Jeff Speakman, PhD

Jeff joined KickStart Venture Services in May 2021, where he serves as laboratory manager of the KickStart Accelerator—the first dedicated wet lab space for early-stage life science companies in Chapel Hill. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operation of the Accelerator Lab, including the maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and space, and purchasing of equipment and supplies. He also works with KVS team members to provide input on facility and equipment use agreements for startups. Jeff is trained as a geochemist and has worked in science management and administration for the past 20+ years at the University of Missouri Research Reactor, the Smithsonian Institution, and the University of Georgia. He completed his PhD at the University of Barcelona, earned his Master’s degree at the University of Missouri, and completed his undergraduate at Northern Arizona University. With more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, including monographs, edited volumes, and research papers in scientific journals, his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, European Union, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and various state and federal agencies.