Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, PhD, a native of Canada, balances life as a scientist, educator, author, and mother of five. An alumna of Dillard University and Eastern Kentucky University, Dr. Annabelle completed NIH clinical trial certification and began her graduate training in neuroscience at Georgetown University. She earned her doctorate degree in cell and developmental biology from Vanderbilt University, where her research focused on genetic mutations modeling chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity and cardiac development.
In 2016, Dr. Annabelle saved her son’s life by developing a novel cannabinoid-based formulation, inspiring her scientific focus on neuroplasticity, translational medicine, and precision-based therapies. She is the founder of Mighty Ventures, a translational life sciences group running preclinical and clinical studies in parallel.
Recognized by Congress for a scientific breakthrough credited with saving her son’s life, she serves on the Patient First Coalition. Named one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (2022), her ForbesBooks best seller, Mighty Flower, was published in 2023. She is also cofounder of BJs 38 Foundation with her son BJ Williams, inspired by her son Macario’s extraordinary recovery.