Peter Carlson, PhD

Peter Carlson provides a broad range of knowledge with his 40 years of experience in research development in the ag biotech and pharma industries. Peter has directed and participated in research efforts of several worldwide seed and agrochemical companies. He co-founded several biotechnology companies including Crop Genetics International, NOVASCREEN Biosciences Corporation and Phytologic Systems LLC. He has delivered EPA regulated agricultural products to the marketplace. Prior to his career in business, Peter was the John Hannah Professor of Agriculture at Michigan State University. He received the Ph.D. in biology from Yale University.

 

Ellen Dierenfeld, PhD

Ellen Dierenfeld, PhD brings to Plant Sensory Systems extensive expertise in Comparative Animal Nutrition and Global Sustainable Agriculture, with over 20 years experience in basic and applied animal nutrition research. Ellen has managed several sustainable agriculture initiatives in six continents focusing on local feed ingredient utilization and alternative animal protein production. She was the Director of the Wildlife Nutrition Center at the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Manager of the Global Sustainability Programs at Novus International, Inc. Ellen has published over 120 articles on animal nutrition and sustainable agriculture and has co-authored the book, “Comparative Animal Nutrition and Metabolism”. She received the PhD in animal nutrition from Cornell University.

 

Duke Leahey, MA

Duke Leahey brings extensive expertise in strategic alliance building, negotiations, technology licensing, and international contracts. Duke is President at Life Science Alliances, a consulting company that builds strategic alliances of science-based companies, negotiates licensing agreements, and performs intellectual property assessments and valuations. He is also a Founding Partner at Nidus Investment Partners. Duke was formerly CEO at Venganza Inc, Director, Global R&D Contracts at Pfizer Inc, Director of the Technology Alliances Team at Monsanto and the Director of Technology at Washington University. He has successfully negotiated hundreds of technology licenses for over 30 pharmaceutical, agricultural and medical science companies.