Dr. Michael (Mike) Bemben was trained as a protein biochemist who helped elucidate key mechanisms of synaptogenesis in the brain during his academic career. Currently, Mike is a Director of External Innovation at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focusing on opportunities incorporating AI/ML in drug discovery. Mike joined JNJ from Evozyne, an AI/ML molecular engineering company with a unique approach to protein design, where he held various leadership positions across R&D strategy and business development. Prior to joining Evozyne, Mike worked at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in their healthcare practice focusing on R&D strategy, M&A, and digital transformations. Mike received his BS in Cell & Molecular Biology and BA in English from the University of Michigan. He earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in Neuroscience and performed his post-doc at UCSF studying Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology.