Moira Gunn, PhD, Host, BioTech Nation

Dr. Moira Gunn produces and hosts the weekly public radio program, Tech Nation, which has been under contract to NPR for twenty years. Today, this programming airs on public radio stations and other venues, both domestic and international, as well as via podcast on Apple, NPROne, and Spotify, among others.

Since 2004, Tech Nation has produced the regular segment: BioTech Nation, which brings the general listening public insight into the bioentrepreneur's journey from the lab bench to a commercial product. With that, listeners are able to understand more about what science is telling us as well as more about what is possible in the coming years. This audience includes biotech industry professionals, scientists, investors, advocates, and more. The presumption is that plain speaking serves everyone. In this capacity, Dr. Gunn has interviewed over 1,000 CEO’s, scientist-entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policymakers, and visionary leaders in the biotech field.

Dr. Gunn is also a Professor at the University of San Francisco, when she is the Director of Bioentrepreneurship, driving a complement of graduate courses open to graduate students across the university. Dr. Gunn holds a BS in Computer Science, and both an MS in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. A former NASA engineer and scientist, her book “Welcome to BioTech Nation … My Unexpected Odyssey into the Land of Small Molecules, Lean Genes, and Big Ideas” was cited by the Library Journal on its “Best Science Books” list. Her recognitions include the National Science Board’s Public Service Award to the Individual for her "contributions to the public understanding of science and engineering", as well as an honorary Doctor of Science from Purdue University.

Dr. Gunn frequently works with and speaks to biotech professionals on how to make their language "mainstream ready".

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