Zachary Cowden

Zachary Cowden is a scientist fascinated by the intricate biological machines that define our world and yet remain unseen. Hailing from Chicago, Zach studied at Northwestern University before jumping headfirst into the world of industrial biotechnology. While working at LanzaTech, Zach helped create the first-ever biological route to ethylene glycol in a gas-fermenting bacterium, a process that enables recycling of waste carbon gases into a useful commodity chemical. His other professional endeavors have included microbial genetic engineering for DARPA biodefense / biosecurity solutions, founding a small bio startup, and even a stint investigation space radiation biology at NASA. Zach plans to apply his experience in synthetic biology and biocatalyst engineering towards the proposed research in an effort to bring about a transformational leap in the way we power biological processes.

September 2023