Epicore Biosystems Adds UConn Experts as Scientific Advisors

Appointments aim to accelerate validation of sweat biomarkers for hydration and heat-risk monitoring

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Epicore Biosystems has appointed Dr. Douglas Casa and Dr. Elaine Choung-Hee Lee as Scientific Advisors, bringing expertise in exertional heat illness prevention, human performance, thermoregulation, and proteomics. The additions will help Epicore validate physiological and proteomics indicators used to measure hydration, stress, and fatigue, and strengthen real-world interpretation of those signals.

Why it matters

As extreme heat conditions continue to heighten safety concerns across workplaces, sports, and field operations, Epicore's Connected Hydration platform aims to provide personalized feedback and interventions to reduce the effects of dehydration, electrolyte loss, and fatigue. The advisory appointments are part of Epicore's broader growth, including a recent $32 million Series B funding round and an AFWERX contract to enhance military hydration readiness.

The details

Epicore's Connected Hydration platform pairs a wearable device with a mobile app to continuously monitor metrics like sweat rate, fluid loss, electrolyte levels, skin temperature, thermal flux, and movement. The system then uses those signals to provide personalized feedback and interventions. Casa and Lee will support scientific validation of Epicore's biomarkers, guide study design, and help ensure physiological signals are interpreted rigorously across lab and field environments.

  • In 2025, Epicore raised $32 million in Series B funding, announced an early-adopter rollout of its Connected Hydration Armband, and secured an AFWERX contract.

The players

Epicore Biosystems

A digital health company spun out of Northwestern University research, developing sweat-sensing wearables and cloud analytics intended to deliver real-time, personalized health insights, with deployments and licensing that include large enterprises and U.S. government agencies.

Dr. Douglas Casa

The CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut, widely known for his work on exertional heat illness prevention, heat safety policy, and field protocols.

Dr. Elaine Choung-Hee Lee

A researcher at the University of Connecticut specializing in human performance, hydration, and thermoregulation.

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What they’re saying

“My passion for the study of exertional heat stroke started in 1985 when I suffered an exertional heat stroke while running a 10K race. It's become my ultimate goal to find ways to prevent needless tragedy during sport and physical activity, which is why I am honored to join Epicore Biosystems' Board of Scientific Advisors. They have created the first cloud-based wearable solution that not only alerts a user to the risk of fluid loss and dehydration, but also provides proactive recommendations based on their personalized data. The future of personalized performance and safety is here, and I'm excited to be a part of it.”

— Dr. Douglas Casa

“Epicore is uniquely positioned at the intersection of wearable technology and applied physiology. By rigorously validating sweat-based biomarkers and translating them into actionable insights, Epicore's platform has the potential to meaningfully improve safety, performance, and health across demanding environments. I'm excited to contribute to a science-first approach that brings proteomics and physiological understanding into everyday decision-making.”

— Dr. Elaine Lee

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lee and Dr. Casa to our Scientific Advisory Board. Their complementary expertise in heat-risk prevention and applied physiology strengthens our ability to deliver scientifically validated, real-time biomarker insights. With their guidance, Epicore will advance the safety and performance of athletes, industrial teams, and warfighters worldwide.”

— Dr. Roozbeh Ghaffari, CEO and Co-Founder, Epicore Biosystems

The takeaway

Epicore's appointments of leading experts in heat illness prevention and human performance highlight the company's commitment to scientifically validating its sweat-sensing wearables and translating those insights into real-world safety and health benefits for athletes, workers, and military personnel facing extreme environmental conditions.