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 managed significant projects, including the Crop Accelerator. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford and has extensive experience in agricultural operations and innovation.
Current Role 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 oversees various research initiatives and operational strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural innovation. Her leadership is instrumental in driving projects that align with the company's mission to transform the food system through technology and sustainability.
Previous Experience at Benson Hill
Prior to her current role, Lisa Newman worked at Benson Hill as the Senior Director of the Crop Accelerator from 2020 to 2023. During her tenure, she successfully delivered the Crop Accelerator project under budget and ahead of schedule, navigating challenges presented by the Covid pandemic. Her contributions significantly advanced the company's research capabilities.
Professional Background in Agriculture
Lisa Newman has extensive experience in the agricultural sector. She previously held the position of Chief Operations Officer at AeroFarms from 2016 to 2018, where she led the development and launch of the company's 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 from 2018 to 2019.
Education and Expertise
Lisa 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, completed between 1989 and 1993. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her work in research operations and agricultural innovation.
Key Projects and Achievements
During her time at DuPont Pioneer, Lisa Newman played a pivotal role in the design and construction of a fully automated greenhouse with precision phenotyping capabilities. Additionally, the Crop Accelerator project she led at Benson Hill was recognized as the #1 Top Points of Impact in 2022, highlighting its significance in the field of agricultural research.