Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow

What if we could stop vision loss before it starts?

In this episode of Holy Shift!, host Angela Gill Nelms speaks with Dr. Machelle Pardue, a vision scientist working to protect one of our most precious senses. Dr. Pardue studies how diseases like diabetic retinopathy damage the eye and explores new ways to preserve sight for millions of people at risk.

From the surprising ways diabetes affects vision to the cutting edge tools researchers use to study the retina, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how engineering and medicine come together to tackle blindness. Dr. Pardue also shares what motivates her work, how research moves from the lab toward real treatments, and why protecting vision is such an urgent challenge.

If you have ever wondered how scientists study the eye or how future therapies could prevent blindness, this episode offers an accessible look at how biomedical engineering and neuroscience are working together to move vision science beyond 20/20.

Learn More About Dr. Machelle Pardue:
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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.
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/46972/donations/new
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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: Jackie Hampton and Zachary Winiecki
  • Logistics & Marketing Support: Rajashree Ramamoorthy, Katie Hart, The AGN Group

Keywords for platforms that allow tags:
Beyond 20/20 Vision, vision science podcast, retina research, retinal degeneration, vision loss, blindness research, visual neuroscience, vision restoration, eye disease research, ophthalmology research, vision research innovation, eye health science, biomedical engineering, neuroengineering, retina disease, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Machelle Pardue, Angela Gill Nelms, Holy Shift Research

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.
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.
ZW
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.