Daniel Gertner
Daniel analyzes the alternative protein industry landscape and identifies gaps and opportunities in the sector. Areas of expertise: alternative protein market landscape, research and analysis, food and agricultural economics
Team Member
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 oversees GFI's Science and Technology Department operations and advises on both U.S. and global strategy for developing the ideas, people, and funding we need to cultivate for alternative protein success. Areas of expertise: environmental impacts of the food system, nanotechnology, water treatment, science team building and leadership
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., DipACLM
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 shapes the role of innovative food and agriculture in the growing bio-based economies around the world. Areas of expertise: food and agriculture policy, coalition building, strategic development, regional growth, biotechnology and biomanufacturing
Mike Dixon
Mike supports financial oversight to ensure accuracy, transparency, and mission viability. Areas of expertise: financial reporting and budgeting, QuickBooks, accounting
Penny Eastman
Penny helps to create a sustainable, secure, and just food system by advancing alternative proteins in Congress. Areas of expertise: government relations, lobbying, legislation
