Erik Naylor graduated from Northwestern and has over 20 years of experience across diverse life science research. He is currently the Director of Biomedical Research at Design-Zyme.

In this role, Erik leads novel compound and vaccine development leveraging unique technologies.

With a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Northwestern, Erik brings award-winning expertise in neurobiology and physiology, specializing in solving the mysteries of sleep and circadian rhythms. His innovations in biomedical interfaces and physiological recording have contributed to numerous research grants and successful commercial products.

Erik’s versatile expertise also spans microbiology, enzyme design, and vaccine development. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen accelerate translating discoveries to improve health. Erik’s passion for mentorship develops future generations of scientists.

Beverly Tchang, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. She is triple board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine.

She graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical College and completed her residency and fellowships at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell and Columbia University Medical Center.

Passionate about education, she is the Program Director of Cornell’s obesity medicine fellowship and founded the non-profit, Tri-state Obesity Society. Dr. Tchang is active in national organizations such as The Obesity Society and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Connect with her on the social media platform X @BevTchangMD or at www.beverlytchangmd.com.

Dr. Utpal Pajvani is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and a leading figure in Type 2 Diabetes research. His groundbreaking research, supported by intramural and NIH funding, aims to transform diabetes care and management.

He is pioneering new approaches to diabetes treatment by illuminating the underlying developmental pathways that regulate the disease. His research repurposes existing therapies from other fields to target insulin resistance driven by obesity. 

By unraveling the complex interplay of molecules and cells, Dr. Pajvani’s discoveries promise more effective, personalized solutions for diabetes patients. His innovative translational research bridges the lab and clinic to transform type 2 diabetes care.

With an educational background from MIT, including an M.S., M.D., and Ph.D., Dr. Pajvani brings invaluable expertise to diabetes treatment. He’s board-certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology.

Dr. Pajvani provides exceptional patient care at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He is also deeply involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians at Columbia.

Patients respect his tireless commitment to understanding and improving treatment for this complex disease. Dr. Pajvani’s passion for discovery promises to significantly advance diabetes care.