The Jury
Dr. Youseph Yazdi combines his passion for medical technology with extensive expertise in biomedical engineering as he steps into the role of guest juror on Stars of Science Season 16. Serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (CBID) at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Yazdi spearheads the development of novel medical devices and technologies that aim to transform modern healthcare.
Educated at Rice University with a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Yazdi furthered his studies at the University of Texas at Austin, earning an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. He also holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, equipping him with a robust foundation in both technological innovation and strategic business acumen.
Before joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Yazdi served as Corporate Director in Johnson & Johnson's Corporate Office of Science and Technology. There, he was instrumental in forming key partnerships to fund and guide early-stage healthcare innovations, a role that seamlessly transitions into his current responsibilities.
Additionally, his tenure as the Program Director of the Johns Hopkins-Coulter Foundation Translational Partnership resulted in 200 funded projects, formation of 17 start-up companies and over $300 million raised in subsequent funding.
His leadership at CBID involves mentoring students, clinicians, and researchers to develop medical solutions that are innovative, commercially viable, and clinically effective. Dr Yazdi’s passion is in the impact his projects have on the lives of those suffering from illness or injury.
As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Yazdi is deeply involved in the Biomedical Engineering community at Johns Hopkins. He serves on the Steering Committees of the Global mHealth Initiative and the Alliance for a Healthier World, further showcasing his commitment to global health improvements through engineering solutions.
As a guest juror on Stars of Science Season 16, Dr. Yazdi is eager to inspire and guide new talents in transforming their ideas into tangible solutions that advance global healthcare. His multifaceted roles uniquely enrich his guidance, and his ability to blend scientific theory with practical application make him an invaluable asset in steering participants toward meaningful innovation.
“By actively supporting innovators at every step—from business insights to technical guidance and clinical expertise—Stars of Science transforms their journey into something truly captivating. I am honored to be part of a show that not only entertains but also profoundly inspires aspiring entrepreneurs in the Arab world. Seeing someone who reflects their own image and voice and is successful empowers them to think, 'I can achieve that too!'"
