Expert Columns

Interview with Caterina Gallippi, Ph.D., Founder and President of NDimo, Inc.

By Mary Cantando

Mary Cantando of Cantando & Associates recently spoke with Caterina Gallippi, an early-stage entrepreneur. Gallippi’s doctoral work at Duke focused on medical ultrasonic imaging and led her to found Durham-based NDimo. NDimo’s ultrasound measurement software will enable early detection of cardiovascular and other critical diseases.

Caterina, where do you think your entrepreneurial nature comes from?

My parents are both very hard-working and creative; they immigrated to the United States from Italy, so my brother, sister and I are first-generation Americans. I learned by example from my parents, and I attribute my self-confidence and risk taking to their consistent affirmation and encouragement.  In addition, I was fortunate enough to be mentored by entrepreneurially spirited scientists affiliated with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) while a college student.  These inspiring researchers were the first to introduce me to the concept of commercializing an academically derived technology.

You mention a brother and sister, is anyone else in your family involved in science?

I’m very fortunate to be part of a supportive, loving family. My brother has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and works for a start-up in Silicon Valley.  My sister is a financial analyst in the Triangle.  I’m getting married in May and my fiancé is completing a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry. So we all have complex professions.

Complex, indeed. What is your educational background?

I earned a B.S.E in electrical engineering and a certificate in engineering biology from Princeton University.  My undergraduate experience was among the most challenging, and most rewarding, accomplishments of my life.  Because of it, I became the person I am today, I learned more than I could have dreamed, I developed dear friendships, and I loved every second of it. Following my studies at Princeton, I completed a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Duke University.

What did you do to jump-start NDimo?

Applying for and earning an SBIR grant from the NIH was one of the key starters for NDimo. And, one of my best decisions was to participate in CED’s FastTrac Tech course.  Howie Rhee and other members of the entrepreneurial community opened my eyes through their excellent curriculum, and participating in the class opened doors to many other invaluable opportunities.

What have been your biggest challenges in running NDimo?

Because I am NDimo’s single full-time employee, I was frustrated by solitude when I first launched the company. But now that NDimo is more established, I have the opportunity to interact with others on a regular basis. This has made a big difference. Another challenge I have is remembering not to bite off more than I can chew.  In the first month or so of founding NDimo, I became overwhelmed by all that needed to be accomplished.  I have since gained perspective and learned to prioritize the most important tasks.

Thinking back over your life, was there a particular person or role model who lit the path for you?

I have always taken my greatest inspiration from the people I respect most in my personal life.  My parents are exceptionally diligent and creative people who cherish their family and respect their roles as conscientious citizens of a global community.  My fiancé is a highly ambitious and talented scientist who takes his motivation from a sense of contributing to a greater good – developing anti-cancer pharmaceuticals.  When setting my goals, I keep their examples in mind.

What advice would you give to a woman considering entrepreneurship?

The rewards are well worth the risk.  If you have a viable idea and the passion and means to pursue it, go for it.  If nothing else, it will be a fantastic hands-on learning experience.  Also, take full advantage of the resource rich community in the Triangle.  The local entrepreneurial community is especially collegiate and supportive.  Your experiences will in turn serve others in the community.

What message would you like entrepreneurs, particularly women, to take away from this discussion?

Encourage the young women in your life to pursue their scientific and/or entrepreneurial interests.  If possible, connect them with mentors who can share real-life perspectives on possible professions.  As a child and adolescent, it never occurred to me that my gender rendered me better suited to one discipline over another, and that sense of appropriateness empowers me still today.

About Caterina Gallippi: Caterina M. Gallippi, Ph.D., President and CEO of NDimo, Inc., earned a BSE in electrical engineering and a certificate in engineering biology from Princeton University in 1998. Following her studies at Princeton, Dr. Gallippi continued her education at Duke University, earning a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering with a focus in medical ultrasonic imaging. Dr. Gallippi recently completed CED’s FastTrac Tech course – a 10-week business training program that addresses the needs of start-up entrepreneurs refining and writing their business plans and seeking to grow sustainable high-impact companies. Visit www.ndimo.com for more information on NDimo.

About Mary Cantando: An entrepreneurial executive since 1989, Mary Cantando is focused on educating and assisting other women with understanding, navigating and capitalizing on national diversity certification. Her firm, Cantando & Associates, is a Raleigh-based consulting and publishing company that works exclusively with successful women business owners to identify new revenue streams and win corporate clients. Visit www.womanbusinessowner.com for more information on Cantando & Associates.