Samantha Riches
Samantha is responsible for leading the SciTech research funding team. Areas of expertise: research funding, global network building, program management
Science & Technology
Nathan Ahlgrim
Nathan manages the Alt Protein Project, in which he empowers student groups around the globe to build the alternative protein field at their university. Areas of expertise: community-building, program operations, early career coaching, education, psychology, neuroscience
Amanda Bess
Amanda leads SciTech's technical analyses and supports strategic planning of future research focused on the tractability and sustainability of alternative protein technologies. Areas of expertise: environmental science, critical analysis, program management, strategic planning
Lucas Eastham
Lucas Eastham is focused on analyzing fermentation technologies, and progressing their applications in the alternative protein industry. Areas of expertise: microbial biotechnology, upstream strain and process development, downstream process development, bioprocess product commercialization
Adam Leman, Ph.D.
Adam is focused on engineering a new paradigm in food production. Areas of expertise: microbial fermentation, precision fermentation, molecular biology
Matt Hotze, Ph.D.
Matt oversees GFI's Science and Technology Department operations and advises on both U.S. and global strategy for developing the ideas, people, and funding we need to cultivate for alternative protein success. Areas of expertise: environmental impacts of the food system, nanotechnology, water treatment, science team building and leadership
Faraz Harsini, M.Sc., Ph.D., DipACLM
Faraz analyzes how best to scale the cultivated meat industry and ensure that products can enter and grow in the marketplace as quickly as possible. Areas of expertise: biotechnology, cultivated meat, technical analysis and research
Hanna Barlow
Hanna works with GFI’s university innovation team to support The Alt Protein Project. Areas of expertise: food systems and justice, environment, community-building, curriculum development, and improvisation
Asia Sheehab
Asia works with GFI’s university innovation team to support The Alt Protein Project. Areas of expertise: program coordination and operations, mentoring, food systems, nutrition research, community-building
Simone Costa, Ph.D.
Simone Costa oversees SciTech's technical solutions team to evaluate and advance technological readiness across alternative protein platforms. Areas of expertise: biomolecular and protein engineering, fermentation, cell biology, strategic planning
