Erik Holtzapple

Erik Holtzapple has a strong background in scientific research and development. Erik most recently held the position of Director of Research at Provenance Bio, starting in August 2022. Prior to that, they worked at Debut Biotechnology as a Senior Scientist from October 2020 to June 2022. Erik also served as a Senior Research Scientist at Genomatica from June 2019 to September 2020 and as a Strain Development Senior Scientist at Nucelis LLC from October 2015 to June 2019.

Earlier in their career, they were a Senior Research Associate II at the University of California San Diego from January 2015 to September 2015. In this role, they designed and conducted experiments to identify novel protein-protein interactions. Before that, they were a Senior Scientist at Intrexon Corporation from May 2013 to August 2014, where they focused on tool development and promoter characterization in methanotroph systems.

From November 2009 to October 2012, Holtzapple worked at Synthetic Genomics as a Scientist II. Erik contributed to the creation and validation of novel lipogenic pathways in cyanobacteria species, identification of novel efflux pumps in E. coli, and characterization of metabolic pathways associated with neutral lipid accumulation in eukaryotic algal strains. Erik also developed enzymatic assays and utilized RNAi/antisense RNA for knockdown of native competing metabolic pathways.

Earlier in their career, Holtzapple served as a Scientist I - Molecular Biologist at AgraQuest from June 2008 to November 2009, where they established molecular biology platform tools, designed anti-fungal synergy assays, and provided molecular biology support. Erik also gained experience as a Graduate Student at the University of Minnesota from August 2002 to July 2008, focusing on the characterization of enzymes from hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacteria.

Holtzapple began their research career as a Research Associate III at The Institute for Genomic Research from October 1997 to August 2002.

Overall, Holtzapple has an extensive and diverse work experience in scientific research, with a focus on biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic manipulation.

Erik Holtzapple completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology at Clemson University from 1993 to 1997. Erik then pursued a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology at The Johns Hopkins University from 1998 to 2001. Lastly, Erik attended the University of Minnesota from 2002 to 2008, where they obtained their Ph.D. in Biochemistry.