The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced April 1 that Sam Jackson, PhD, has joined its team as the Director of the Greening the Southeast (GSE) project, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines development award.

In his new role, Jackson will lead efforts to build a coalition of research, development and commercialization partners across the region to secure NSF Regional Innovations Engines funding. Future funding through the NSF Engines program would support the advancement of the biobased economy in the region, specifically products derived from perennial grass crops for use in the automotive, building materials, and packaging industries.

“We’re excited to welcome Sam to the HudsonAlpha team,” said Neil Lamb, PhD, president of HudsonAlpha. “We believe his background and experience in crops and biobased product commercialization will increase the rate of HudsonAlpha’s growth in this area.”

Jackson joins HudsonAlpha with more than 20 years of experience in the production of sustainable biomass crops and the use of those materials in bioproducts. He spent the last 15 years at Genera, a Tennessee-based company focused on sustainable plant-based packaging and biobased products that regenerate the earth.

Jackson held various leadership positions at Genera, most recently serving as vice president of Feedstocks and Supply Chain. During his tenure there, he helped build the nation’s leading biomass feedstock supply chain to supply a variety of industries. Before Genera, Jackson held a research appointment at the University of Tennessee, and he still serves as an adjunct faculty member for UT’s Center for Renewable Carbon.

Originally from West Virginia, Jackson earned his PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Tennessee.