The Wisconsin Lab Using Evolution to Fight Obesity and Disease with Ben Sajdak of Fauna Bio

In this episode, we explore:→ How evolution guides modern drug discovery→ Why ground squirrels are going to space with NASA→ The surprising advantages of doing biotech in Wisconsin→ Building academic-industry partnerships outside major hubs→ Creating scientific community in the Fox ValleyWhat is Fauna Bio?Fauna Bio leverages millions of years of evolution by studying animals that naturally avoid diseases humans struggle with—from cancer-resistant elephants to hibernating ground squirrels that survive without eating for six months.Connect with BenLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sajdak/Fauna Biohttps://www.faunabio.com/Fox Valley Science Societyhttps://www.tardigradesbookshelf.com/fv-science-societySegments00:00 - Intro00:40 - What Fauna Bio Does: Using Evolution to Fight Disease02:03 - Ben's Journey from Construction Worker to Biotech03:08 - Why Study Disease-Resistant Animals vs Disease Models04:16 - The Ground Squirrel Colony at UW-Oshkosh05:35 - Hibernation Biology: From 300 to 3 Heartbeats Per Minute07:02 - Academic-Industry Partnership Model08:23 - NASA Space Mission: Sending Squirrels to Space10:07 - Machine Learning and the "Convergence" Platform13:04 - Sponsor Break (Headway)14:10 - Spiny Mouse Research: Regeneration and Scar Prevention16:44 - Wisconsin's Underrated Biotech Potential18:11 - Breaking Down University Research Silos19:57 - Community Building and Networking Challenges23:14 - Showcasing Hidden University Research Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io