CV

Explore my professional journey, academic background, and career milestones

I’m Sam Patel, Ph.D., a scientist and strategist specializing in rare disease research, precision medicine, and translational medicine. My expertise spans iPSC-based disease modeling, neuronal network analysis, and biomarker discovery, with a strong focus on epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders.

I have led preclinical research programs, built laboratories, and managed multidisciplinary teams, driving innovation in patient-driven therapeutic development. My technical skills include MEA electrophysiology, single-cell and spatial genomics, and patient registry design, bridging bench science with strategic leadership to accelerate therapy development.

Passionate about translating research into real-world impact, I work at the intersection of science, patient advocacy, and therapeutic discovery to bring solutions closer to those who need them most.

Professional Experience

Committee Member – Grant Writing, Research, Project Management
Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) | Ottawa (Remote) | 2025 - Present

Developed and refined grant proposals to secure national funding for science policy initiatives.
Conducted policy research and data analysis, aligning funding strategies with national innovation priorities.

Scientific Advisor and Writer
DNM1L Foundation | Remote | 2024 - Present
SLC6A1 Connect Patient Advocacy | Remote | 2024 - Present

Provided regulatory insights and technical support for drug product development in alignment with health authority guidelines.

Provided scientific and regulatory support for epilepsy-focused drug development and patient-led research initiatives.
Developed research strategies for preclinical studies, biomarker validation, and patient registries.
Secured grant funding to accelerate academic-industry partnerships in rare disease research

Principal Scientist (Contract)
Everlum Bio – Precision Medicine | Austin, TX | Aug 2024 – Oct 2024

Led iPSC-based model development and assay validation for AAV and ASO therapeutics, achieving significant cost savings.

Designed and optimized iPSC-based RNAi and ASO assays for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Led iPSC-based model development for epilepsy-linked genetic mutations and neurodevelopmental diseases

Senior Scientist – Head of Exploratory Biology
Prolific Machines | Emeryville, CA | May 2022 – Apr 2024

Directed high-throughput optogenetic workflows and cross-functional collaborations to support clinical trial readiness.

Led cross-functional teams in developing bioreactor-based data-driven models for cell optimization.
Established high-throughput optogenetic workflows for drug discovery applications..

Postdoctoral Scientist – Clinical Neurodegeneration
UCLA | Los Angeles, CA | Sept 2019 – May 2022

Advanced iPSC-derived neuron assays for neurodegenerative disease research, contributing to grant proposals and publications.

Analyzed and interpreted clinical datasets related to ALS, FTD, and rare neuromuscular diseases.
Processed and analyzed primary human brain tissue from postmortem, epilepsy surgery, and aborted samples.
Led single-cell and spatial transcriptomic studies to characterize glial-driven hyperexcitability in epilepsy.
Utilized MEA electrophysiology to measure neuronal network activity and synaptic dysfunction.

Doctoral Researcher – Neuroscience
KU Leuven | Leuven, Belgium | Jan 2013 – Aug 2019

Developed iPSC models and optimized protocols for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research, resulting in reduced assay times.

Engineered patient-derived iPSC models and 3D brain organoids for disease modeling.
Processed primary human brain samples from deep brain stimulation and epilepsy surgeries for research.
Developed iPSC-based models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-associated epilepsy and neuronal dysfunction.
Performed MEA and patch-clamp electrophysiology to assess neuronal hyperexcitability and synaptic activity.

Toronto General Hospital and McMaster Clinic
Clinical Research Coordinator | Toronto, Canada | Sept 2009 - May 2010

Streamlined clinical trial processes to enhance regulatory compliance and patient data management.

Ensured adherence to ICH-GCP guidelines and managed ethics board (REB) submissions.
Collected, analyzed, and managed patient data for longitudinal studies.

Constituency Assistant
Government of Canada | Brampton, Canada | Mar 2009 - Aug 2009

Managed constituents’ queries on immigration, budget, and federal policies.
Drafted correspondence with federal departments and supported event coordination.