This year, KGI proudly introduces the Alumni Awards, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments and service of our alumni who exemplify the Institute’s mission to shape the future of healthcare and the life sciences. The inaugural Professional Achievement Award and Volunteer Service Award honors individuals whose professional excellence, leadership, and dedication to the KGI community inspire the next generation of innovators.
Brian Feth, MBS '05
Brian Feth has built a career at the intersection of science, business, and impact, bringing transformative technologies from concept to global scale. With experience spanning consulting, venture capital, and executive leadership, he has consistently advanced innovation in biotechnology while mentoring and championing the next generation of leaders.
As CEO and Co-Founder of MediBeacon, Brian led the development and FDA clearance of the first-in-class real-time kidney function monitoring system—an achievement that redefined how clinicians can assess organ health. He has also been a trusted advisor and investor in early-stage ventures, helping shape strategy, accelerate growth, and guide life sciences companies through critical inflection points. Beyond his professional success, Brian has stayed deeply engaged with KGI, sharing his expertise with students, returning as a speaker, and supporting alumni as they navigate their own career paths. His leadership, innovation, and service make him a distinguished representative of KGI’s mission and values.
Samet Yildirim, MBS ’13
At Boehringer Ingelheim, Samet drove global technology innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, managing over 100 projects annually and accelerating adoption of automation, continuous processing, and digital transformation. He co-founded a Y Combinator-backed biotechnology company, raising $15 million and leading the company to scale non-GMO primary muscle stem cells in 100L bioreactors—a milestone in cultivated meat tech. Most recently, as Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Hexem Bio, Samet is advancing a synthetic human yolk sac platform to rejuvenate and expand hematopoietic stem cells—work that holds promise for rare disease, longevity, and regenerative medicine. Throughout, he has maintained a strong commitment to KGI: sponsoring several student TMP projects, serving on ABCAB, and mentoring students across programs, making his impact felt both inside and outside the lab.
Hutch Humphreys, MBS ‘03
For more than two decades, Hutch Humphreys has been a constant and generous presence within the KGI community. His relationship with the Institute began with his active involvement in student government and has since grown into a lifelong commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and volunteer service.
Hutch has given countless hours to supporting students and alumni, from offering career guidance and participating in advisory boards to serving as a trusted ambassador for KGI in industry and beyond. His dedication has been matched by his generosity as a donor, ensuring that future generations of students benefit from expanded opportunities. Hutch’s enduring engagement embodies the spirit of service, inclusion, and connection that defines the KGI community, making him a deeply deserving recipient of the inaugural Volunteer Service Award.