Physics alumna drives innovation in early cancer detection

Dana Salk is a Senior Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) engineer and chief information security officer at Clairity, where she secures personnel, physical and digital assets while developing innovative healthcare technology. Dana helped build Clairity Breast, the first FDA authorized AI platform that predicts one’s five-year breast cancer risk based on bilateral screening mammograms. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving early cancer detection, expanding access to equitable care, and shaping the future of predictive healthcare.

Dana earned a bachelor’s in physics with a minor in medical physics, equipping her with a strong technical foundation for her interdisciplinary career. Since joining Clairity in 2023, Dana has played a key role in bringing technology into clinical settings. Dana currently resides in Rogers, Minn., and she actively contributes to her community through blood donation and involvement with the Rogers Otsego Dayton Women of Today, supporting local initiatives and empowering women through service and leadership. Her professional and community impact reflects the qualities recognized by the MSUM Foundation 10 Under 10 Award. Dana is a 2026 awardee for her professional achievements, leadership, and purpose-driven work within just 10 years of graduation.