Duke Capital Partners

Austin Dixon

Austin is on faculty as an attending radiologist at Duke University where he trained in general radiology and neuroradiology. He has been a part of Duke Capital Partners since 2018. Austin has a MD and MBA from University of Pennsylvania.

Kavinayan Sivakumar

Kavinayan Sivakumar is a PhD graduate from the Duke University Electrical and Computer Engineering program, having worked with Dr. Michael Zavlanos on transferring knowledge between heterogeneous agents. Kavin is interested in building companies that solve difficult problems through innovative technology. He has experience in venture capital through a previous fellowship, as well as some operator experience through his time at an incubator.

Faisal Anees

Faisal is a 5th year PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science department. His research focuses on studying how nanomaterials can interact with the immune system leading to autoimmunity. Upon graduation, he plans to work in the life science industry by helping biotechnology startups commercialize innovative new therapies. Prior to his PhD, Faisal received his master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Duke and undergrad in chemical engineering from the University of British Columbia.

Damon Burrow

Damon is a PhD Candidate at Duke University in the Biomedical Engineering Department focused on building biosensor technologies to improve global telehealth efforts. Upon completion of his PhD, Damon hopes to launch a company that places people at the center of their personal health care, and continue his career in venture capital investing in and helping founders build companies that solve important technical problems.

Udey Cheema

Udey is a fourth-year student pursuing an MD/MBA dual degree at the Duke University School of Medicine and Fuqua School of Business. Prior to medical school, he worked as an EMT and conducted research on topics in exercise physiology, metabolism, and developmental psychology. Upon graduation he plans to pursue a medical residency while continuing to be involved in the healthcare startup ecosystem.

Elizabeth Longosz

Elizabeth is a second-year student at Duke Law, where she is pursuing a dual degree in Law & Entrepreneurship. Prior to law school, Elizabeth worked at Viacom in marketing and advertising sales and subsequently on the corporate legal team at Paramount after receiving her B.A. in Anthropology with a concentration in economics from Georgetown University.

Harish Nanjala

Harish Nanjala is an MBA student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the co-founder of Augen Media Works, a leading marketing consulting firm. Under his leadership, the firm achieved a $2M turnover, serving over 500 clients. Recognized as a ’30 Under 30 Entrepreneur,’ Harish excels in strategic growth, digital transformation, and crisis management. At Duke, he aims to deepen his business acumen and build strong connections within the ecosystem. Harish is driven by a relentless passion for innovation and impactful leadership.

Yunxin Ouyang

Yunxin is a PhD Candidate in Duke’s Biomedical Engineering Department, developing minimally-invasive and regenerative biomaterials to treat ischemic stroke. She also has extensive experiences in cancer biology, tissue and genetic engineering. After graduation Yunxin hopes to contribute to the development of transformative and sustainable solutions to healthcare problems through the means of entrepreneurship and venture capital. Prior to Duke, Yunxin received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University.

Grayson Rice

Grayson is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering in the lab of Dr. Charles Gersbach. His graduate work focuses on using CRISPR high throughput screening to identify transcription factors and DNA regulatory elements that improve neuronal differentiation from stem cells. Upon graduation, he plans to work in life science venture capital or consulting. Prior to graduate school, Grayson graduated summa cum laude from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Biochemistry.

Veronica Russell

Veronica Russell is a fifth-year PhD student in Duke’s interdisciplinary Computational Biology and Bioinformatics program. She leverages and develops computational methods for analyzing large biologic data sets and is particularly focused on applications in cancer and virology research. She believes that innovation is part of an ecosystem and, ultimately, would like to pursue a career path that intersects her scientific expertise with the business side.