The latest in our regular feature spotlighting the professional journeys of our alumni and how attending Hebrew U influenced their future career paths.
Dr. Gilly Regev studied at Hebrew University from 1993 until 2004 during which she obtained her BA in Food Sciences, followed by her MA and PhD, both of which were in Biochemistry. Currently based in Vancouver, she’s originally from Israel where she grew up in Raanana and Herzliya.
After attending Hebrew University, did you continue your university studies?
I started a Post Doc at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver but after a few months I decided I wasn’t interested in doing research “to publish” and was looking for other areas that have an applicable side to research. I then met Dr. Chris Miller, who is my business partner today and started working on different ways to deliver nitric oxide gas, topically, to the site of infections.
What are you currently doing career-wise?
I am the Co-Founder and CEO of SaNOtize (https://sanotize.com), a company I started with Dr. Miller. SaNOtize developed and patented a way to deliver nitric oxide to treat upper respiratory and topical infections. Currently, SaNOtize has an approval for a phase 2 clinical trial to treat and prevent COVID-19, along with a phase 2 clinical trial to treat chronic sinusitis.
What advice would you give someone interested in getting into your field and who aspires to have a position like yours?
Be resilient. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems and nothing happens overnight. Make an effort to invest in meaningful professional relationships. These connections will be very helpful in so many ways. Work hard and be true to your values.
If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself?
I am very creative and have many interests. I think I would have found fulfillment in many career choices. My biggest regret is not going to medical school, as I would have loved the clinician-patient interaction and the ability to help others. But I am happy to be able to lead and create new treatment options for diseases that have no cure and help improve people’s quality of life.
How did your experience at HU help shape your future career path and personal goals?
Earning a PhD from Hebrew University provides immense credibility and helps with opening doors and making connections. My PhD experience (with Dr. Shoseyov and Dr. Kerem as my supervisors) helped my independent and critical thinking process and helped me believe in my ability to solve problems and do good in this world.
