NeuroSense featuring the VP R&D

“If you haven’t experienced failure, you may not be aiming high enough.” 

Shiran Zimri, VP R&D

 Given my long academic career, my transition into the industry was a big change, albeit natural. Almost five years ago, I came across Alon’s post and was deeply moved by the story and inspiration behind a new company he was founding. It resonated with my lifelong goal of contributing to meaningful change and bringing hope to those affected by devastating diseases. Instantly, I knew NeuroSense would be my new home. Joining at the beginning of the phase two clinical study was an empowering experience, moving from lab research to clinical application. Completing a CRA course and monitoring the study myself was incredibly rewarding.

The first time I visited a hospital to monitor our study, I was deeply moved by the patient cases, reinforcing my commitment to finding real solutions. I was in tears with an overwhelming sense of duty to stay at work until I could help the patients I encountered. Learning by doing was invaluable, more so than any formal education could have provided.     We also faced regulatory challenges in steering the right course for this newly developing company. This regulatory experience was a new and crucial addition to my skill set.

Additionally, I had the privilege of contributing to our team’s successful IPO on NASDAQ. This experience was instrumental in expanding my expertise beyond the scientific realm, as I engaged in various business aspects of biotechnology. I learned to effectively pitch to banks and analysts and gained a thorough understanding of financial markets. Reflecting on this journey, I’ve enriched my skills in clinical, regulatory, and business aspects. Over four and a half years, I progressed from project manager to head of science, and currently to VP of R&D. Being part of a small company allows me to continue to engage in multidisciplinary roles, collaborating with clinical and regulatory teams while also handling investor relations. This diversity keeps every day unique and exciting. NeuroSense’s ultimate goal is to get our drug, PrimeC, on the market, and my job as VP of R&D is to bring the drug from an idea to the clinic.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach, and I take great pride in fostering and championing these alliances. None of our innovations would be possible without our strategic partnerships. Working together with leading experts allows us to leverage their cutting-edge technologies and innovative methods, while propelling our research forward. Positive results from these collaborations are then communicated by these top-notch experts at conferences and publications, amplifying our impact and reach within the scientific community.

I continuously seek out new collaboration opportunities through conferences, lectures, and posters to explore potential partnerships and advancements. Our collaborations span a range of esteemed institutions, including world-leading academic labs, as well as notable partners such as Mass General, University of Southern California, Neurokaire, PhaseV, Tel-Aviv University, and Harvard. One of my greatest strengths and sources of joy in my role is engaging people with NeuroSense’s mission, sparking their enthusiasm, and fostering meaningful collaborations that drive our work forward.

What excites me most about working for NeuroSense is the continuous passion I feel for our work, even after five years. The dedication to our mission is shared by everyone here, and it motivates me every day. The ability to contribute to such a meaningful cause, seeing great data, and knowing we are making a difference in the lives of ALS patients is incredibly fulfilling. This isn’t just a job for any of us, it’s a collective effort to create real change, and that sense of purpose and teamwork is what makes coming to work every day so rewarding.

Paying it forward by empowering the next generation of women in science is a passion of mine. I volunteer at schools and universities, especially in underrepresented areas, to encourage young women to set ambitious goals and break barriers. By sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire them to believe in their potential and pursue careers in science, knowing they, too, can achieve great things.

My advice is that if you haven’t experienced failure, you may not be aiming high enough. It’s crucial to challenge yourself and set ambitious goals to truly unlock your potential. Failure often signals that you’re pushing your boundaries and striving for meaningful achievements.

- Kate Morgan & the NRSN team

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