Meet Mara Kushelman

A young woman with short brown hair, wearing a red sweater, standing outdoors near a tree during autumn. There are houses and parked cars in the background.

Mara Kushelman, M.S. is a life sciences researcher and strategy consultant supporting early-stage companies through her work with Higgs Insights. She helps founders refine their narratives, develop investor-facing materials, and translate complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling presentations that strengthen fundraising readiness. Alongside her consulting work, Ms. Kushelman is completing her PhD in Microbiology at Yale University, where she develops novel therapeutic approaches against mosquito-borne diseases and leads cross-institutional collaborations in mRNA vaccine development. She brings additional experience from Yale Ventures, where she conducts market analyses, evaluates competitive landscapes, and delivers actionable strategic insights to pre-seed laboratory technology startups. With a foundation in scientific rigor and strong communication skills, Ms. Kushelman bridges science and strategy to help emerging biotech and health-tech ventures grow.