Biography: John Cumbers
John Cumbers has a strong background in the synthetic biology industry as founder of SynBioBeta, a global activity hub and community of entrepreneurs, thoughtleaders and investors. He has earned several degrees, including a PhD in molecular biology from Brown University as well as a masters degree in bioinformatics from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Hull in England. John is passionate about education and on the use and adoption of biological technologies. He has received multiple awards and grants from NASA and the National Academy of Sciences for his work in the field. John has been involved in multiple startups producing food for space and using microbes to extract lunar and martian resources. He worked at NASA for seven years working on the issues of resource utilization, extremophiles and sustainable technologies. He was instrumental in starting NASA’s program in synthetic biology and most recently, the lead for planetary sustainability at the NASA Space Portal. A super connector, community builder and consultant, John has devoted himself to helping those around him improve themselves and gain the resources that they need to break through scientific boundaries and succeed.