Sean Simpson
About Sean Simpson
Sean Simpson is the Founder of LanzaTech, where he explores the application of AI to enhance the commercial potential of the company's gas fermentation platform. He has a strong academic background in biology and genetics, holding a PhD from the University of York and has played a key role in developing synthetic biology capabilities for sustainable production.
Work at LanzaTech
Sean Simpson is the Founder of LanzaTech, a company focused on gas fermentation technology. He has played a significant role in the organization since its inception in 2005, serving as both Founder and Chief Scientific Officer until 2023. In this capacity, he was instrumental in pioneering advancements in synthetic biology for gas fermenting microorganisms. After a transition period, he continues to serve as Founder at LanzaTech in Auckland, New Zealand, where he explores the application of artificial intelligence to enhance the commercial potential of the gas fermentation platform.
Education and Expertise
Sean Simpson holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology/Biological Sciences from the University of York. He also earned a Master's degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Nottingham, where he studied from 1994 to 1995. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Process Biotechnology from Teesside University, completed from 1990 to 1994. This educational background provides him with a strong foundation in biological sciences and biotechnology, contributing to his expertise in gas fermentation and synthetic biology.
Background
Sean Simpson has a background that spans over two decades in the field of biotechnology and synthetic biology. He began his academic journey at Teesside University, followed by advanced studies at the University of Nottingham and the University of York. His professional career has been primarily associated with LanzaTech, where he has contributed to the development of innovative technologies aimed at producing sustainable fuels, chemicals, and proteins through gas fermentation.
Achievements
During his tenure at LanzaTech, Sean Simpson led the development of a complete synthetic biology capability for gas fermenting microorganisms. He was pivotal in scaling up gas fermentation as a viable production platform for sustainable products. His work has positioned LanzaTech as a leader in the field of sustainable biotechnology, contributing to advancements in the production of fuels, chemicals, and proteins from waste gases.