Ali Urman is a Genomics Analyst and investor, with a profound passion for immunotherapy, gene editing, stem cell therapy, AI, and public health. She joined ARK Invest in February 2020 as an Analyst on the Genomic Revolution strategy, where she focuses on groundbreaking technologies in gene editing, stem cell research, and novel immunotherapies.
Before her tenure at ARK Invest, Ali was deeply involved in clinical cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Montefiore Medical Center. She also served as a Senior Research Program Manager at IBM Watson Health, where her work earned her multiple accolades, including the Manager’s Choice Award in 2017 and 2018, and the Rookie of the Year Award in 2017. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Ali founded her own consulting firm in 2018, providing strategic insights and expertise in her field.
Ali holds several influential board and advisory roles, including being a Board Member of Cure Rare Disease and an Industry Advisor for the Sanford School of Medicine’s SPARK program, Sortium, and The Innovation Foundation. Her contributions to the field are reflected in her extensive publication record, with over 25 articles on cancer research, AI, and space medicine, and three filed patents. Educationally, Ali earned a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Masters in Epidemiology and Community Health from New York Medical College. She further honed her expertise with additional training from the MIT Labs in Human-Computer Interaction for User Experience Design.
Ali's thought leadership is recognized across major media platforms; she has appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg, and TD Ameritrade, and her research has been featured in Fortune, Business Insider, Nasdaq.com, Advisor Analyst, OPTO, and ETF Trends. As a speaker, she has shared her insights at Forbes and APSG conferences and served as a guest lecturer at New York University. Her diverse experience and dedication highlight her as a leading voice in genomics and healthcare innovation.
Ali is often described as:
A Natural Mentor - she has an exceptional ability to guide and inspire her colleagues, often acting as a mentor who can provide both professional advice and personal support, making her a valuable asset to any team dynamic.
Avid Storyteller - beyond her technical expertise, Ali has a knack for weaving compelling narratives that make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging, enhancing presentations and publications with a unique and captivating voice.
Resilient Innovator - Ali possesses a salmon-like ability to swim against the proverbial stream, consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking and championing innovative solutions even in the face of adversity, driving progress and transformation within her field.
