Brent Shanks, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering at Iowa State University Receives 2026 Biotech Leader Award

DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2026) – The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) is excited to announce Brent Shanks, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering and Jean Steffenson Faculty Chair in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University, as the recipient of the 2026 Biotech Leader Award.

Dr. Shanks established and serves as Director of the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC), formerly a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.  He also serves as the Platform Lead for the Iowa Biosciences Initiative in Biobased Products.

Shanks is co-founder of Pyrone Systems, Inc., which is commercializing bioinsecticide technology initially developed in CBiRC. He joined the faculty at Iowa State University in 1999, where his group’s research has primarily involved reaction systems for efficiently converting plant-based feedstocks to chemicals.  Shanks holds 11 patents and has been a co-founder of four companies.

“We are proud and thrilled to announce Brent Shanks as our 2026 Biotech Leader of the Year,” said Jessica Hyland, Executive Director of IowaBio. “Brent exemplifies the type of dedicated biotech leader, researcher, and entrepreneur, who has worked diligently and successfully in our Iowa biotechnology ecosystem for many years.”

Billi Hunt, Executive Director of America’s Cultivation Corridor said, “While Dr. Shanks’ accomplishments in business and academia are impressive, what he has done for the industry goes far beyond what can be captured on a Curriculum Vitae. He has strengthened Iowa's bioprocessing sector in meaningful and lasting ways. He challenges conventional thinking, brings people together to solve complex problems, and turns bold ideas into action. Our state is stronger and better positioned for the future because of his leadership.”

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Originally published by the Iowa Biotechnology Association in March 2026.