DBX Welcomes Dr. Neal Connors as Chief Scientific Officer

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Neal Connors as the new Chief Scientific Officer at Dakota BioWorx. With four decades of experience in the bioprocess field, Dr. Connors brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse expertise that will significantly enhance our commitment to innovation and excellence in the biotechnology sector.

‍Who is Dr. Neal Connors?
‍Dr. Connors is a renowned industrial microbiologist with extensive experience in bioprocess development for bioactive natural products, enzymes, therapeutic proteins, and vaccines. His impressive background includes senior leadership and consulting roles that position Dakota BioWorx as a key player in the rapidly evolving biotechnology landscape.“I have spent my entire professional career – as an employee and consultant – helping individual companies develop and launch biobased products,” said Dr. Connors. “As the Chief Scientific Officer at Dakota BioWorx, I can have a broader impact on biomanufacturing and the bioeconomy by supporting many small companies transition their ideas from the lab to commercial reality. When I toured the Dakota BioWorx facility, my first thought was that the Bio Leadership Coalition has created a biomanufacturing 'jewel' here in Brookings. It is a well-thought-out, purpose-built facility, staffed with a first-rate team, and I look forward to sharing what Dakota BioWorx has to offer with my industrial biotech colleagues. It is also a full-circle opportunity for me. I spent the first 10 years of my professional career working in Merck & Co’s fermentation pilot plant in Rahway, NJ, and I am looking forward to being a part of that environment again.”
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‍What This Means for Dakota BioWorx
‍Located in Brookings, South Dakota, Dakota BioWorx is dedicated to helping businesses develop and commercialize plant-based biotech innovations. Our state-of-the-art bioprocess facility features advanced technical resources that foster collaboration among top scientists and innovators to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.Dr. Connor’s appointment is a significant step forward for Dakota BioWorx as he focuses on advancing bioprocess development, scaling up operations, and fostering education and workforce development in the biomanufacturing sector. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the protection of our clients’ intellectual property while driving our mission to innovate.

‍Building Strong Partnerships
‍Dakota BioWorx is made possible by the visionary support of the Bio Leadership Coalition, which includes South Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines, POET, the South Dakota Corn Growers, the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, the Research Park of SDSU, and South Dakota Biotech. This coalition provides clients comprehensive support throughout the innovation process, including access to private lab space, expert guidance, and cutting-edge equipment to facilitate the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new products.

‍Looking Ahead
‍As we embark on this exciting new chapter with Dr. Connors, we are eager to see how his expertise will help us grow and make a meaningful impact in the biotechnology industry and beyond.Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead in the bioeconomy!