Biography of Jordan Koehn

Jordan Koehn, PhD, is a co-founder of ForagR Medicines, alongside fellow scientists Kevin Weeks, PhD, and Andrea Epperly, PhD. Launched in 2024, ForagR Medicines is an innovative biotechnology company committed to developing RNA-targeted small-molecule therapeutics aimed at significantly improving human health. In his role as Head of Platform and Chemical Genomics, he leads the company’s cutting-edge drug discovery platform, translating groundbreaking research into real-world applications. His scientific leadership underpins ForagR’s mission to develop effective RNA-based therapies for complex diseases, providing solutions where traditional drugs have fallen short.

Pioneering Biotechnology Through Research and Discovery

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Jordan has pursued innovative solutions to pressing health challenges, positioning himself as a leader in biotechnology. During his postdoctoral tenure at the University of North Carolina (UNC) with Dr. Kevin Weeks, he spearheaded the creation of transcriptome-wide RNA-ligand discovery technology. This breakthrough evolved into ForagR’s proprietary drug discovery platform, enabling the identification of RNA structural elements crucial to biological function. By characterizing smallmolecule ligands that bind and regulate these RNA structures, he has unveiled new therapeutic possibilities, driving the development of novel medicines targeting complex diseases

Developing RNA-Targeted Therapeutics

Koehn’s research focuses on small-molecule therapeutics that target RNA, a robust approach when conventional protein-targeted drugs prove inadequate. He has specialized in molecular and

cellular biology, RNA structural biology, and high-throughput chemical genomics. By combining small-molecule synthesis with advanced chemical biology, he has positioned RNA as a viable drug target. His expertise has not only shaped the ForagR drug discovery platform but also led to innovative collaborations with the BASF Corporation, applying RNA-targeting technologies to develop crop protection agents and insecticides. His work reflects a seamless blend of scientific rigor and practical applications in health and agriculture

Academic and Professional Foundations

Jordan Koehn earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Minnesota Morris. During his undergraduate years, he gained valuable research experience in fields ranging from asymmetric synthesis and enzyme analogs to renewable agriculture-based hydrocarbon fuels. This broad exposure to both chemistry and biology sparked his passion for interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing global challenges. He pursued his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Colorado State University, where he conducted research in Dr. Debbie Crans’ laboratory. His doctoral work included studies on electron transport lipids that influence the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the exploration of vanadium(V) complexes as anti-cancer agents.

Postdoctoral Innovations and Scientific Leadership

Following the completion of his PhD in 2019, Dr. Koehn joined Dr. Kevin Weeks’ laboratory at UNC Chapel Hill as a postdoctoral fellow. During this time, he refined and applied transcriptomewide technologies to discover RNA-ligand interactions. His postdoctoral research, supported by the NIH Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Fellowship, transformed our understanding of RNA function by identifying RNA motifs suitable for small-molecule modulation. These innovations now form the scientific backbone of ForagR Medicines, driving its efforts to develop RNA-targeted therapies for human health

Research Grants and Collaborations

Over the past four years, Jordan has secured several prestigious research grants and fellowships. His work with BASF Corporation, valued at $450,000, focused on identifying RNA-ligand interactions for crop protection. Additionally, he received the NIH NRSA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship, supporting his research on bacterial RNA targets. As a member of UNC Lineberger’s postdoctoral training program, he advanced his expertise in cancer model systems and ‘omics technologies. His ability to bridge fundamental research with practical outcomes underscores his reputation as an innovative and impactful scientist.

A Prolific Contributor to Scientific Work

Koehn has published 18 scientific articles in the following areas: (i) small-molecule modulation of RNA biology (ii) structural factors in electron transport lipids that influence Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, and (iii) short-lived cytotoxic vanadium metal complexes as potential cancer therapeutics.

Some of his published work with co-authors includes: “Fingerprinting Tertiary Structure in Complex RNAs Using Single-molecule Correlated Chemical Probing,” “Innovations in Targeting RNA by Fragment-based Ligand Discovery,” “Electron Transport Lipids Fold within Membrane-like Interfaces,” “Investigating Substrate Analogs for Mycobacterial MenJ: Truncated and Partially Saturated Menaquinones,” “Synthesis and Characterization of PartiallyandFullySaturatedMenaquinoneDerivatives,” “ASyntheticIsoprenoidLipoquinone, Menaquinone-2, Adopts a Folded Conformation in Solution and at a Model Membrane Interface,” “Halogenated Non-innocent Vanadium(V) Schiff Base Complexes: Chemical and Anti-proliferative Properties,” “Vanadium Chloro-substituted Schiff Base Catecholate Complexes are Reducible, Lipophilic, Water Stable, and Have Anticancer Activities,” “Hydrophobicity May Enhance Membrane Affinity and Anti-Cancer Effects of Schiff Base Vanadium(V) Catecholate Complexes,” “A Short-lived but Highly Cytotoxic Vanadium(V) Complex as a Potential Drug Lead for Brain Cancer Treatment by Intratumoral Injections.”

Mentorship and Educational Impact

Jordan Koehn’s commitment to mentoring and education is a core part of his professional identity. He has guided over 20 undergraduate students and numerous graduate and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment. His mentees have earned co-authorship on scientific publications and received awards for their research contributions. His passion for teaching extends to his time as an instructor of Organic Chemistry at Colorado State University, where he created an engaging learning experience that inspired future scientists. His dedication to mentorship reflects his belief in nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of researchers

Professional Service and Community Engagement

Koehn’s contributions to the scientific community extend beyond the laboratory. As a member of UNC Lineberger’s postdoctoral committee, he played a crucial role in organizing research events and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations. His involvement in the Annual Postdoc-Faculty Day and other professional activities highlights his commitment to fostering a dynamic research community.

Personal Background and Community Values

Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and raised in Willmar, Minnesota, Jordan developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, spending much of his childhood exploring the family’s 40-acre farm. Growing up in a creative and industrious household with a banker father and an artist mother, he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and creativity. These principles continue to guide his personal and professional life. In 2018, he married his wife, and they now reside in Durham, North Carolina, where they recently celebrated the birth of their son

Outside of his professional commitments, Koehn enjoys fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, and exploring nature. His love for cooking, reading, and music reflects his curiosity and zest for life. Deeply rooted in community values, he actively supports local initiatives, including Sprouts Farmers Market’s nutrition education programs. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts and judged student research competitions at Colorado State University, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the communities that shaped his journey

Ongoing Contributions and Future Impact

Dr. Jordan Koehn’s scientific career is defined by a passion for solving complex problems through biotechnology. With ForagR Medicines poised to redefine RNA-targeted therapeutics, his leadership and expertise will continue to drive meaningful advances in human health. His commitment to research, mentorship, and community engagement highlights his holistic approach to science, ensuring that his work leaves a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society at large