Marc Graham, Ph.D.
RESUME
Senior Leader
I am a dedicated son, brother, husband, and father of three. A trusted friend and a committed mentor. As a leader and engineer, I believe in hard work, lifelong learning, and staying grounded while maintaining a clear, optimistic view of what is possible. I am passionate about solving complex problems and driving ideas from concept to reality.
My experience spans multiple industries, including auto parts fabrication, automotive testing, fiber optics machine design, combination products, medical devices, life sciences, and biotechnology. I have led the development of innovative technologies and guided cross-functional teams in highly regulated environments. I have also taught engineering design and mentored students through STEM programs, sharing both technical knowledge and a commitment to discipline and creativity.
Outside of work, I write songs, enjoy time in tropical settings, and appreciate good films and music. I value the time I spend with family and friends and seek out challenges that require vision, creativity, and persistence to turn ambitious ideas into practical results. I also explore functional clothing design, where I merge utility with aesthetic intention.
I was raised in a single-parent household and attended the lowest-ranked public school district in Ohio. Those early challenges shaped my resilience and drive. I went on to become a top-ranked wrestler and earned a full scholarship to attend a math and science program at Phillips Academy in Andover for three summers during high school. I later completed my bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in mechanical engineering at MIT, where I developed a rigorous foundation in science, systems thinking, and innovation.
As a leader, I value curiosity, discipline, and humility. I do not assume I have all the answers. Knowledge is always advancing, and I remain committed to learning, asking the right questions, and guiding teams through complexity. I take the time to think critically, engage constructively, and foster collaboration to achieve strong outcomes.
I have supported others through past work teaching STEM programs and continue to mentor today. Helping others grow through education and discipline is important to me. That mindset shapes how I lead by focusing on people, creating opportunities, and doing work that matters.
My early engineering career began at TRW (now ZF Friedrichshafen), where I supported manufacturing operations for engine components, and at General Motors, where I contributed to performance testing of their sports cars. During that time, I was also a finalist in the Disney Imagineering design competition, where I developed a concept for Coaster City, a theme park of roller coasters inspired by Disney characters.
After these formative experiences and completing my bachelor's and master's degrees at MIT, I joined Corning as a full-time engineer, designing automation systems for fiber optic production. I continued supporting the team part-time while pursuing my doctorate. Toward the end of my Ph.D., I co-founded a medical device startup with my advisor, Prof. Alex Slocum. We developed a device to restore range of motion after total knee replacement. As the business wound down, a Stryker recruiter took interest in our work, leading to my transition into a new role.
At Stryker, I spent five years building and leading teams to develop devices for type 2 diabetes care, surgical instruments, and combination products. That experience solidified my commitment to medical device innovation and expanded my capabilities in product development and organizational leadership.
I later joined OmniGuide during its startup phase, where I led the development of a platform to enable advanced GYN and ENT laser procedures. These instruments completed the clinical ecosystem and helped scale OmniGuide into a small commercial company. As Director of R&D, I played a key role in advancing adoption and expanding clinical indications.
After gaining experience across startups and established organizations, I sought roles that offered greater exposure to executive strategy. I focused on aligning product development with business goals, accelerating the path from concept to scale. My work at contract development and manufacturing organizations has provided broad technical exposure and allowed me to lead cross-functional teams that deliver high-quality results under demanding timelines.
These cumulative experiences have shaped me into a strategic leader who understands both the technical and business dimensions of innovation. I bring the ability to guide teams, navigate ambiguity, and deliver with purpose and accountability.
US 11801477B2, Cell Retention Device, Issued Oct 31, 2023
US 10492876, Devices and methods for laser surgery, Issued Dec 3, 2019
US 10,426,546, Laparoscopic Handpiece for Waveguides, Issued Oct 1, 2019
US 10,206,744, Waveguide Locks and Counterbalances for Waveguide Conduits, Issued Feb 19, 2019
US 9,980,775, Waveguide Locks and Counterbalances for Waveguide Conduits, Issued May 29, 2018
US 8,870,808, Pyloric Valve Devices and Methods, Issued Oct 28, 2014
US 8,833,606, Device and Method for Mixing and Applying Biomaterials, Issued Sep 16, 2014
US 8,591,452, Systems and Methods for Treating Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, Issued Nov 26, 2013
US 8,579,849, Pyloric Valve Devices and Methods, Issued Nov 12, 2013
US 8,517,972, Pyloric Valve, Issued Aug 27, 2013
US 8,226,593, Pyloric Valve, Issued Jul 24, 2012
US 8,182,442, Pyloric Valve Devices and Methods, Issued May 22, 2012
US 8,142,385, Pyloric Valve Devices and Methods, Issued Mar 27, 2012
US 8,100,850, Pyloric Valve Devices and Methods, Issued Jan 24, 2012
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, S.M.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
In addition to guiding product development efforts and teaching, I have consistently carved out time to pursue creative projects, including recording original music. Below are examples of my recordings.
Cause there's no time lost, when our paths cross,
Like it was yesterday, we pick up where we left off...
Hand in his pocket, he kneeled on his neck,
8 minutes and 46 seconds...
A ball and chain,
Don't bear the least bit of resemblance...
The streets don't speak,
If we tell the stories, maybe we can change things...
I know it's not enough,
But I'm not giving up...
When competing intense, not a need for a scrimage
Give 100%, like a sailor on spinach...