Gunnar is a fourth-year MD student at UCSF with a robust research background and industry experience. His work ranges from regenerative medicine to digital health and he brings valuable insights from the private sector. Gunnar graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, concentrating on the translational research of tissue engineering and the clinical applications of biomaterials. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked with Johnson & Johnson's Global Public Health group across therapeutic initiatives of HIV, Tuberculosis, Ebola, COVID-19, and mental health, striving to make life-saving innovations available, affordable, and accessible for the world’s most underserved populations. He also earned an MPH from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on the health security implications of biotechnology, including dual-use oversight of research related to gene editing and synthetic biology. Beyond his academic pursuits, Gunnar is deeply committed to environmental and climate advocacy within his community.

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WHAT IS A HEALTHCARE ADVANCEMENT YOU HOPE TO SEE IN YOUR LIFETIME?

The development of lab-grown organs and tissues that are tailored to a patient’s specific needs, thereby minimizing the risks of organ transplantation, reducing the demand for organ donors, and solidifying regenerative medicine as a cornerstone of modern medicine and personalized healthcare.

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WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT TECHBIO?

The opportunity for innovations in technology to influence the future of medicine and transform the way that we personalize care for our patients. It is inspiring to see ventures that are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also taking the initiative to translate their ingenuity into groundbreaking products with the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes on a global scale.

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WHAT IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CONTENT YOU READ LAST YEAR?

The Will of The Many by James Islington – it is an enthralling story that explores themes of power, resilience, and systemic inequity to comment on access and control of knowledge within society.