MEET
DR. STEPHANIE
WILLERTH

Author, educator, and leader in the fields of Biomedical Engineer and 3D Bioprinting

Current Mission

Dr. Stephanie Willerth is an author, educator, and leader in the fields of biomedical engineering and 3D bioprinting. Currently serving as a Full Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria, Dr. Willerth leads an award-winning research group focused on engineering neural tissue from pluripotent stem cells. Dr. Willerth is also the founder of Axolotl – a biosciences company pioneering bioinks and 3D tissue models. Her company’s work pushed the boundaries of personalized medicine with groundbreaking techniques poised to revolutionize treatments for complex diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In 2020, Dr. Willerth co-founded Axolotl Biosciences, a company specializing in the production of bioinks used for 3D bioprinting human tissues. As CEO, she is driving the company’s mission to advance medicine, provide tools for drug screening, disease modeling, and potentially even future clinical therapies. Under her leadership, Axolotl Biosciences became the only Canadian company to win in 2022 the prestigious Falling Walls Venture competition and has garnered international recognition for its contributions to the industry.

Founding Axolotl

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Willerth’s accolades reflect the breadth & depth of her expertise. She is an International Fellow of Biomaterial Science & Engineering, a distinction held by fewer than 400 researchers worldwide, & a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars. In addition, she has been honored with the University of Victoria’s REACH Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers Fellowship, & the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Award for her impactful research.

Mentorship

Dr. Willerth is passionate about supporting the next generation of biomedical engineers and advocating for STEM beyond the lab. She is dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented minorities in her field, founding the Biomedical Engineering Program at the University of Victoria and achieving gender parity within its ranks. Dr. Willerth actively guides aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs, helping them transform research into market success.


Dr. Willerth’s ability to bridge academia and industry while maintaining an ethical and responsible approach to scientific progress makes her a sought-after speaker and collaborator in the biotech space. She has collaborated on dozens of research articles and written two books, including "Engineering Neural Tissue from Stem Cells", which have cemented her influence as a voice in the industry.

Whether she’s leading research, mentoring students, or collaborating in the field of biotechnology, Dr. Willerth remains driven by a singular mission: to transform the future of medicine and to inspire others to push the boundaries of possibility.

Awards & Achievements

  • Award for Excellence in Teaching

  • 2021 President’s Awards: Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia

  • Member: Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars

  • Ignite Award Winner: Innovate BC

  • International Fellow: Biomaterials Science & Engineering

  • Fellow: Canadian Society for Senior Engineers

  • REACH Award for Excellence in Teaching

  • Startup prize

VALUES

Challenge the impossible in science and research
Prioritize integrity in every decision
Nurture the next generation of thinkers
Make complex ideas accessible to all
Lead with resilience and creativity

TESTIMONIALS

What They Say About Dr. Stephanie Willerth

  • GENUINE PASSION FOR HER WORK

    Stephanie has a genuine passion for her work and an incredible ability to bring people together. She has an entrepreneurial spirit that drives her toward action with a focus on results that add value. Her commitment to those around her is strongly felt and it's always a pleasure any time I get a chance to work with her!

    Simon Beyer, CTO
    Aspect Biosystems

  • AN INNOVATIVE THINKER

    Dr. Willerth is an innovative thinker who always looking for new ways to engage the community, including local companies and start-ups.
    We have collaborated extensively with her on a variety of initiatives.

    Nick Allan

    Starfish Medical

  • BROUGHT CLARITY TO COMPLEX SCIENTIFIC TOPICS

    Dr. Stephanie Willerth's appearance on the In Vivo podcast brought clarity to complex scientific topics, inspiring our audience of aspiring biotechnologists to explore new research areas. Her passion for science communication has had a lasting impact, even sparking student interest in 3D bioprinting.

    Tim Gabor, Host
    Vivo Podcast