Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Consultant

Consultant #1069

Molecular Genetics including recombinant DNA technology and PCR.
Expression cloning; gene expression/protein production.
Mutagenesis.
Metabolic engineering.
Directed evolution.
Protein and DNA sequence analysis.
Biocatalytic synthesis of chemicals
High throughput bioassay development
Biosensors.
Microbiology.
Phylogenetic analysis of microbial populations.
Bioremediation of contaminated soils and water.
Lab scale models of wastewater treatment systems.
Development and direction of biotechnology and bioremediation R&D programs.
Business development, market research and technical and economic analysis of bioprocesses.

Independent Consultant - Biotechnology 2003 to present

Market and technology research, proposal development, economic and engineering guidance, R&D strategic planning and stewardship, intellectual property development, advocacy.
Visiting Scientist, Princeton University: Structure and function of ferritin and ferritin like proteins.

ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, Corporate Strategic Research

Program Leader of Biotechnology Research 2000-2003

Coordinated a multidisciplinary team evaluating and prioritizing chemical candidates accessible by biotechnology with greater than $100 million earning potential.
Organized meetings of experts from leading biotechnology companies to provide intelligence for the prioritization of lead development candidates.
Performed process and economic analyses for lead biotechnology candidates and developed proposals for the technical, strategic, and economic requirements for commercialization.
Directed internal and external research programs developing high throughput screening technology for the isolation and characterization of hydroxylation biocatalysts.

Program Leader of Environmental & Bioprocessing Research 1996-1999

Identified strategic research opportunities and provide intelligence on biotechnology industry and trends.
Developed internal and external research programs and performed economic and engineering guidance analysis in the areas of hydrocarbon oxidation for chemical biosynthesis, biodesulfurization, wastewater treatment, and hydrocarbon bioremediation.

Program Leader of Bioprocessing Research 1993-1996

Developed and stewarded research programs and managed research personnel. Responsible to senior management for the assessment of opportunities and external developments in biotechnology.
Research areas: Biodesulfurization and selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to value added chemicals.

Senior Microbiologist 1990-1993

Established a bioprocessing research laboratory and developed research programs with affiliate laboratories. Presented research results and program plans to upper and senior management.
Research areas: Biological desulfurization of fossil fuels, biodegradation of crude oil components, Azotobacter vinelandii bacterioferritin structure and function.

Postdoctoral Research Associate and Non-regular employee 1988-1990

Developed and performed research on the mechanisms and methods for hydrocarbon bioremediation, E. coli molybdenum metabolism and A. vinelandii bacterioferritin structure and function.
Performed field research and acted as scientific advisor for the joint Exxon/EPA/ADEC Valdez oil spill bioremediation program.

Hydrocarbon Research Inc. - Research Assistant 1980-1983

Member of a team that developed and patented a novel continuous ethanol fermentation. Ran a fixed bed lignin-hydrocracking unit and performed HPLC and GC analysis of products.
Performed analysis of sulfur contaminants in refinery feed streams on field assignment to the Esso Aruba refinery.

Numerous publications, U.S. Patents, presentations, and external programs stewarded.

Ph.D. Microbiology/Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, Waksman Institute of Microbiology