We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Prof. Karen A. McDonald (Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California) as the recipient of the 2026 ACS BIOT B&B Gaden Award.
In her featured talk, “Biomanufacturing Process Modelling at Scale: A Valuable Tool for Strategic Process Research and Development,” Karen tackled one of the biggest challenges in modern biotech: how to make big ideas—like cultivated meat—actually work in the real world.
Her work shines a light on the importance of Techno-economic analysis (TEA). By identifying economic and environmental “hotspots,” she shows us how to make biomanufacturing not just scientifically possible, but commercially and sustainably viable. Perhaps most inspiring is her dedication to the next generation, advocating for these critical modeling skills to be taught in undergraduate and graduate classrooms.
This is well-deserved recognition for a visionary who is bridging the gap between the lab bench and the market. Congratulations, Karen!
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