Richard Thacker

Richard Thacker has a diverse work experience in various roles and industries. Richard is currently working as a Principal, Fermentation Engineer at X, the moonshot factory since May 2022. Prior to this, they were a Sr. Manager of Pilot Plant Operations at Nature's Fynd from May 2021 to May 2022. From November 2019 to May 2021, Richard served as a Director of Process R&D and Scale-up at Synata Bio.

Before their role at Synata Bio, Richard worked as the Director of Engineering at Trelys Inc. from March 2013 to October 2019. In this position, they were responsible for implementing and managing an analytical and fermentation program, as well as optimizing fermentation processes and increasing capacity. Richard also designed and installed infrastructure for bench-scale gas fermentations.

Richard's earlier experience includes working as a Fermentation Process Engineer at Eastman Chemical Company from November 2011 to November 2012 and as a Research Specialist at Tetra Vitae Bioscience from November 2009 to November 2011. Richard co-founded The Missing Lynx in 2010 and also worked as an Instructor at CDI from 2007 to 2009.

Richard's career started at Clemson University, where they worked as a Lab Manager from March 2007 to March 2008, overseeing the establishment and maintenance of a biomechanics research laboratory. Richard also managed a group of graduate students and coordinated a NASA funded pharmaceutical study.

Richard began their professional journey as a TEFL Volunteer in the Kyrgyz Republic with the Peace Corps from September 2004 to November 2006. During this time, they planned and implemented community outreach programs and led culture-based integration seminars for incoming volunteers.

Richard Thacker attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology from 1998 to 2002, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After a brief gap, they enrolled at Clemson University from 2004 to 2006 and pursued a Master of Science degree in Bioengineering.