Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow

What if we could simulate your cancer on a computer and predict which treatment will work before you ever receive it?

In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Melissa Kemp, a biomedical engineer and systems biologist using computational modeling to understand how cells behave and how diseases develop. By combining biology, engineering, and computer science, Dr. Kemp builds simulations that help researchers predict how cells respond to drugs, radiation, and other therapies. Dr. Kemp explains how computer models can reveal patterns that are nearly impossible to see in traditional experiments. Her work is helping move medicine toward a future where treatments can be tailored to each individual patient.

Dr. Kemp also shares how unexpected research challenges led to new scientific insights, why intellectual curiosity is essential in science, and how interdisciplinary collaboration is shaping the next generation of biomedical breakthroughs. If you have ever wondered how computers can help scientists understand disease or how personalized medicine may change the way we treat patients, this episode offers an accessible look at how computational biology is helping push healthcare beyond one size fits all.

Learn More About Dr. Melissa Kemp:

Support Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs – Donate Today: 
If you want to support the research you heard about on today’s episode, consider a donation to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. Every contribution—big or small— supports ongoing work and fuels future innovations.
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new
  • Select "Designation"
  • Choose "Make a Special Gift to Georgia Tech (write in your preference)"
  • In the open field, write: "BME Fund for Excellence (555788)
 
Connect!
About The Host: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in transforming bold ideas into impactful healthcare solutions. She serves as the Director of Biolocity, accelerating the commercialization of early-stage medical technologies developed at Emory University and Georgia Tech. She is also the Founder and CEO of The AGN Group, and the host of the Badass Leaders Podcast, where she champions courageous, compassionate leadership. Learn more at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

Meet the HolyShift! Team:
  • Produced by: Erin Buckley and Zachary Danziger
  • Filming & Editing: Jackie Hampton & Zachary Winiecki
  • Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group

Creators and Guests

Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is an engineer, entrepreneur, and podcast host dedicated to helping individuals build bold brands, transform organizational culture, and lead with courage. On Holy Shift!, Angela serves as the Host, guiding conversations during episodes, interviewing guests, and facilitating engaging discussions on the power of biomedical research to change lives.
Producer
Erin Buckley, Ph.D.
Dr. Erin Buckley is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Pediatrics at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Her research is focused on developing optical technologies that can non-invasively monitor oxygen and blood flow in the brain at the bedside. At Holy Shift!, Dr. Buckley serves as a Producer overseeing all aspects of the podcast, from episode development and recording to publication and marketing.
Editor
Jackie Hampton
Jackie Hampton is a senior at Emory University, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Architectural Studies. Jackie focuses on understanding urban challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives, drawing on coursework in environmental science, anthropology, and political science. At Holy Shift!, Jackie works as an Editor, recording episodes and editing to ensure a seamless listening experience.
Designer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group. Katie specializes in bringing podcast episodes to life from concept to launch, while concurrently driving branding, social media, and strategic partnerships. At Holy Shift!, Katie contributes as a Designer, consulting on all aspects of production.
Designer
Rajashree Ramamoorthy
Rajashree Ramamoorthy is a biomedical engineer at Emory University, holding a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. Rajashree’s research specializes in the intersection of engineering and neuroscience, focusing specifically on human movement and balance research. At Holy Shift!, Rajashree contributes as a Designer, creating marketing materials to drive audience engagement across all platforms.
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Designer
Vani Sridhar
Vani Sridhar is a Biomedical Engineering PhD student at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Vani specializes in engineering sophisticated in vitro platforms to study ischemic cardiovascular disease, utilizing expertise in disease modeling, bioprinting, and stem cell technology. At Holy Shift!, Vani serves as a Designer, developing platform-specific strategies, creating engaging digital content, and fostering community growth to amplify each episode's reach.
Producer
Zachary Danziger
Dr. Zachary Danziger is as an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University whose research blends neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and mathematical biology to understand the nervous system and fluid movement. At Holy Shift! podcast, Dr. Danziger acts as a Producer, overseeing all aspects of the podcast, from episode development and recording to publication and marketing.
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Editor
Zachary Winiecki

What is Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow ?

Step inside the world of biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Holy Shift! brings you fast, inspiring conversations with the researchers creating engineering breakthroughs that improve health health — from new imaging tools to personalized treatments — to show why their work matters for all of us.