Noah Kaplan
I'm an experienced scientist and team leader in the agricultural research space. I have a passion for building systems and teams that empower organizations to deliver high-impact results. My background spans plant science, experimental design, data management, regulatory affairs, and operational leadership, with a focus on the implementation of new technologies. I've led teams, built organizations from the ground up, and supported early-stage startups in navigating complex technical and logistical landscapes. I'm currently exploring new opportunities to apply my expertise toward mission-driven projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
Education
Master's in Biology Florida Atlantic University 2014-2016
Thesis: “The analysis of a lysine-rich wound-response protein in tomato plants”
Advisor: Dr. Xing-Hai Zhang
Bachelor's in Political Science University of North Florida 2006-2011
Research: “A broader and bolder U.S. policy toward Somalia”
Advisor: Ambassador Nancy Soderberg
PMP Certification Project Management Institute Expected Fall 2025
Experience
Research Associate II GreenVenus 2023-2025
GreenVenus is an agricultural genetics company working to enhance vegetable traits through modern biotechnology techniques.
- Developed transgenic and genome-edited crops using CRISPR-Cas and protoplast systems
- Designed and executed greenhouse and field trials to assess edited lines under diverse environmental conditions
- Performed large-scale molecular genotyping to characterize segregation patterns and trait inheritance
- Collaborated with breeding and discovery teams to validate new constructs
- Trained and mentored staff on molecular and phenotyping techniques
Laboratory Director The Niva Labs 2019-2022
The Niva Labs was an ISO 17025 analytical testing lab specializing in agricultural and consumer products.
- Managed a 16-member team that included analytical chemists, biologists, managers, and lab technicians
- Advised farmers on plant pathology issues, delivering actionable solutions for crop health
- Maintained laboratory accreditations and licenses in compliance with California state regulators
- Managed projects including the validation of new methods, and the implementation of software solutions(LIMS)
Consultant Multiple Companies 2019
I helped startup scientific companies research and write regulatory proposals.
- Wrote regulatory proposals for manufacturing companies
- Researched regulations and interviewed policy makers to complete proposals
Program Manager Small World Initiative 2016-2018
I developed protocols for soil microbe analysis, and set up the automated manufacturing protocols to create materials.
- Developed protocols for the isolation and characterization of microbes in soil around South Florida
- Purchasing and set up robotic mass-production equipment
- Managed the data storage, producing materials production, and supply inventory for the program
- Streamlined complex experiments for students and wrote SOPs for the program
Researcher/Teaching Assistant Zhang Lab 2014-2016
The Zhang Lab is a plant biotechnology research lab that investigates the utility and function of genetic components in peppers, tomatoes, and tobacco through genetic transformations and bioinformatics analysis.
- Performed an analysis of the function and utility of wound-response proteins through bioinformatics research
- Created novel lines of tomato plants through agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformations
- Designed and executed greenhouse stress tests (wounding, heat, pathogen exposure) to evaluate gene expression and phenotype responses
- Instructed classes in plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and genetics
Plant Tissue Culture Specialist Million Orchid Project 2015
The Million Orchid Project is an organization that clones native Florida orchids to revitalize wild populations.
- Propagated over 25,000 endangered orchids in aseptic tissue culture conditions in order to repopulate Florida's native orchid population
Events Director Committee to Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham 2012-2013
The Committee to Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham was a congressional campaign that successfully elected Michelle Lujan Grisham as the representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district. (included to show versatility)
- Organized and managed 14 successful fundraisers
- Managed staff and used database software to organize data and target potential donors
- Established relationships with event hosts, volunteers, donors, venue owners, and special guests
Skills
Scientific Skills
Transgenic plant development (CRISPR-Cas systems), Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, plant tissue culture and regeneration, greenhouse management, crop trial design and execution, phenotypic data collection and analysis, plant stress and pathogen challenge assays, field scouting and agronomic observations, soil and tissue sampling for nutrient and genetic analysis, harvest data management, trait performance evaluation, data interpretation for agronomic decision-making, cross-functional collaboration with breeders and field teams
Regulatory Skills
Regulatory submission preparation, governmental communication, regulatory method validation, ISO accreditation, governmental audit preparation, B2B audit coordination, business license proposal writing, manufacturing batch record management, governmental software system integration
Tech Skills
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) integration, LIMS and regulatory software interoperability, internal database design and maintenance, controlled document lifecycle management, hardware-software systems integration, technology evaluation and implementation, AI-assisted code development and workflow automation, Python scripting for equipment and data applications, foundational web development (HTML, CSS), cross-functional project management, digital systems optimization for research and regulatory compliance
Management Skills
Employee mentorship and supervision, Technical project and program management, quality management system (QMS) implementation, personnel recruitment and onboarding, employee performance review process implementation, cost-benefit analysis, capital equipment sourcing and purchasing
Additional Accomplishments
Publications
- Zhang XH, Vichyavichien P, Nifakos N, Kaplan N, Jin XL, Wellman A, Spanoudis A, Klingler M. KED gene expression in early response to wounding stress in tomato plants. Physiol Plant. 2023 Jul-Aug;175(4):e13978. doi: 10.1111/ppl.13978. PMID: 37616012.
- Zhang XH, Swait D, Jin XL, Vichyavichien P, Nifakos N, Kaplan N, Raymond L, Harlin JM. Evolutionary analysis of KED-rich proteins in plants. PLoS One. 2023 Mar 8;18(3):e0279772. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279772. PMID: 36888590; PMCID: PMC9994729.
- Kirke J, Kaplan N, Velez S, Jin XL, Vichyavichien P, Zhang XH. Tissue-Preferential Activity and Induction of the Pepper Capsaicin Synthase PUN1 Promoter by Wounding, Heat and Metabolic Pathway Precursor in Tobacco and Tomato Plants. Mol Biotechnol. 2018 Mar;60(3):194-202. doi: 10.1007/s12033-018-0060-0. PMID: 29372506.
Awards
- Boca Raton Orchid Society Endowment Scholarship
- Yule C. Potts Perpetual Friendship Trophy