Though she’s only been a part of the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech for six months, Sarah Jo Tucker has already made a big impact, by helping to significantly expand GaMEP’s medical device industry services and capabilities.
Before joining GaMEP, Sarah Jo worked at the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) as a business development manager and senior project engineer. There, she collaborated on a wide range of medical device projects, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of product development. When the chance came to join GaMEP and focus more deeply on project execution and regulatory strategy, she saw it as a natural next step.
“As industry manager for the medical device team, my job is to identify the needs of medical device manufacturers and entrepreneurs, connect them with the right resources, and build strong, collaborative relationships,” she explained. “My favorite part of this work is helping translate this type of technology into commercialized medical devices that can have a real impact on patients.”
That passion for bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application has been a constant throughout her career. With a background in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, and business, Sarah Jo is uniquely equipped to navigate the complex landscape of medical device development.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is when teams think they’re further along than they are—only to realize there are major gaps in meeting FDA requirements,” she says. “It’s tough, but necessary, to have those conversations. Skipping steps in a phase-gated process can cost more in the long run.”
Despite the challenges, Sarah Jo thrives on the variety and complexity of her work.
“Every device is different. That’s what keeps it exciting. We’re constantly learning, adapting, and solving new problems.”
It’s this mindset that reflects one of her favorite sayings: “The world is your oyster.” For Sarah Jo, every project is a chance to uncover new possibilities and help collaborators reach their goals.
Outside of work, Sarah Jo is a devoted mom who finds joy in the simple things: a great meal, spending time with her family, a walk or run outdoors, or a rare moment of quiet. Her greatest inspiration? Her son, who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in utero and, despite careful preparation, experienced a critical decline within 90 minutes of birth that required the highest level of life support. Today, he’s a thriving, joyful child.
“He’s my hero,” she says. “He’s taught me more about strength and resilience than anyone else. That experience changed me—both as a person and as a professional.”
Contact Sarah Jo at sarah.tucker@innovate.gatech.edu to learn more about GaMEP’s Medical Device Industry Services.
