Dr. Ruchika Nijhara is the Executive Director of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF), where she oversees the fund’s management, grant programs, and portfolio of awards. In this capacity, she works closely with stem cell researchers across Maryland, helping translate cutting-edge research into tangible advancements in patient care. Under her leadership, MSCRF has invested over $200 million in more than 600 groundbreaking technologies, driving innovation, research, and commercialization within the state.

With more than 20 years of experience in technology commercialization, Ruchika brings a wealth of knowledge from her work across federal, public, and private sectors. She has been recognized as one of the Daily Record’s 2023 Influential Marylanders and was named a Woman of Influence by I95 Business Magazine in 2023.

Ruchika earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Delhi University, India and an MBA from the University of Maryland.