Shayna Fertig
Shayna Fertig is our Senior Advisor to the President, working to build out GFI’s high level relationships. Areas of expertise: strategy development, project management, data analytics, food industry
Team Member
Amanda Bess
Amanda leads SciTech's technical analyses and supports strategic planning of future research focused on the tractability and sustainability of alternative protein technologies. Areas of expertise: environmental science, critical analysis, program management, strategic planning
Daniel Gertner
Daniel identifies market opportunities and analyzes the alternative protein industry landscape. Areas of expertise: research and analysis, economics
Lucas Eastham
Lucas Eastham is focused on analyzing fermentation technologies, and progressing their applications in the alternative protein industry. Areas of expertise: microbial biotechnology, upstream strain and process development, downstream process development, bioprocess product commercialization
Adam Leman, Ph.D.
Adam is focused on engineering a new paradigm in food production. Areas of expertise: microbial fermentation, precision fermentation, molecular biology
Matt Hotze, Ph.D.
Matt Hotze serves as a leading learner who oversees operations of the Science & Technology Department; he identifies and removes roadblocks as the team builds out the ever-expanding map of alternative protein research. Areas of expertise: team building and leadership, nanotechnology, water treatment, scientific publishing, e-biking across Houston
Liz Fathman
Liz leads the editorial and engagement team within Comms to steward and strengthen GFI’s owned and social channels, earned media work, and events and community engagement. Areas of expertise: strategic communications, content creation and storytelling, publishing, ethnography, small-scale agriculture, regional food production
Faraz Harsini, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Faraz analyzes how best to scale the cultivated meat industry and ensure that products can enter and grow in the marketplace as quickly as possible. Areas of expertise: biotechnology, cultivated meat, technical analysis and research
Chethana Biliyar
Chethana Biliyar is responsible for Collaborative Assistance Team (CAT) department management and oversight of administration, finance, IT, and people operations. Areas of expertise: administration, finance, policy and procedure implementation, training, USG international procurement and grants management
Curt Chaffin, J.D.
Curt contributes to creating a better future of food by inspiring and growing our policy team. Areas of expertise: strategic planning, management, environmental law
