Is there a fine line between science and entrepreneurship? Many clinical professionals have progressed their careers by embracing this synergetic approach. One such individual is Eve Hanks, CEO and Founder of MI:RNA, who built her career through veterinary pathology and diagnostics. We connected with Hanks to learn more about her career, the differences in human and animal diagnostics, and where entrepreneurship fits into the clinical landscape.
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to focus on veterinary diagnostics?
I am a veterinary surgeon with 13 years of experience in farm, equine, and companion animal practice, including emergency care and digital health. My passion for learning led me to pursue an advanced certificate in medicine, followed by a PhD in immunology. I then transitioned into clinical pathology with a university post in Scotland, UK.
Through my work in practice and research, I recognized a significant gap in animal diagnostics. Drawing on my expertise, I set out to develop a new approach to diagnostics and treatment management, focusing on the challenges I encountered in clinical practice.
What are some of the biggest challenges in veterinary pathology and diagnostic testing today?
In my view, two key challenges make diagnostics difficult. First, the veterinary sector needs better data exchange and capture solutions to improve diagnostic accuracy. Early signs of illness often get lost in the maze of clinical notes due to the variety of practice management systems, clinical techniques, data collection methods, and client communication styles.
Second, the diagnostics sector lags behind therapeutics in innovation and adoption of new technologies. While we have the scientific and technological tools to advance precision medicine – enabling personalized diagnostics, early disease prediction, and sensitive monitoring – integrating these into an already overstretched veterinary system requires a major shift, and some skepticism is understandable.
How do veterinary diagnostics compare to human diagnostics in terms of innovation and accessibility? Are there lessons that each sector can learn from the other?
I love this question because it highlights the foundation of effective progress and innovation. Humans serve as valuable clinical models for veterinary species, and there is much to learn across disciplines. At MI:RNA, we take a species-agnostic approach, focusing on advancing science to develop practical solutions for early disease detection, disease control, and monitoring progression. Ultimately, our goal is to extend health spans by integrating precise diagnostics across farms, veterinary clinics, and human hospitals.
With increasing concerns about zoonotic diseases, how does improved veterinary diagnostics impact global public health?
With over 70 percent of diseases transmitted between animals and humans, there is a strong connection among mammals when it comes to communicable and vector-borne diseases. At MI:RNA, we are enhancing diagnostic capabilities for major public health concerns like tuberculosis. While our technology works across all mammals, we are currently focusing on veterinary species. In an increasingly globalized world, a truly integrated approach to public health – spanning diverse geographies, species, and policymakers – is essential for effective decision-making in the face of disease transmission, epidemics, and pandemics.
Congratulations on receiving the Entrepreneurial Spirit award! What does this recognition mean to you and your team?
Thank you very much. We are honored and proud as a team to receive such a prestigious title, and for me personally, being the first to win this award is a tremendous honor. Recognition like this reinforces our mindset and motivates us even further. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work and approach valued by the industry.
On a personal note, I believe in the importance of mentorship and championing women in the industry. We all have so much to offer, and sometimes, a simple word of encouragement or a small nudge can make all the difference.
What advice would you give to other professionals looking to bridge the gap between science and entrepreneurship?
It’s a multi-stage process. The journey begins with transitioning from science to exploring a business idea, followed by a shift in mindset to becoming a founder, and then taking the leap into a CEO role and beyond. It’s rewarding, challenging, exhilarating, and exhausting – but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I thrive in this environment, driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to make a difference. If that resonates with you, go for it.
How do you see veterinary diagnostics evolving in the next five to ten years?
Data, AI, and new biomarkers are increasingly shaping a more efficient and precise approach to health management. While this progress is promising, it also brings challenges, such as the potential loss of human soft skills in clinical practice.
For me, the most compelling aspect of this new era in diagnostics is the ethical dimension. If technology could predict your date of death, would you want to know? Additionally, health equity remains a concern – when hypersensitive diagnostics are accessible to only a select few, how do we ensure that the right care reaches the right people at the right time?
Are there any emerging technologies or research areas that excite you the most?
I will always say microRNAs. These "project managers" of our immune system provide invaluable insights into disease and hold immense potential for future treatments by uncovering previously unknown biological pathways. They are among the most exciting discoveries in biological science. It’s no coincidence that last year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNAs – a groundbreaking class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation.
What’s next for you and your company? Are there any new projects or initiatives on the horizon?
On a personal level, I am pursuing my MBA while navigating the founder journey, experiencing immense satisfaction, growth, and discovery along the way. I love working in animal health and have the privilege of collaborating with incredible scientists, veterinarians, and fellow founders in the field.
From the company’s perspective, we are working across five species, tackling a range of diseases – from chronic conditions in pets to endemic diseases in agriculture. This year, we have an exciting new data set for publication and several promising partnerships to announce. There is so much potential to explore, and we’re enjoying every step of the journey!
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