Georgia Tech Pediatric Innovation Network
Meet the Team Behind Pediatric Innovation
A focused team advancing research, collaboration, and real-world impact in pediatric healthcare.
A small team driving big impact.
The Georgia Tech Pediatric Innovation Network team helps support day-to-day operations, strategic coordination, collaboration, and access to Georgia Tech’s broad research and innovation ecosystem.
Leadership Spotlight
Leanne West
Director of GTPIN & Chief Engineer of Pediatric Technology
An internationally recognized leader in pediatric innovation and translational engineering.
- Chief Engineer of Pediatric Technologies at Georgia Tech
- Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Shriners Children’s
- 2026 Atlanta Business Chronicle Innovator of the Year for Pediatric Health
Leanne leads strategic efforts that unite researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to address unmet needs in childhood disease and injury while advancing technologies designed specifically for children.
Core Team
The people moving the work forward
Trina Paden
Program and Operations Manager, Sr.
Brings clarity, structure, and momentum to high-impact multidisciplinary work.
Trina Francis-Paden is a seasoned operations and program management professional with more than 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, strategic growth, project execution, and stakeholder coordination across complex environments.
Christopher Jackson
Executive Assistant
Supports executive effectiveness, organizational systems, communications, and execution.
Christopher supports cross-functional initiatives that connect research, clinical, academic, and industry stakeholders, helping move high-priority work from concept to implementation with structure and clarity.
What We Do
Connecting people, ideas, and pathways to impact
Advance Research
Support pediatric research and innovation initiatives that address real clinical and patient-centered needs.
Build Connections
Bring together researchers, clinicians, students, entrepreneurs, and partners across Georgia Tech and beyond.
Support Execution
Provide the operational structure, communications, and coordination needed to move initiatives forward.
Interested in working with our team?
Connect with us to explore pediatric research, innovation, and collaboration opportunities.