Stephen M. Techtmann named Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor at CFAES

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Stephen M. Techtmann has been appointed to a five-year term as the Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), effective Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030. This appointment is subject to approval by the Ohio State Board of Trustees.

Techtmann brings a deep interdisciplinary background in environmental microbiology, systems biology and computational biology to the role, along with a strong commitment to advancing student innovation and discovery.

"Dr. Techtmann's expertise in microbial community engineering, coupled with his enthusiasm for discovery-based learning, makes him an outstanding choice for this position," said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. "His work aligns closely with our mission to prepare students to translate research into real-world solutions that benefit Ohio's environment, economy and communities."

Previously, Techtmann served as associate director of the Great Lakes Research Center and as associate professor of environmental microbiology at Michigan Technological University. He also directed the Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology program in Michigan Tech's Department of Biological Sciences. Techtmann holds a PhD in molecular and cell biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

His research explores the rules that govern microbial community behavior, with the goal of informing the design of microbial systems that improve environmental quality and promote sustainable food and material production. By integrating omics and systems biology, Techtmann's work contributes to advances in contaminant remediation, ecosystem resilience and bio-based innovation.

The Engineering Entrepreneurship Professorship was established on May 19, 2022, through gifts from an anonymous donor who believes discovery, entrepreneurship and commercialization are vital to improving quality of life. The position is designed to promote entrepreneurial experiences for students, helping them understand the pathway from discovery to commercialization, while providing exposure to industry mentors and start-up strategies.

The Engineering Entrepreneurship Professorship is intended to foster entrepreneurial education that equips both graduate and undergraduate students with the skills and knowledge needed to commercialize research, develop startups and engage with industry leaders. Through this role, Techtmann will support experiential learning opportunities that connect academic discovery with practical application.