Susan Smalley, Ph.D.

Co-Founder & Partner

Sue Smalley, Ph.D., is a behavioral geneticist, writer, activist and Professor Emeritus, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science at UCLA.  She spent three decades conducting genetic research on behavioral disorders, including Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and then expanded her research to include mindfulness and wellness.  She is the founder of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center and an author of numerous articles and essays on the science of wellbeing including the book, Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness.  At PTK Capital, Sue leads the Health Tech/Wellness sector and sits on various boards and scientific advisory boards in the space, including being a partner at Bridge Builders Collaborative, a collective of investors dedicated to the exploration of consciousness. She is committed to fostering greater understanding across people through her work as chair of the executive committee of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute and through Equality Now, a human rights organization dedicated to women and girls.  She loves family, meditation and taking walks.