Penlopa Saidan

Dr. Penelope Shihab is the Executive Director for Innovation and Collaborative Ventures at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Previously, she was the co-founder and director of the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (WyCEI) at the University of Wyoming. In this role, she led the development and implementation of programs and initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and the community since 2022. Additionally, she serves as a senior advisor for economic development and healthcare to President Edward Seidel, leveraging her extensive experience and network in the biotechnology sector.

As a biotech scientist and entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience, Dr. Shihab has a proven track record of translating scientific research into marketable products and services. She is the CEO and founder of MonoJo Biotech, a leading biotech company in the Arab region that developed the world's first cosmetic product based on camel milk whey immunized against acne-causing bacteria. She has been recognized by the World Economic Forum, Forbes Middle East, Arabian Business, and EY as one of the most influential and innovative entrepreneurs in the Arab world. She is also the founder of the Applied Scientific Research Fund (ASRF), a non-governmental organization that promotes and supports applied scientific research and innovation in Jordan and the Arab world. She holds a PhD in Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences from the University of Strathclyde, a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Cambridge, and multiple certifications and awards in leadership, entrepreneurship, and biotechnology. She is passionate about advancing the fields of biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and empowering women and young professionals in STEM.