Andrea Palomo Saavedra
Class of 2023-2024
University of California, Berkeley
Bioengineering; Materials Science & Engineering
Why did you choose ESTEEM?
I chose to come to ESTEEM to complement my technical engineering background with the world of entrepreneurship. I have always been passionate about scientific research, but came to realize that while I love doing fun science on the bench, I care much more about being able to translate those findings into something my community can benefit from. The intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship will provide me with the right skill set to not only develop impact-driven, novel products, but also contribute to their widespread impact and accessibility.
What is your Capstone Project and why are you excited about it?
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is an integrated single site for all medical research. Known worldwide as a center of excellence for “Bioelectronic Medicine'', due to the early breakthrough discoveries of Kevin J. Tracey, M.D., CEO of Feinstein Institutes. This capstone project aims to assess the market opportunity for StrokeFighter; a novel bioelectronic therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). This technology is designed to alleviate the negative effects of AIS (lack of blood flow to the brain), while also preventing and treating stroke induced vascular cognitive impairments through targeted electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Each year, 500,000 patients are admitted to U.S. hospitals with AIS, and it is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This project will include an extensive technology review, market analysis, IP analysis, development of a regulatory plan for approval, go-to-market commercial strategy, P&L statement, and a financial plan as well as the selection of the lead indication and follow-on indications.
What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?
After ESTEEM, I hope to pursue a career in biotechnology and continue to follow my passion for biomaterials in the medical technology, agriculture and sustainability areas. I want to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and give back to my community through the development and commercialization of novel products that can change lives. As a Latina woman in STEM and an advocate for DEI, I want to contribute diverse ideas which are essential in product development. I can’t wait to continue immersing myself in the world of entrepreneurship and use my technical skills in the most impactful way at the intersections of innovation, research, and business.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, hanging out with friends, going on walks and catching up with my family back in Honduras. I’m a huge coffee lover and enjoy making Honduran specialty coffee and sharing it with friends.