Colin Shepherd

Colin Shepherd began their career in 2002 as a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University, where they conducted research on the design, activity, and function of synthetic chimeric promoters and how they affect gene expression patterns. In 2006, they founded and became President and CEO of AimsBio, where they developed novel biosensors for use in plant breeding nutritional assays. Colin reduced assay time by 50% per sample and increased diversity of analysis, signing 50 clients that represented small and large biotech companies. In 2009, Colin returned to PhylloTech, LLC as COO. PhylloTech is a biopesticide developer and plant biotechnology company, and Colin worked to create the largest library of enzymes for biopesticide use, as well as develop new techniques for the sustainable bioproduction of proteins and other biochemicals in plants. In 2011, Colin became Chief Operating Officer of Siva Therapeutics Inc, where they worked on developing a safe and effective approach to cancer treatment using the localized photothermal treatment of tumors with targeted gold nanorods and NIR light. Finally, in 2014, Colin returned to PhylloTech, LLC as Chief Operating Officer.

Colin Shepherd began their educational journey in 1998 when they earned a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Kentucky. From 2002 to 2007, they continued their studies at Iowa State University, where they earned a PhD in Genetics. Colin also attended Iowa State University's Ivy College of Business from 2006 to 2008, where they earned an MBA.