Rafa J. Veraza, Ph.D, MPH

Chief Technology and Scientific Officer – Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc.

Dr. Veraza, originally from Mexico City, has spent most of his early career working with non-profit organizations and international organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Rotary International, Caritas Internationalis in Africa and Latin America. He is a scientist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, focused on the commercialization of biotechnology, innovative medical devices and healthcare innovation. His area of expertise is in the field of translational science and biotechnology development projects, bridging pre-clinical studies to clinical applications for patients. He is the Chief Technology and Scientific Officer for Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc, a San Antonio startup medical device company, developing cutting-edge organ preservation technology. Dr. Veraza’s scientific team led the company to received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for their cardiac transport device and are currently undergoing pre-clinical animal testing in preparation for Clinical Trials in the US. The cardiac device currently under development will be able to double the amount of time a heart can be preserved thus providing more hearts for critically ill patients in need of a heart transplant. Dr. Veraza has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Honors College at UTSA, a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University and a PhD in Translational Science from the joint PhD program between UT Health San Antonio, UT Austin, and UTSA. Dr. Veraza currently resides in San Antonio with his wife Lisa and their daughters Teresa and Gianna. He is passionate about the arts, community service and believes that MBAW is a unique and precious jewel that needs to be shared with the rest of the World.