Launched in January 2023, Kuvu Bio Solutions is working with the Toothpick Project to build the bioherbicide platform utilizing virulence-enhanced, host-specific fungal strains that target problematic weeds. The Toothpick Project has one of the first commercialized biological herbicides in the world (target is Striga witchweed, the worst pest threat to food security in Africa). This bioherbicide innovation is prime for further development with the global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of synthetic chemical pesticides used in agriculture today. We are seeing more and more weeds developing herbicide resistance, and synthetic chemical companies are looking for alternatives due to pressures by consumers and lawsuits. Finally, the time is right to build this platform. The technology is suitable and desirable for conventional, organic, and regenerative agricultural practices. Over the next three years, Kuvu will be isolating and selecting active agent fungal strains for a variety of weeds, including Orobanche (broomrape), Palmer amaranth (pigweed), thistle, bindweed, poa annual, etc.

Oversees programs and projects relating to agriculture biotechnology with particular attention to the Striga FoxyT14 Fusarium oxysporum project for maize and sorghum in sub-Saharan Africa (proof-of-concept funded by Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Exploration). Called The Toothpick Project, emphasis is on accessible technology transfer to smallholder farmers. The commercial pilot is through the social enterprise, The Toothpick Company, Ltd. (see listing below).Other projects concern nutritious crops, bioprecipitation, and plasmid curing. Serves as liaison between scientists, partner NGOs, and business partners.- Sankalp Africa Award Winner- MassChallenge 2024 Alumni Award Winner- Food Planet Prize Finalist 2023- Milken-Motsepe Prize in Agritech Finalist (inaugural prize 2022-2023)- UN World Food Program Innovation Portfolio 2022-present, Accelerator and Sprint 1 & 2- UN Best Small Business Winner: Good Food for All- DBU funding 2018-2024- UNDP Cultiv@te Programme, UNDP Ethiopia- ICGEB Harmonization of Biocontrol grant team- USAID innovation lab subawardee- MacArthur Foundation, Top 100, Bold Solutions Network- Biocontrol Africa 2020 presenter- Roddenberry Catalyst Fund 2020- XPrize Impact Roadmap Team: Future of Food, 2019- TEDxBozeman 2019- Moonshot Fellow 2018, Mozambique, Kravis Lab for Social Impact, Claremont McKenna College- 2017 $282,000 USDA NIFA grant for Research & Extension Experiences for Undergraduate (REEU) Fellowships to promote experiential learning for Native American undergraduates- Orhstrom Foundation grant (2017-18) - training of scientists from 12 African countries in the biocontrol of Striga- Blackstone Launchpad's 406Labs (1st accelerator in Montana, at Montana State University)- MassChallenge Finalist 2017- Buckminster Fuller Institute Catalyst Program, 2017- SOCAP18, SOCAP17 Social Entrepreneur- Partner: Montana Gluten Free Processors, Belgrade, MT (high protein oat company, GF farm to fork).

The Toothpick Company, Ltd. is a social enterprise based in Kakamega, Kenya, and serving smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. Our bioherbicide technology, trademarked Kichawi Kill in Kenya, is a safe, effective product utilizing locally-sourced fungi strains selected to kill the parasitic weed, Striga (witchweed). TCL partners include German NGO Welthungerhilfe and the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). In 2021, we received full commercial product registration approval by the Kenya Pest Control Products Board, making ours one of the FIRST BIOHERBICIDES TO BE COMMERCIALIZED IN THE WORLD. In June 2023, the Kenya Pest Control Products Board fast tracked approval our new seed coating iteration, allowing us reduce our price and rapidly expand distribution to now reach scale in Kenya by 2025. Phase 2 expansion efforts are now underway for Uganda, Ethiopia, and Cameroon.

In addition to the longterm board positions listed below, I have served as a consultant with an emphasis on nonprofit development strategies, event management, marketing, editing, and moderating/emceeing for organizations including Biotech Investments, Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project, the Starfish Foundation, Elk River Arts & Lectures/Elk River Writers Workshop, Irving Elementary School, Yellowstone Center, YTI, CDAI (Creators and Disseminators of Agricultural Innovation), Montana Gluten Free Processors, Montana State University President's Fine Arts Series, Destination Imagination, Iqra Fund, Warriors & Quiet Waters, Kestrel Aerial, Ultraviolet Productions (a documentary film production company), Global Midwife Education Fund, Extreme History Project, and numerous nonprofits in Portland, Oregon.Partner and shareholder at Montana Gluten Free Processors and JEDC.

Member of a small international team connecting religious leaders, scientists and conservation NGOs in conservation solutions. Projects were focused on Mongolia and Bhutan, with a US interfaith pollinator project. Strategic plan development, program development, grant writing, partnership building, media outreach, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, publications and communications, special events, and board relations.

Managed a team of staff, board members and volunteer committee members to develop fundraising and friend-raising events for the agency. These events raised $14 million in the five years I was with SEI.

Park County Friends of the Arts, Livingston, Montana. Founded the Danforth PCFA Film Festival. Curated and represented over 200 artists.