Poornima is passionate about the application of science, technology, and data towards building a healthier planet. She is a tenacious entrepreneur, skilled at leading dynamic teams through transformative changes and transitions. 

As CEO, Board Director, and Co-founder of Trace Genomics, she leads the Company's efforts in DNA mapping to unlock the hidden potential of soil for transformative change in sustainable agriculture. Under Poornima’s leadership, Trace Genomics has developed a sophisticated soil engine and has earned several accolades—the FoodShot Global’s Innovating Soil 3.0 Challenge; Forbes Top 25 Most Innovative AgTech; 2020 Technology Pioneer at the World Economic Forum; Agfunder’s Most Innovative U.S. Startup Pre-Series A; THRIVE Top 50 AgTech; and more. 

With a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the University of California at Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University, and a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, Poornima has pioneered breakthroughs to make genomics more affordable and accessible. 

She taught the first-ever class on applications of genomics at Stanford, led successful partnerships and collaborations across academia, government, and industry, and has authored a dozen highly referenced publications in the genomics space. She is also an inventor on several microbiome patents.  

As a multiple myeloma patient, Poornima will bring a unique perspective to her new role on the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Board. Her experiences equip her to serve as a strategic thought partner—advocating for patient-centric approaches and helping guide the IMF’s strategic directions for continued success and innovation in therapies and cures.