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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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!
- Learn More: https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/
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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
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.
Designer
Mahima Patel
Mahima Patel is a biomedical engineer and project manager with experience spanning research, medical device development, and regulatory strategy at organizations including Medline Industries, Georgia Tech, and The AGN Group. Mahima bridges technical precision with strategic storytelling to turn complex ideas into real-world healthcare solutions. At Holy Shift!, Mahima serves as a Designer, developing promotional materials for episode releases.
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.