4 minutes with… Nelson Barton, Vice President R&D, Genomatica

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Genomatica is using biotechnology to provide the chemical industry with improved processes for the production of existing chemicals. Our processes are more sustainable and have better economics. They provide producers with increased feedstock flexibility and the potential for product differentiation.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

I am focused on doing whatever is necessary to help our project teams meet or exceed the technology goals we have established with our partners. These goals are on the critical path to a robust and differentiated process our partners can confidently and successfully take to commercialization. In addition, I am always looking to enhance our integrated technology platform to increase the speed and efficiency of process development.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?  

The industry needs to get a significant number of bioprocesses up and running at commercial scale. They need to operate safely and reliably, continuously creating value for producers.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change? 

Increase the pace of commercial adoption of these new processes.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?  

We need to create sustainable processes that will have a more positive impact on the environment.

Where are you from? 

I was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Northern California.

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

I majored in molecular biology at UC Berkeley. At the time, molecular biology was (and continues to be) an extremely exciting field.

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?

Caroline Schooley, who ran the electron microscope facility at Cal, was one of my earliest mentors. She got me a summer position at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) as an electron microscope technician. My two summers at the MBL were very memorable, exciting times and they solidified my path in research.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?  

Believe in the flexibility and diversity of biology. There is a solution. Your team will find a path forward.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?  

Swim, bike, run, fly fish

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island

Gravity’s Rainbow (might finally finish it!)

The Wind-up bird Chronicle

Photo album

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?  

Resource Revolution by Heck and Rogers

Mindset by Dweck

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?  

Kona