Dr. Sarah Glaven is a distinguished authority in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. She is a former senior biologist at the United States Naval Research Laboratory where she pioneered a field called electromicrobiology, the study of the interaction between microbes and electronic devices. Her research has used systems biology and synthetic biology to answer fundamental questions about biological systems significant to the marine environment and national security. She has collaborated extensively with the private sector through cooperative research and development agreements and patent licensing. Most recently, Dr. Glaven served as Principal Assistant Director for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She led the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative by establishing and chairing the National Bioeconomy Board. In this role she oversaw coordination and implementation of over $15 billion in federal funding across the executive branch, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Service, United State Department of Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation. She also worked with the Science Advisor to the President and the National Security Council to advise the President on all areas of the bioeconomy, including research and development, data, infrastructure, procurement, workforce, regulation, biosafety and biosecurity, international engagement, and national security.