What did you do before this?

I started my career at Symyx Technologies, a company which was dedicated to bringing high throughput (HTP) experimentation to material science. During the 13 years I was there, I helped develop novel HTP instrumentation, methodology and software for the synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials and their properties. Also, as the Director of Polymer Chemistry, I oversaw the utilization of our HTP workflows toward the discovery and optimization of new materials in a broad range of application areas such as home and personal care, electronics, construction, and pharma. After departing from Symyx, I became involved in the renewable chemicals sector, leading a team of researchers focused on developing new materials from biorenewable feedstocks.

Why did you come here?

I was attracted to working at Zymergen for the opportunity to help expand the pallet of building blocks available to material scientists beyond what the petrochemical industry currently provides, thus opening the door to a new wave of materials innovation. I was also really drawn by the culture of clear and straightforward communication which embodies Zymergen.

What’s your work at Zymergen really like?

Most of my time is spent thinking about the molecules that biology can make and the multitude of polymeric materials which can be built from them. A big piece of this is done by interacting with material science innovators around the globe, discussing the opportunities which our platform can deliver and co-developing plans to screen molecules and develop products. My role at Zymergen also extends to contract negotiations, relationship management and project management as these interactions proceed.

What do you like most about your role?

Learning and helping others! Being a chemist in a “sea of biologists” gives me a multitude of opportunities to learn new things. Also, while I do have a very broad background in materials innovation, there are so many products in the market that there are always new chemistries, performance attributes, and opportunities to learn about. Finally, I find that there are many places within the work that Zymergen does where my chemistry background can be helpful, thus allowing me to working with the Development team and make a difference beyond my defined role.

What do you like to do outside of work?

You will often find me in my yard working with plants. When I’m not doing that I like to go on walks in the hills, do woodworking, and do various forms of art with my daughter.