Afounder, CEO, and researcher, Dr. Alicia Jackson brings firsthand experience navigating the challenges of translating scientific breakthroughs into practical applications. As the newest Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), Jackson leads an agency dedicated to funding biomedical innovation, bridging both industry and research communities to transform healthcare.
An example of ARPA-H’s impact is one of its newest programs, BIOmolecular Grammar for Protein Aggregation Modulation and Intervention (BIOGAMI), which aims to eliminate neurodegenerative diseases by developing targeted therapeutics that prevent protein misfolding and abnormal protein shapes that trigger disruptive brain activity. We are delighted Dr. Jackson will be joining DOC 2026 this fall.
A biotech and healthcare entrepreneur, Dr. Jackson has founded multiple companies, including diagnostics company Drawbridge Health and digital health platform Evernow, which offers personalized, novel health and longevity support for women experiencing menopause. Jackson was previously Deputy Director of the Biological Technologies Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where she oversaw an annual investment fund identifying partnerships for innovative research opportunities across the startup space, universities, and industry channels.
Dr. Jackson served as a Senate policy advisor for the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, helping to develop a national energy technology policy that focused on smart grid development and advanced manufacturing. She also served as Chief Technology Advisor for biomarker firm OOVA and as an advisor and board member for multiple technology companies, including biotech company ImmuneBridge and TEDMED. She holds a Ph.D. in material sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jackson to DOC 2026. We look forward to having her join us when we gather again this fall.