Los Angeles, CA – October 15, 2026 - The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) today announced the appointment of Dr. Paul Sheehan as Chief Strategy Officer. A nationally recognized leader in translational science and mission-driven innovation, Dr. Sheehan brings more than 25 years of experience advancing breakthrough technologies from concept to clinical and commercial impact.
Dr. Sheehan conceived, funded, and led more than 15 major research programs, directing portfolios exceeding $1 billion, including growing his ARPA-H portfolio to nearly $700 million. His work spanned bioelectronics, antimicrobial resistance diagnostics, AI-enabled drug discovery, and regenerative medicine, helping launch technologies now advancing toward clinical trials as well as the formation of multiple new companies.
At ARPA-H, Dr. Sheehan was the agency's first program manager, building international coalitions and organizing technology summits that brought together researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, regulators, and major funders. At DARPA, he initiated and managed six major programs spanning bioelectronics, environmental engineering, and diagnostics, more programs than any other program manager in the Biological Technology Office's history.
"Dr. Sheehan brings a rare combination of scientific range and program-building experience to this role," said Dr. Xiling Shen, Acting Director, Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. "His track record of turning ambitious scientific ideas into functioning programs and partnerships will help strengthen how we translate our research and grow our reach as an institution."
Earlier in his career, Dr. Sheehan led nanomaterials and biosensing research at the Naval Research Laboratory, producing foundational work recognized among the leading materials science discoveries of the decade. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Harvard University and his B.S. with distinction in Chemistry-based Materials Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is widely known for collaborative leadership, scientific rigor, and building communities that deliver transformative outcomes.
As Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Sheehan will work with Terasaki Institute leadership to help guide the organization's strategic direction as it continues to expand its research programs and its network of scientific, industry, and philanthropic partners.