Esse Aigbokhan, a Nigerian native, exemplifies innovation and advancement in the ever-evolving field of biomedical engineering. Her journey began with a nomination for a national science award in 2016, acknowledging her academic brilliance and the design of an incubator with an in-built phototherapy unit. She then embarked on her professional career at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) in Nigeria, where she was part of the prestigious Future Leaders Program in 2017. Rapidly rising through the ranks, she held various positions including Associate Brand Manager and Brand and Customer Manager, earning numerous global employee recognition awards for her outstanding work. Her pivotal role in creating and implementing campaigns to aid children in Nigeria suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma underscores her dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility. These initiatives contributed to the organization’s top ranking in the Access to Medicine Index during her tenure.
As a current Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, having obtained her Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the same institution, Esse stands at the forefront of pioneering microbial therapeutics research. Her trailblazing research is centered on the development of cutting-edge drug delivery systems, designed specifically for the management of cancer and phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disorder that impacts physical and emotional development.
At the heart of Esse’s thesis lies a crucial exploration into the challenges facing current therapeutic biologics: the issues arising from widespread immune activation and the occurrence of adverse events linked to systemic administration. By harnessing the unique properties of microbes, Esse aims to overcome these hurdles, with the goal of transforming drug delivery methods and potentially reducing the incidence of adverse events through enhanced therapeutic precision. Her thesis sheds light on the promising future of microbial therapeutics, providing a glimpse into its potential to revolutionize healthcare. The anticipated outcomes extend beyond more effective and efficient treatment delivery and include the potential for reduced costs and improved overall quality of care, particularly for complex and debilitating conditions like cancer and genetic disorders.
Esse Aigbokhan is more than just an experienced researcher; she’s a visionary co-founder spearheading an innovative startup that’s set to transform healthcare. At the cutting edge of technological advancement, her enterprise utilizes the capabilities of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) to create an AI tool with a specific aim – addressing a key challenge in diabetes management. Her startup tackles the urgent problem of underused Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services, a CDC-endorsed initiative known to improve diabetes outcomes. Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, the uptake of DSMES has been slow, impeding progress towards achieving the objectives of the Healthy People 2030 initiative. Esse’s innovative venture surpasses traditional solutions as it leverages latest advances in technology to scale the impact of health and wellbeing professionals by offering vetted contextual meal and physical activity insights, and providing individualized guidance tailored to each person’s unique diabetes management needs.
As a part of Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, Esse’s startup is poised to reshape the healthcare landscape not only in the United States but also on a global scale. This isn’t just a startup; it’s a catalyst for transformative change in healthcare technology, propelling us into a future where personalized and effective diabetes management is within the reach of everyone affected by the condition.
Beyond her academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, she is a dedicated contributor to the global healthcare community. She offers her expertise as a consultant for healthcare startups, advises on global health affairs, and mentors aspiring scientists in the fields of biomedical and biotechnology. Her multifaceted contributions underline her dedication to enhancing healthcare services and education.
Esse Aigbokhan’s journey is not only a reflection of her talent and commitment, but it also serves as a beacon of inspiration for budding scientists and engineers globally. Her accomplishments highlight the transformative impact that genius, innovative thought, and the relentless pursuit of excellence can bring to medicine and healthcare.
