Jordan Koehn

As the lead architect of ForagR’s RNA-ligand discovery platform, Dr. Jordan Koehn not only develops novel therapeutic technologies but also manages a team of experts working to advance ForagR’s mission. His leadership extends beyond the laboratory; he successfully led a high-profile collaboration with BASF Corporation, applying ForagR’s platform to develop innovative insecticides and crop protection agents. This project highlighted his ability to foster interdisciplinary partnerships that generate impactful results across diverse industries. With experience in managing research projects and leading cross-functional teams, he plays a pivotal role in steering ForagR’s efforts toward both scientific and commercial success. Jordan’s journey in science began at the University of Minnesota Morris, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. During his undergraduate studies, he gained valuable research experience across various projects, including the development of chiral ligands for asymmetric synthesis and the synthesis of transition-state analogs targeting a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme. He also contributed to research on renewable agriculture-based hydrocarbon fuels, reflecting his early interest in applying chemical solutions to real-world problems. These formative experiences sparked his passion for integrating chemistry and biology, motivating him to pursue research with a lasting impact on human health. Dr. Koehn further honed his scientific skills while earning his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Colorado State University in 2019. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Debbie Crans, he developed independent research projects that enhanced his proficiency in chemical synthesis and biological systems modeling. His research explored the structural properties of electron transport lipids involved in tuberculosis pathogenesis and investigated vanadium(V) complexes as potential frameworks for anti-cancer therapeutics.