Founder introductions Pt. 2
This introduction needs to be prefaced with this: Vernon was not at all keen on the format of these introductions, but since Sarah is particularly good at nagging, he eventually obliged with a very brief (read: unbelievably brief) interview. As such, Sarah has provided a little more insight on our enigmatic CSO at the end.
Vernon’s marine biotech lab has been working on abalone as a non-model study organism for the last 12 years.
1. Give us a bit more insight into your background and why you went into marine biotech.
After completing my PhD degree at the University of Cape Town, I took up a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland where I undertook research into the role of melanin and the intermediate L-DOPA, produced by bacteria associated with biofilms in the Chesapeake Bay, in attracting oyster larval settlement and metamorphosis. After taking up an academic position in Cape Town, I continued in this line of research as the aquaculture industry was slowly becoming commercially viable and I felt that marine biotechnology could be used to address various obstacles faced by the abalone aquaculture industry. This also provided my graduate students with the opportunity to undertake pioneering research that had real-world application, something that they found highly motivating.
2. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Being able to speed read like Superman. The massive increase in information is mind-boggling. It would be great to be able to flip through pages of information and be able to recall the info whenever needed.
3. What are you looking forward to most once you retire at the end of 2023?
No longer having to grade undergraduate examinations and tests, and to no longer have to deal with university bureaucracy.
Vernon in a nutshell - by Sarah
Since Vernon was my PhD supervisor while I was at university, I would say that we have developed a good friendship. He was an incredible support during my studies. One thing people may not know is that he is rather hilarious, though fair-warning - his humour is particularly dry. It took me a while to understand it but he is a proper hoot!
He has excellent taste in music (except for jazz - I am not a fan) and you’d be surprised just how cool he is. For someone who may seem grumpy on the outside, he is rather relaxed and easy-going.
One of the things I believe Vernon should do is to write a book on his experiences in life - he has some absolutely bonkers stories from his travels, being an academic, and his research days. You wouldn’t believe some of them, and they will have you in stitches!
I reckon we make a great team as founders. There is definitely a good balance between my nuttiness and excessive amounts of energy, and his mellow and systematic approach to getting things done. Vernon is definitely someone worth knowing and getting to know. He is a great business partner and an even better friend. And it’s been one heck of a ride so far with our company.
