Linnea Ransom

I'm a molecular and cell biologist with a passion for understanding how brain cells communicate—and how we can intervene when those interactions go awry. My research spans RNA therapeutics, stem cell models, and transcriptomics, with a focus on targeting neuroinflammation and immune aging in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

I’ve led independent and collaborative projects across academia and biotech, from initiating new research directions during my PhD to co-founding a startup, where we’re advancing RNA-based therapies. I thrive at the intersection of discovery and translation, and I’m driven by the challenge of turning complex biology into meaningful therapeutic strategies.

As the founder of biotech startup, I built and led discovery programs targeting immune aging and neuroinflammation with RNA-based therapies. I oversaw assay development, single-cell transcriptomic analysis, and preclinical testing in primary and iPSC models. I played a key role in securing non-dilutive funding and establishing the lab at UCSD’s Homelab accelerator and I represented the company in programs including Nucleate, NSF I-Corps, and MIT Blueprint, and helped shape scientific strategy from target selection to candidate development.

During my postdoc I advanced preclinical development of RNA therapeutics for neurodegeneration in a highly collaborative, translational environment. I developed iPSC-derived microglia models, performed RNA therapeutic screening, and validated hits in Alzheimer’s mouse models. Additionally, I designed multiplexed imaging workflows, led data analysis, and contributed to cross-functional therapeutic programs bridging molecular biology, imaging, and in vivo pharmacology.

During my PhD, I led an independent research program focused on extracellular vesicle biology and RNA biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. I initiated a new direction in the lab, collaborating with institutional and external experts to develop protocols for isolating vesicles from human brain tissue. I then applied transcriptomics and bioinformatics to identify full-length and cell-type-specific mRNA cargo.

In addition, I managed and mentored students; published first-author work and laid groundwork for ongoing studies.