Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> December 6, 2004
GERALD R. CYSEWSKI is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Cyanotech Corporation. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in
Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1971 and a
Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at
Berkeley in 1976. His doctoral thesis was in the area of bioengineering.
Dr. Cysewski began his work with microalgae in 1976 as Assistant
Professor in the department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering at the
University of California at Santa Barbara. Dr. Cysewski worked with a
grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a culture system
for blue-green algae. He soon realized the immense potential of
microalgae for the manufacture of varied, high-value commercial
products. The challenge lay in developing a process to grow and harvest
microalgae products on a large commercial scale ' reliably, consistently
and with exceptional product quality. Over several years, he worked to
perfect the process including a period as group leader of microalgae
research at Battelle Northwest. Dr. Cysewski co-founded Cyanotech
Corporation in 1983 in Washington State. He initially served as the
company's Scientific Director and became President and CEO of Cyanotech
in 1990. As the company's Scientific Director, he sought the optimum
site to launch commercial production of microalgae and found the Kona
coast of Hawaii, a region with abundant sunlight virtually year-round, a
ready source of pure water from island aquifers, deep-ocean seawater
nearby to fuel a new patented chill-drying technology, access to
international transportation and skilled labor. Cyanotech's location
combined with its advanced technology makes it the premier producer of
microalgae in the world and a company with a bright future. Profile
Corporation and a picture of the things you're doing at the present
time?
Dr. Cysewski: Cyanotech Corporation was established
