Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow

How do you fix the most complex machine in the known universe?

Before scientists can treat the brain, they first have to understand how it works. In this episode of Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Garrett Stanley, a professor of biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, about the search to decode the electrical signals that drive movement, memory, perception, and decision-making, and how that knowledge could transform the future of medicine. 

One of the most striking ideas is that future treatments for neurological disorders may combine medicine, brain implants, and intelligent software that can adapt as a person's brain changes over time. Garrett Stanley explains how technologies like deep brain stimulation are already changing lives and why understanding the brain's signals is the key to making these treatments even more effective. 

You'll also hear why many of science's biggest breakthroughs begin with unexpected results, and how recognizing the significance of a surprising finding can change the course of research. 

Although Garrett Stanley fainted the first time seeing a real human brain, the experience left him fascinated by the complexity of the organ that stores our memories, dreams, and sense of self, inspiring a career devoted to understanding how it works.

Learn More About Garrett Stanley:
Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
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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.
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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: Vani Sridar, Katie Hart
  • Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy

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.
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.

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.