A new recognition program from an initiative to advance life sciences in Indiana has honored six researchers, faculty members or other individuals affiliated with Indiana University as the “next generation of life sciences leaders.”

The individuals are the inaugural recipients of BioCrossroads’s 23 PAIR, or Promising Achievers in Innovation and Research, Awards. Each recipient was nominated by a senior member of the state’s life science innovation community, many also affiliated with IU.

The recipients are described as “the most valuable resource to Indiana’s life sciences sector — those who are innovating, discovering, developing and delivering critical pharmaceuticals and biotech products, medical devices, equipment, and diagnostics as well as researching and creating new protocols to accelerate getting life improving and lifesaving products to patients all over the world.”

The IU-affiliated recipients are:

Nathan Alves, an assistant professor and director of translational research in the IU School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine. He is also CEO and co-founder of Indiana Lysis Technologies LLC, a startup company seeking to develop new, safer treatments for life-threatening blood-clots using a nanoparticle-based drug delivery platform developed by Alves, who holds seven U.S. patents. He was nominated by Gregory Coy, a partner at Taft Stettinius and Hollister, LLP, who served as one of Alves’ mentors through the BioCrossroads’ AXIS mentoring program.

Joseph Chabenne, an associate research professor in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry. Chabenne’s research focuses on an innovative approach to insulin-dependent diabetes treatment. He was nominated by Richard DiMarchi, IU Distinguished Professor and Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science, in whose lab he earned a Ph.D. A former group vice president at Eli Lilly and Co., DiMarchi is known for his discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humalog® (LisPro-human insulin).

Erica Clinkenbeard, an assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics. Her research focuses on bone health and chronic kidney disease. Clinkenbeard was nominated by Ed Greenfield, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the IU School of Medicine whose research investigate the use of FDA-approved drugs to block growth of lung cancers. Greenfield said Clinkenbeard’s research “could result in novel therapies for life-threatening conditions.”

Daniel Sheik, director of research at Amplified Sciences, a biotechnology company seeking to improve the treatment and detection of diseases such as pancreatic cancer based upon the research of Vincent Jo Davisson, a graduate of IU. A part of the IU Ventures portfolio, Amplified Biosciences has received investment from both the IU Philanthropic Fund and IU Angel Network. Sheik was nominated by Diana Caldwell, CEO of Amplified Sciences.

Travis Johnson, an assistant professor of biostatistics and health data science. Johnson’s research focuses on applying artificial intelligence and deep learning to understanding tumor and immune cell interactions, resulting in the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. He was nominated by Kun Huang, a professor and chair of biostatistics and health data science at the IU School of Medicine.

Ying Wang, an assistant professor of anesthesia at the IU School of Medicine. Her research advances the use integrative pain management with acupuncture to treat chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease and is supported in part by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Wang was nominated by Fletcher White, the Vergil K. Stoelting Professor of Anesthesia at the IU School of Medicine.

“Just as 23 pairs of chromosomes are the building blocks for the human body, Indiana’s life sciences sector is a critical and foundational component of the state’s economy,” said Lori LeRoy, executive vice president of communications for BioCrossroads.

“Indiana’s life sciences industry is fundamentally based on talent. We have some truly innovative early-in-career people who are doing groundbreaking work here that deserves to be put in the spotlight.”

A total of 23 individuals were named 23 PAIR awardees. The recipients were celebrated Aug. 23 during a recognition event at The AMP at 16 Tech in Indianapolis.

All winners and their nominators will also maintain engagement with BioCrossroads through activities and events, including coaching as “life sciences ambassadors.”