James Rogers
About James Rogers
James Rogers is the Founder and CEO of Apeel Sciences, where he has developed innovative agricultural preservation technologies. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Santa Barbara Foundation and is recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Work at Apeel
James Rogers serves as the Founder and CEO of Apeel Sciences, a position he has held since 2012. Under his leadership, the company has developed a technology that utilizes advances in materials science to innovate agricultural preservation methods. This technology aims to enhance the shelf life of produce, thereby transforming traditional practices in the agricultural sector. Rogers has been pivotal in introducing sustainable solutions that minimize the need for refrigeration, contributing to a more efficient food supply chain.
Education and Expertise
James Rogers earned a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, completing his degree in 2007. He furthered his education at UC Santa Barbara, where he obtained a PhD in Materials Science from 2012. Additionally, he studied Economics at UC Santa Barbara, achieving a Master of Arts in 2012. His academic background in materials science and economics underpins his expertise in developing innovative solutions for the agricultural industry.
Background
Prior to founding Apeel Sciences, James Rogers held various positions that contributed to his professional development. He worked as an Engineer in Brake Systems at ArvinMeritor for three months in 2005 and served as a Software Engineer at comScore, Inc. for four months in 2007. He also gained research experience as a Visiting Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2006 and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 2009. His diverse background in engineering and research has informed his approach to innovation in agriculture.
Achievements
James Rogers has been recognized for his contributions to the agricultural industry through his role at Apeel Sciences. He has been instrumental in developing post-harvest preservation techniques that reduce reliance on refrigeration, thereby promoting sustainability. In addition to his work at Apeel, he has been involved with the Santa Barbara Foundation as a Board of Trustees member since 2020 and has participated as a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum since the same year. He also sits on the Innovation Committee of the International Fresh Produce Association.