About this Event
Presentation 1 (15 Min)
Light-Triggered Cardiac Structural and Functional Feedback Through a Flexible Polymeric Interface
Presented by
Yuyao Kuang
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of California, Irvine
Abstract: The exchange of biophysical signals between cells and their microenvironment governs tissue and organ function. To model these dynamics in vitro, my Ph.D. research focuses on engineering stimuli-responsive soft materials that mimic the electroactive nature of cardiac tissue. I design adaptive, hierarchically ordered macromolecular transducers—biomolecular assemblies and polymers—that both regulate and report signal transduction at tissue–ECM interfaces. Specifically, I developed π-conjugated soft materials as biomimetic transducers capable of (1) converting light into electrical or electromechanical cues for localized cardiac stimulation and (2) translating mechanical forces into optical signals for real-time sensing. These systems provide integrated platforms to modulate and visualize cardiac structure and function, advancing models for disease study and regenerative therapy.
Presentation 2 (45 Min)
Measuring What Matters: The Strategic Role of Health Outcomes and Clinical Assessment in Pharma Today
Presented By
Somali Misra Burgess, PhD
CEO and Research Director
COA and Patient-Centered Research
Sunlight Outcomes Research
Abstract: As pharma shifts toward patient‑centered innovation, the ability to measure meaningful outcomes has become essential. This session, “Measuring What Matters: The Strategic Role of Health Outcomes and Clinical Assessment in Pharma Today,” examines how health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and clinical outcome assessments (COAs) drive evidence generation and decision‑making across the drug development lifecycle. We will clarify the core concepts, explore cross‑functional relevance—from Research and Development and Clinical Operations to Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Commercial—and highlight emerging trends such as digital health technologies, novel endpoints, decentralized assessments, and real‑world data integration. The session will conclude with practical recommendations for strengthening outcomes strategy and a moderated discussion to help participants apply these insights to their own programs. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of why outcomes matter and how to leverage them to shape the next era of patient‑centered drug development.
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Location: Waters Technologies District Office, 3540 Howard Way, Suite 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Agenda: This is a hybrid event. Check-in and Networking from 4:00-4:30 PM PT. Presentation and Discussion will be from 4:30-6:00 PM PT. Login will open at 4:20 PM PT. There is a $20 Charge for on-site attendance to cover refreshments costs. Discounts are available for AAPS members, Students and Retired.
Registration: Please register by Noon, Tuesday, March 17
Important Notes: You must register to receive an email with the Zoom link for virtual attendance. Please register using the email where you want to receive the Zoom link which will be sent after registration closes at noon on Tuesday, March 17th. If you need assistance logging in or during the presentation, please text me at 714 606 5907.
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Past Presentations and Calendar of Events are located on our web page at:
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waters District Office, 3540 Howard Way, Costa Mesa, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 23.18
