the Tool’s Impact

My responsibilities extended beyond technical innovation to include direct engagement with neuroscientists and investors. I actively worked to align the tool’s development with the needs of end users, combining scientific rigor with practical usability. This role also showcased my strength on the business side of science. I developed and delivered detailed pitch deck presentations and contributed to crafting the business plan for investors, translating complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable insights. These efforts received positive feedback for effectively communicating the UTE’s transformative potential and aligning it with the interests of both researchers and industry stakeholders.

"Her presentation was impressive, not only for its technological innovation but also for Laurie’s ability to clearly communicate the implications of this work for both research and clinical applications. The audience of investors and industry experts was highly engaged and enthusiastic about the potential of this cutting-edge technology."

Tim Morrissey

Investor, Drive Capital Former CEO & Co-founder, Artimus Robotics Boulder, Colorado, United States

Key Contributions

Engineering Leadership: Designed and optimized UTE components, including probe holders, docking systems (video here), and tools for chronic recordings (video here).
In Vivo Validation: Conducted experiments to assess imaging quality, safety, and reliability, ensuring the technology met the highest research standards.
Conference Outreach: Represented Modendo at leading neuroscience conferences, facilitating discussions with scientists to showcase the UTE and refine its applications based on their feedback.
Investor Engagement: Participated in the Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, honing my skills in pitching innovative technology to stakeholders and strategic partners.

Expanding Neuroscience Frontiers

The UTE technology represents a significant advancement in neuroscience research, enabling access to previously unreachable brain regions with minimal invasiveness. Its applications range from fundamental research to potential clinical treatments, such as targeted neurostimulation and advanced imaging for disease diagnostics.

"An ultrathin endoscope will be invaluable for future neuro-translational research and for the development of novel therapies to treat disorders such as Parkinson’s disease."

Aviva Abosh, MD, PhD

Nancy A. Keegan and Donald R. Voelte Jr. Chair in Neurosurgery Inaugural Chair, UNMC Department of Neurosurgery Professor, UNMC Department of Neurosurgery Co-Director of the Neurosciences Services, Nebraska Medicine

Explore the Technology

I’ve included a pitch deck below to highlight the innovative approach and capabilities of the UTE:

This chapter reflects my ability to connect technical expertise, user collaboration, and strategic outreach to drive innovation. It showcases a skill set that blends scientific rigor, technical development, and business communication—skills I am eager to bring to new challenges.

Description

Neuroscience Innovation

Developed a cutting-edge endomicroscope for deep brain imaging, combining neuroscience, engineering, and user collaboration, while presenting the technology at conferences and investor showcases.