Favorable Environments – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Favorable Environments, Tung Nguyen speaks with Dr. Patrick Rynn Hogan, DHA, author of the newly published book The Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance: Why the Next Global Health Crisis Has Already Begun and CEO of Prescient Healthcare, about one of the most urgent yet under-recognized threats to modern health. Dr. Hogan explains antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a system-level failure spanning healthcare infrastructure, agricultural practices, supply chains, and innovation pipelines—where once-treatable infections like UTIs, sepsis, and minor wounds now contribute to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually as microbes evolve beyond standard antibiotics.

The conversation delves into key drivers of AMR: widespread antibiotic use in livestock (accounting for about 60% of global consumption), leading to environmental dissemination through soil, water, and food systems; post-COVID strains on rural hospitals and access gaps in states like South Dakota; and the stagnation in new antibiotic development due to limited profitability and reimbursement challenges. Dr. Hogan highlights South Dakota's moderate-risk profile—strong statewide reporting to the CDC and proactive health systems balanced against higher prescribing rates and rural geography—and the interconnected ecosystem risks amplified in agriculture-heavy regions.

Drawing on historical pandemics and today's hyper-connected world, he stresses preparedness through everyday actions (completing full antibiotic courses, rigorous hygiene, proper food handling), better surveillance and transparent reporting (often masked under sepsis or UTI labels), and accelerated innovation in therapeutics, data tools, and AI for analysis and decision support. Dr. Hogan views AMR as a ripe field for disruption, calling for pharma investment, improved communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration to avert a future where resistant infections rival cancer in mortality.

This episode offers a grounded look at why awareness and proactive steps matter now—as populations age and vulnerabilities rise—and how South Dakota's tight networks, statewide support, and emerging bioscience ecosystem create scalable advantages for addressing rural health challenges, advancing diagnostics and treatments, and building long-term resilience. The discussion underscores the USD Discovery District's role as a conduit for university research, private sector ambition, and community impact in fostering favorable environments for mission-driven innovation in biotech, medtech, and global health security.

To stay connected with the USD Discovery District, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/usd-discovery-district and discover opportunities at usddiscovery.com, including leasing at Building 1 for research, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.



Favorable Environments is presented by the USD Discovery District and supported by South Dakota First Capital, working to expand access to capital for companies building the future of bioscience in the region.

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

In this episode of Favorable Environments, Host Tung Nguyen speaks with fellow members of theUSD Discovery District leadership team—Ryan, President; Marc, Director of Biotech Development; in a reflective discussion—about the organization's first operational year since taking possession of Building 1 in January 2025. The team shares candid insights into the milestones achieved, the challenges navigated, and the strategic pivots that have positioned the District as a purpose-built hub for bioscience and life sciences innovation in Sioux Falls.

The conversation explores the pragmatic realities of building a research park from the ground up: from refining tenant profiles to prioritize research-oriented companies, to developing a resource-mapping platform that connects prospects with statewide assets in academia, healthcare, and industry. Ryan, Marc, and Tung reflect on lessons from early tenant engagements, the value of an abundance mindset in partnerships, and how South Dakota's low-density networks and statewide support create scalable advantages for commercialization and long-term growth. They discuss the importance of relationships as infrastructure—beyond buildings—and how collaborations with entities such as the University of South Dakota, Forward Sioux Falls, and regional healthcare systems drive momentum.

Later in the episode, the team addresses the cultural evolution of a small, agile group, the need for disciplined filtering of opportunities, and the vision for future phases, including alpha and beta testing of the resource-mapping tool and its potential as a standalone platform. The discussion highlights why the USD Discovery District serves as a conduit between university research, private sector ambition, and community impact, advancing applied research, talent pipelines, and bioscience scaling in a region built for resilience.

This episode provides an inside look at the disciplined progress behind South Dakota's emerging bioscience campus and why the USD Discovery District continues to create favorable environments for mission-driven innovation, partnerships, and economic impact.

To stay connected with the USD Discovery District, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/usd-discovery-district and discover opportunities at usddiscovery.com, including leasing at Building 1 for research, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.



Favorable Environments is presented by the USD Discovery District and supported by South Dakota First Capital, working to expand access to capital for companies building the future of bioscience in the region.

This episode features a conversation with Jon Greenwald.

With over two decades in healthcare and technology, Jon Greenwald is the co-founder and leader of Caira Surgical and has pioneered Radar Surgical Tracking and other innovative technologies to enhance joint replacement surgery. He has successfully launched and grown new businesses that leveraged proprietary technologies to transform industries that delivered top-line growth and profitability. In addition, he has secured and served as Principal Investigator on two $1M+ grants from the National Science Foundation to develop new surgical technologies. His areas of expertise include technology development, start-up and early-stage operations, commercialization, global supply chain and manufacturing, partnerships and alliances, non-dilutive funding, VC, and strategic partnerships.

As of April 2024, Caira Surgical is raising a $3MM bridge round. For more information, please reach out to Jon Greenwald at jgreenwald@cairasurgical.com.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

Caira Surgical: https://www.cairasurgical.com/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Favorable Environments: https://favorableenvironments.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Mark Christopherson.

Mark brings over three decades of expertise to the forefront of the medical device industry, with pivotal roles at Medtronic and leadership in venture-backed startups. Mark’s track record includes foundational roles at Inspire Medical and Cryosa, where he was instrumental from the startup phase through commercialization.

With a rich background in managing international development, clinical trials, and a wide array of therapies, Mark has made significant contributions across various domains. His expertise in class III implantables is only a glimpse into his capabilities. Specifically, he has worked with technologies in neuro stimulation, cardiology, heart failure, sleep apnea, disposable catheters, radio frequency and vapor ablation, and cryotherapies. His diverse experience highlights his versatility and innovation in healthcare solutions.

Renowned for building dynamic teams and cultivating strategic relationships with healthcare practitioners and partners, Mark’s leadership continues to influence the medical device sector as he resides in Minnesota.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Jason Foster. Jason is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and technology sectors across the US, UK, and Europe. As the Chief Executive Officer of Ori Biotech, he spearheads the company's efforts in revolutionizing cell and gene therapy manufacturing technology.

Through digital transformation, Ori Biotech's technology is automating and standardizing cell and gene therapy manufacturing. As a result, their system facilitates an innovative progression from pre-clinical stages to large-scale commercial production for therapy developers.

The platform’s advanced hardware, intuitive software, and detailed analytical tools, is designed to boost production efficiency and reliability, all while simultaneously reducing costs. This advancement is pivotal in scaling up the production of critical therapies, facilitating their accessibility to a broader range of patients globally.

In the medtech sector, the significance of people extends far beyond the confines of a single company. It's not merely the internal team that propels a business forward; success also hinges on a network of partners, including collaborators from other organizations, local government, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. These diverse contributors, ranging from researchers and specialists to external stakeholders, all play a vital role. They are more than just a workforce or partners; they are integral to embodying and advancing the company's mission. In medtech, the collective efforts and alignment of all these people towards a purposeful mission are what truly differentiate and drive successful ventures. This holistic approach to embracing people in every aspect of the ecosystem is what marks the path to meaningful progress in healthcare.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

Ori Biotech: https://oribiotech.com/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Mark Carbone. He is a healthcare entrepreneur, inventor, researcher, and is the CEO of PN Medical. Under Mark’s leadership, PN Medical has become a leader in the respiratory therapy and cardiopulmonary fields and has been instrumental in dozens of novel clinical studies conducted with Mayo Clinic, Fighter Pilots, Army Rangers and SEALS, Olympians, and professional athletes. With a dedication to evidence-based science and cutting-edge research, they have helped almost 2 million people breathe better, overcome illness, improve their physical and mental health, their well-being, and maximize their human performance.

Every startup has a distinct origin story, painting a unique journey from inception to its current state. While many first-time founders narrate tales of starting from scratch, not every startup's story follows this path. The essence of a startup lies in the narrative of its evolution - how it materialized and grew into what it is today. Understanding the history, the pivotal figures involved, and the core mission is crucial in crafting a clear and compelling story for any business.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

PN Medical: https://www.pnmedical.com/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Ken Londoner. He has established himself as an authority in capital markets and capital architecture, as well as a prominent executive in the life sciences sector. Beginning his career as a research analyst at the prestigious J. & W. Seligman & Co., Inc. in New York, he rapidly advanced to a key position within the biotech industry during the 1990s. His expertise and leadership enabled him to oversee the management of $3.5 billion across mutual and pension funds, along with a range of international assets.

Driven by a deep commitment to advancing medical technology, Mr. Londoner co-established and directed multiple companies in the life sciences domain to market prominence, among them BioSig Technologies, Inc., listed as [NASDAQ: BSGM]. By partnering with leading experts in electrophysiology, BioSig is dedicated to improve the outcomes of cardiac ablation procedures for arrhythmia treatment with its cutting-edge technological innovations. The firm leverages its specialized expertise in sophisticated biomedical signal processing and analysis, extending these capabilities to broader medical applications.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

BioSig Technologies: https://www.biosig.com/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Vincent Keereman. He is the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Xeos, a medtech company with the goal to eliminate the risk of resurgery through smarter specimen imaging. Vincent has dual Master's degrees in Electronics Engineering and Medicine from Ghent University. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2011, specializing in PET-MR imaging, and became a board-certified Neurologist in 2018. In addition to being a co-founder and clinical advisor of other medtech spin-offs, Vincent is an Associate Professor at Ghent University.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by the USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

Xeos: https://www.xeos.care/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Tom Ulrich, a seasoned engineer and engineering manager with over 30 years of experience, a consultant, an Engineering Fellow at Tandem Diabetes, and an Adjunct Professor of Engineering at Biola University. He is also the author of 'Leading Engineers,' a book tailored for engineering managers that melds the wisdom accrued from his extensive career in engineering and management with insightful leadership theories from academia. This unique blend of practical experience and scholarly insight makes the book both relatable and trustworthy.

This is Favorable Environments, a podcast sponsored by USD Discovery District.

“I am mindful that scientific achievement is rooted in the past, is cultivated to full stature by many contemporaries and flourishes only in favorable environment.” - Ernest O. Lawrence. Ernest Lawrence was an American nuclear physicist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron. He was born and educated in South Dakota. In 2023, he was portrayed in the Christopher Nolan film, 'Oppenheimer,' which explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, a project to which Lawrence significantly contributed.

EPISODE LINKS:

Tom Ulrich: https://www.tomulrichconsulting.com/

Tandem Diabetes: https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/

USD Discovery District: https://www.usddiscovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.

In this episode of Favorable Environments, Tung Nguyen speaks with Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson, Director of Research at OmegaQuant Analytics, about how a science-first company in Sioux Falls became a global leader in fatty acid testing. Kristina shares the story of OmegaQuant’s founding, the research legacy of Dr. Bill Harris, and how the company grew from an academic idea into one of the most trusted diagnostic tools in the world. With more than a million Omega-3 Index tests performed, partnerships with universities and clinics across more than seventy countries, and a CLIA-certified laboratory headquartered in South Dakota, OmegaQuant has brought evidence-based nutritional analytics into everyday life in a way few companies have achieved.

The conversation explores why fatty acid testing matters, what the Omega-3 Index can reveal about long-term health, and how a simple dried blood spot sample opened the door to global adoption. Kristina reflects on the early days of building a diagnostics business, the challenge of translating complex research into accessible products, and the questions customers ask when they want to understand whether their lifestyle choices are making a real impact. Kristina talks about affordability, accuracy, and the emotional dimension of helping people understand their own physiology through personalized data rather than guesswork.

Later in the episode, producer Ngoc Thach reflects on how she first met Kristina through her TEDx Sioux Falls presentation, a moment that highlighted Kristina’s ability to bridge scientific rigor with clear, human storytelling. Kristina shares what it means to communicate science to audiences encountering this information for the first time, and why public understanding is now central to advancing nutrition and health research.

This episode offers a close look at how a South Dakota company is shaping the future of personalized nutrition and why the region’s growing bioscience ecosystem continues to create favorable environments for science translation and global impact.

To learn more about OmegaQuant, visit omegaquant.com and explore their educational resources, including OmegaQuant University and the OmegaMatters Broadcasts.

To stay connected with the USD Discovery District, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/usd-discovery-district and discover opportunities at usddiscovery.com, including leasing at Building 1 for research, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.



Favorable Environments is presented by the USD Discovery District and supported by South Dakota First Capital, working to expand access to capital for companies building the future of bioscience in the region.

Host: Tung Nguyen, Thel Consulting

Audio/Video: Skye Giebink, Skye Video

Producer: Ngoc Thach, Mix Maker

Disclaimer: This podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not represent the provision of medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the rendering of medical advice. Users access and utilize the information and linked materials at their own discretion and risk. The material presented herein is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should neither ignore nor postpone seeking qualified medical guidance for any health concerns and are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers promptly for personalized evaluation and care.