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Chris Wozniak, Ph.D.

Chris Wozniak is a biologist with the Environmental Protection Agency who specializes in the regulation and registration of microbial biopesticides, such as fungal pathogens of insects, and plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), such as maize and cotton engineered for insect resistance. As a scientific reviewer of PIPs, Wozniak specializes in human health toxicological assessment, product characterization, and issues related to gene flow from PIPs to indigenous flora.

Before joining the EPA in 1997 he worked for the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), conducting research on plant transformation techniques and biological control mechanisms for insects in sugarbeet. He still maintains a small research project with ARS, developing a novel fungal biocontrol agent for insect pests of sugarbeet and vegetables. After receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from Drake University, Wozniak completed his PhD at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing his research on cell differentiation and protein synthesis in plants. He has also worked as a postdoctoral research associate on the development of insect-resistant cotton and tissue-culture manipulation of sugarbeet. Other pursuits include gardening, mushroom hunting, and finding the best cup of coffee in Central America.

Biologist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency