Monell Science Entrepreneurship Program
for Healthy Aging (MSEP-HA)

What Participants Gain

• Exposure to aging, sensory science, and translational innovation
• Training in entrepreneurship, product development, and market strategy
• Sessions on intellectual property, regulation, reimbursement, and communication
• Mentorship from academic, clinical, and industry experts
• Opportunities to build professional networks across sectors
• Funding support for travel and safe housing

Program Highlights

• 15-day intensive curriculum with 100+ hours of programming
• Small inaugural cohort for individualized attention
• Real-world case study centered on SCENTinel®
• Sessions held at both Monell and the University City Science Center
• Final Insight Brief presentation at the Monell Insiders Meeting

Applicants must be:

• A current graduate student or postdoctoral researcher
• In a field relevant to biomedical science, health, aging, sensory science, or related areas
• Available to participate fully in the program from October 22 – November 11, 2026

Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• Interest in aging, health, or translational science
• Curiosity about entrepreneurship and commercialization
• Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to engage fully
• Interest in applying research to real-world problems

MSEP-HA strongly encourages applications from individuals from groups underrepresented in science and from those who will contribute diverse perspectives to the cohort.

Partnership with the University City Science Center

A defining feature of MSEP-HA is its exciting partnership with the University City Science Center, a premier catalyst for entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth.

Recognized by The Brookings Institution as a top-tier investor, mentor, and economic development partner, the Science Center has supported hundreds of early- and growth-stage companies, contributing to an estimated $7.8 billion in annual economic impact across Greater Philadelphia. Today, the organization works globally to accelerate the translation of health innovations into real-world solutions while also delivering nationally recognized STEM education programs for Philadelphia youth.

Through this partnership, MSEP-HA participants engage directly with Philadelphia’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through programming hosted at both Monell and the Science Center. Trainees gain exposure to entrepreneurship, commercialization, startup development, fundraising, regulatory strategy, and venture creation while learning from scientists, innovators, investors, and industry leaders working at the forefront of health innovation.

Nancy Rawson

Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer
Monell Chemical Senses Center

Nancy Rawson, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer of the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Trained in nutrition and biology at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Rawson’s career spans academia, industry, and scientific leadership. In addition to her research and faculty work at Monell, she has held leadership roles in the pet and human food industries and has helped drive strategic growth, global partnerships, and innovation initiatives at Monell. She has authored more than 100 publications, holds multiple patents, and serves in leadership roles across organizations focused on food, sensory science, and women in STEM.

Danielle Reed

Chief Science Officer
Monell Chemical Senses Center

Danielle Reed, Ph.D., is Chief Science Officer at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and an internationally recognized expert in the genetics of taste and smell. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from Yale University and leads research focused on how genetic variation shapes sensory perception, including differences in bitter taste sensitivity across individuals and populations. Her work also examines smell and taste loss associated with viral illness and supports the development of accessible smell testing tools for clinical and public health applications related to aging and neurodegenerative disease.

Kevin M. Baumlin

Chief Medical Affairs Officer
University City Science Center

Kevin M. Baumlin, MD, FACEP, is Chief Medical Affairs Officer at the University City Science Center and brings more than 30 years of experience in medicine, healthcare innovation, and entrepreneurship. Previously Chair of Emergency Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital and Vice Chair at the Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Baumlin has built a career at the intersection of clinical care, education, and translational innovation. At the Science Center, he works with early-stage startups, leads healthy longevity and physician innovation initiatives, and helps connect MSEP-HA trainees to Philadelphia’s broader life sciences and commercialization ecosystem.