Your New Heart | Dr. Mike Davis
In this episode of Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, host Angela Gill Nelms talks with Dr. Mike Davis, a professor of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiology at Georgia Tech and Emory University. Dr. Davis shares his research journey from catching bees at the Fresh Kills landfill to pioneering stem cell therapies for congenital heart defects and heart failure. Together, they dive into breakthroughs in treating heart defects like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), new pediatric and adult clinical trials for heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, and how regenerative medicine transforms outcomes for children born with severe congenital heart disease. From replacing invasive biopsies with AI-driven blood biomarkers to inspiring the next generation through community outreach, this episode highlights how biomedical engineering saves lives and reshapes the future of cardiac care.
Learn More About Dr. Mike Davis:
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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
- Logistics & Marketing Support: Katie Hart, The AGN Group
- Software Support: Mahima Patel, The AGN Group
Creators and Guests
Guest
Dr. Mike Davis
Dr. Michael Davis is a professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Division of Cardiology at Emory University, jointly affiliated with Georgia Tech. His lab, founded in 2006, focuses on regenerating and preserving heart function after injury using biomaterials, molecular therapies, and cell-based approaches. Key projects include engineering 3D cardiac constructs (bioprinting), developing exosome-based therapies, designing advanced biomaterials for stem cell delivery, and creating beating heart mimetics in vitro. He combines cutting-edge molecular profiling and bioinformatics with translational research to drive forward new treatments for heart failure.
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
Katie Hart
Hi, I’m Katie! As Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, I’m the go-to person who brings each podcast episode to life—from concept to launch—and the driving force behind branding, social media, and strategic partnerships.
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.