SAN DIEGO – March 31, 2026 – Connect, the premier nonprofit organization powering San Diego’s innovation ecosystem for more than 40 years, announces the appointment of Kiana Miyamoto, MPH, PhD, as Director of Life Sciences.

“Kiana represents the next generation of life sciences innovation leadership,” said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. “She understands not only the individual components of an innovation ecosystem, but how to connect them in ways that create real value for founders and companies. Her experience across scientific research, public health and early-stage ventures makes her exceptionally well positioned to help Connect strengthen how we support life science companies as they grow and scale.”

As a PhD scientist and emerging leader working at the intersection of biomedical research, science policy, and venture backed innovation, Miyamoto brings more than a decade of research experience, with a background spanning immunology, neuroscience, and translational science.

She is actively involved with Nucleate San Diego, a leading organization supporting the formation of biotech startups, and was selected for VC Lab’s Venture Institute, where she developed expertise in venture analysis, diligence, and early stage investing. In parallel, she has contributed to national science policy efforts as part of the ASPET Washington Fellows Program, engaging directly with policymakers to advocate for biomedical research and innovation funding.

Her academic training reflects a multidisciplinary approach to innovation. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Physiology and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego, followed by a Master of Public Health from George Washington University, and a PhD in Biological Sciences from UC San Diego. Her research focused on immunology and disease mechanisms.

Across her work, Miyamoto has demonstrated a consistent focus on translating early stage science into real world impact, with particular interest in expanding access to capital, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and advancing public health outcomes.

“Connect sits at a unique nexus of science, capital, and community,” said Miyamoto. “I’m excited to join an organization that not only supports founders, but actively shapes how innovation moves from lab to market. San Diego has one of the most dynamic life science ecosystems in the world, and I look forward to helping expand access and opportunity for the next generation of builders.”

Miyamoto’s appointment underscores Connect’s continued investment in leadership that understands the full innovation lifecycle, from bench science to venture formation, and its commitment to advancing San Diego’s role as a global hub for life science and technology innovation.

Learn more about Connect and the rest of the team at https://connect.org/about/