Hello and welcome — I’m Cutler Whitely, a scientist, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete, with a track record of leveraging scientific expertise to fuel innovation and societal impact.

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Academic Excellence Fueling Innovation

My academic journey, culminating in a Master’s in Biotechnology from Brown University after a Bachelor’s in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry (CMGB) from Drexel University, set the stage for a career characterized by cutting-edge research and impactful innovation.

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Revolutionizing Research & Patient Care

Serving as a scientist in cancer drug discovery at Novartis and making pivotal contributions to Penn Medicine’s Division of Plastic Surgery, I've been deeply involved in groundbreaking research efforts. My work at Penn Medicine, in particular, has been transformative, leading initiatives that have directly enhanced patient care. This includes authoring multiple scientific papers and creating an extensive surgical database—a cornerstone resource that has significantly advanced clinical research and treatment strategies.

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Trailblazing Entrepreneurial Ventures

Founding Looie and co-founding Astellar Labs highlight my transition from scientific research to entrepreneurship, where I have successfully translated innovative ideas into viable business ventures. These companies, born from a desire to address unmet needs through technology, have secured significant funding and recognition, illustrating my capability in navigating the complex path from ideation to implementation.

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Leadership That Inspires Breakthroughs

My journey is underpinned by a diverse skill set, including advanced techniques in genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and a strategic approach to business development and partnership cultivation. This is complemented by leadership roles that have fostered team success and driven projects to fruition.
 

Empowering Communities Through Philanthropy

My work extends beyond professional achievements, demonstrating a deep commitment to philanthropy through meaningful engagement with organizations such as The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The Salvation Army, aiming to make a tangible difference in the community.

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