
Justin B. Siegel
As a UC Davis Associate Professor in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Dr. Siegel’s scientific focus is the design and discovery of enzymes relevant to issues in modern society – from treating Celiac disease to optimizing biofuel production and food system sustainability. As the IIFH Faculty Director, he works with academic and industry groups in building a vibrant translational research ecosystem across the food sector.

Kyeema L. Zerbe
With a passion for developing and deploying innovation at scale across natural resource management, health care, agriculture and food systems, Ms. Zerbe integrates academic and industry approaches into operational success. As the IIFH Associate Director, she builds on fifteen years of international innovation management with industry sectors, governments, investors and academies to design interdisciplinary programs that advance innovation across the food system.

Veronica Keys
Veronica draws on diverse experience organizing and hosting regional events and outreach to provide management support for complex institute initiatives. Her administrative strengths facilitate the strategic engagements and face-paced schedule of the Faculty Director, and his team of research scientists. Previously on campus, Veronica worked with the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Continuing & Professional Education, and the Davis Humanities Institute.

Sarah Stewart
With a keen entrepreneurial instinct, Sarah draws on myriad expertise in business, education and event management to support IIFH innovator fellows in their experiential education. As a former flavor consultant, sous chef and business owner, Sarah understands the journey from ideation to commercialization. With a background in food system production, processing and preservation, she has explored broad facets of the supply chain and consumer landscape, and brings that insight to IIFH’s entrepreneurial training.

Marissa Pickard
Driven to manage and develop impactful communication campaigns, Marissa draws on a diverse background in strategic communication, brand management and graphic design for local and statewide organizations. Through innovative approaches to design, marketing, social media, web and events, Marissa creatively explores IIFH’s unique place among uncommon collaborators from academia, government, non-profits, industry and investors.

Nealah Lee
Nealah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design from UC Davis, with minors in Nutrition Science and Technology Management. Prior to joining the IIFH, Nealah worked as a Student Assistant for the UC Davis Registrar’s Office and as a Marketing Director for HackDavis. Her experience and passion drive exploration of the role for technology and design in the future global food system.