On Oct. 27, the ETSU Research Corporation will host a synthetic biology symposium at the Martin Center.
The event, “Growing the Future: Symposium on Innovation and Education for the Bioeconomy,” will include a gathering of many leaders from the sectors of government, technology, innovation and science.
David Golden, CEO of the Research Corporation and the Allen and Ruth Harris Chair of Excellence in the College of Business and Technology, discussed the campus mission and opportunities for symposium attendees.
“As part of the mission of ETSU, the university develops and maintains a world-class environment to enhance student success and improve the quality of life in the region and beyond,” Golden said. “A huge opportunity to achieve this vision is to pair a local expertise in manufacturing, fermentation, medicine and agriculture with global innovations in life science.”
There are notable leaders attending the symposium, from ETSU administration to philanthropists from major organizations.
The major thought-leaders in the bioeconomy attending include Dr. Thomas Tubon, chief workforce development officer from BioMADE; Dr. Bryan Greenhagen, of Gingko Bioworks; Dr. Kate Sixt, principal director for Biotechnology with the U.S. Department of Defense; and lastly, Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology faculty member and founder and executive director of BioBuilder.
The regional leaders who will be attending are Dr. Nancy Dishner, CEO and president of the Niswonger Foundation; Dr. Jeff McCord, president of Northeast State Community College; Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU provost and senior vice president for Academics; Dr. Linda Latimer, chair of the ETSU Board of Trustees; and ETSU’s own president, Dr. Brian Noland.
There are two special industry leaders: Niswonger Foundation philanthropist, Scott Niswonger, and CEO of Rugged American Spirits, Scott Andrew.
“We strongly believe these community stakeholders will shape and lead a world-class bioeconomy in the Appalachian Highlands,” Golden said.
The symposium is free of charge, although registration is required prior to attending. To register, visit https://etsuresearchcorporation.org.
