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On this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Anant Madabhushi, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory and director of the Empathetic AI for Health Institute. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping cancer diagnosis, identifying disease years before symptoms appear, and pushing personalized medicine from possibility to practice.
Dr. Madabhushi explains how his team turns routine clinical data such as everyday eye images, pathology slides, and standard biopsies into powerful predictors that reveal hidden risk, tailor treatment decisions, and avoid unnecessary or harmful therapies. He also reflects on his journey from India to the United States, his passion for frugal and opportunistic science, the importance of diverse medical datasets, and how federal investments accelerate breakthroughs that land in clinics, communities, and countries around the world.
Whether you care about the future of cancer care, global health equity, biomedical innovation, or the real-world impact of AI, this conversation offers clear insight into how science and compassion can work together to save lives.
Creators and Guests
Producer
Erin Buckley, Ph.D.
Dr. Erin Buckley is a biomedical researcher specializing in non-invasive optical imaging of the brain. She earned her PhD in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Pennsylvania and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work focuses on developing and applying diffuse correlation spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy to measure cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, and metabolism—particularly in pediatric populations.
Editor
Jackie Hampton
I am a senior at Emory University interested in the way cities work (especially my favorite city and hometown, Atlanta). My major in Interdisciplinary Studies offers me the opportunity to think about urban challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives, taking courses in Environmental Science, Anthropology, and Political Science. I am also completing an Architectural Studies minor, which includes both art history and studio courses.
Designer
Designer
Mahima Patel
I’m a biomedical engineer and project manager passionate about turning complex ideas into real-world healthcare solutions. With experience spanning R&D, medical device development, and regulatory strategy, I’ve led projects from concept through launch at Medline Industries, Georgia Tech, and now The AGN Group. My work bridges technical precision with strategic storytelling—whether advancing medical device innovation, managing risk and timelines, or shaping content and audience engagement. I thrive at the intersection of engineering and creativity, driving impact in healthcare innovation and always looking to connect with those building what’s next.
Producer
Zachary Danziger
Zachary Danziger is a researcher blending neuroscience, AI, and mathematical biology to understand how the nervous system enables fluid, natural movement. His work spans human-subjects studies, animal experiments, and algorithm development focused on neural control of motion, brain-computer interfaces, neurourology, and neural modulation of peripheral reflexes. Driven by new theories and insights, he aims to translate fundamental science into advances in physical therapy, human-machine collaboration, and neural health.
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.