Lisa J. Newman, PhD
About Lisa J. Newman, PhD
Lisa J. Newman, PhD, serves as the Senior Director of Research Operations at Benson Hill, where she has successfully led the Crop Accelerator project. With a strong background in plant sciences and significant leadership roles in various agricultural companies, she has contributed to advancements in indoor farming and automated greenhouse technologies.
Work at Benson Hill
Lisa J. Newman serves as the Senior Director of Research Operations at Benson Hill, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she has successfully delivered the Crop Accelerator project, which was recognized as the #1 Top Points of Impact in 2022. Newman's leadership ensured that the project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule, despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. Prior to her current role, she was the Senior Director of the Crop Accelerator from 2020 to 2023.
Previous Experience in Agritech
Before joining Benson Hill, Lisa J. Newman held significant roles in various organizations within the agritech sector. She was the Chief Operations Officer at AeroFarms from 2016 to 2018, where she led the development and launch of the inaugural commercial farm, which was the largest indoor vertical farm in North America at that time. She also served as Chief Operations Officer at Beta Hatch for nine months in 2018-2019. Additionally, Newman contributed to the design and construction of a fully automated greenhouse with precision phenotyping capabilities during her tenure at DuPont Pioneer.
Education and Expertise
Lisa J. Newman earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford, where she studied from 1997 to 2001. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology from Cornell College, which she completed from 1989 to 1993. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in plant sciences, enhancing her expertise in research operations and agritech development.
Career Timeline
Lisa J. Newman's career spans several key positions in the agritech industry. She began her professional journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences. After her studies, she worked at DuPont Pioneer, where she played a pivotal role in greenhouse automation. She then served as Chief Operations Officer at AeroFarms and Beta Hatch before returning to Benson Hill in various capacities, culminating in her current role as Senior Director of Research Operations.