IA Alumni – Where Are They Now? Featuring Cristal Salatas 

By Maja Hiller 

“Whenever I find a unique solution to a problem, I always credit my Innovation minor for giving me that lens.” For Cristal Salatas, that mindset sparked at UF’s Innovation Academy now fuels her mission to improve maternal and infant health through both research and entrepreneurship.

Currently a third-year PhD student in perinatal sciences at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, Salatas graduated in 2018 from the University of Florida and decided to continue her studies. What began with hands-on projects and lab experience in Gainesville has taken her across the world, where she is now advancing maternal health and launching her own startup with goals of international reach.

Her journey with innovation began at IA. “I gained so many valuable skills, many of which I didn’t realise would be so advantageous later on. Highlights include the Catalyst competition during my first year, where my team won the Power of Design Award, and our senior project, where we placed second overall.” She shared. “The innovation process I learned at UF now influences both my research and daily life.”

That foundation has shaped every step of her career. Salatas is now the founder of GeoFuturo Analytics (GFA), a healthtech startup that has developed an AI-based algorithm that predicts the risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, before and during pregnancy. “The tool integrates environmental, dietary, obstetric, and health data to provide ongoing, location-specific risk assessments. We are currently validating the technology in NZ and Singapore, with plans to expand to the US.”

Additionally, she serves on the Auckland Momentum Investment Committee, where she supports and mentors early-stage startups created by students across the Auckland region. A role that also keeps her connected to research and innovation whilst using her experience to develop impactful solutions and help others on their journeys as well.

Taking advantage of IA’s unique schedule, Salatas used the open fall semester to gain valuable lab experience as a research student at the McKnight Brain Institute in Dr. Duane Mitchells Lab (UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program). “That hands-on time allowed me to strengthen my in-vitro skills and develop soft skills in the lab that I still use in my research today. Since then, the lab has made significant progress, and I’m proud to have been part of its early work!”

One thing is certain: the skills she once developed at IA have extended far beyond the classroom. “The Innovation Academy gave me practical tools that I apply every day. From creative problem solving and rapid prototyping to collaborative teamwork and communication. The hands-on projects helped me build confidence in taking risks and thinking outside the box, which has been essential in both my research and my journey as an entrepreneur.  I have mastered the Elevator Pitch, and it all started with IA!”

To current and prospective IA students, Salatas’ advice is to “take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you from applying to something you’re interested in — no one starts out fully qualified. The worst anyone can say is ‘no,’ and even then, it’s redirection, not rejection.”

As she continues developing GeoFuturo Analytics, Salatas is happy to collaborate and connect with others who share her vision, those passionate about using research, data, AI, and geospatial tools to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.