Hunter Jenkins

Scientist and systems engineer with deep expertise in building advanced aquaculture systems from the lower trophic levels up, algal biotechnology, and nutrient cycling. Experienced in piloting bioreactors and closed-loop systems, leading multi-stakeholder R&D projects, and translating field and laboratory scale experimental data into robust, scalable protocols.

R&D Scientist II - Algae Research and Supply

(2024-03 - 2026-03)

• Developed and optimized modular photobioreactors for biomass production with real-time environmental monitoring.
• Created protocols for nutrient profiling, metabolite extraction, and batch production.
• Advised partner organizations on algae system design and operational best practices.
• Designed, constructed, and operated a pilot-scale(~5000L) "off-grid"(in that we needed to set up our own power and communications systems, thankfully we had a well) Spirulina production facility in the mountains of San Diego.
• Grant writing and fulfillment for a microalgae bioprospecting kit.
• Designed and constructed optimized photobioreactor systems and growth protocols for enhanced biomass and secondary metabolite production in a variety of photosynthetic organisms.
• Designed and constructed a series of modular pilot scale high rate algae growth ponds, each enclosed in their own greenhouse with individual environmental and nutrient monitoring and control systems.
• Successfully isolated various species of interest from the wild(ie. New isolates of Chlamydomonas, Haematococcus, Asparagopsis, etc).
• Created new protocols for secondary metabolite characterization, quantification, and purity assessment, based on a synthesis of available scientific literature.
• Manufactured sealed/waterproof electrical systems, fully potting them with combinations of resins and industrial glues.

Research Scientist I - Microbio Engineering and California Polytechnic University SLO

(2022-01 - 2024-02)

• Led a $250K+ funded project on tertiary wastewater treatment using algal systems.
• Designed and operated a 1200L pilot reactor tuned for phosphorus sequestration.
• Onboarded and managed field/lab teams of 10–15 students per term.
• Authoring SOPs, reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Led a grant-funded project to develop a pilot-scale nutrient capture system using microalgae for tertiary wastewater treatment, leveraging environmental triggers to regulate metabolic processes and promote rapid phosphorus sequestration and storage.
• Managed a revolving team of undergraduate and masters students for environmental field sampling, pilot plant operations, and laboratory analysis.
• Designing and executing experiments, creation of IP.
• Led a $250K+ funded project on tertiary wastewater treatment using algal systems that was renewed over multiple grant cycles.
• Designed and operated a 1200L pilot reactor tuned for phosphorus sequestration, that was able to sequester virtually 99.9% of the available dissolved phosphorus from the tertiary wastewater(~15 mg/L -> less than .01 mg/L) into a biologically useful form(easily harvestable filamentous biomass that could be used as a slow-release fertilizer, outcompeting "manufactured" fertilizers in multiple metrics).
• Onboarded and managed teams of 10–15 students per term, training each of them in the necessary field and labwork protocols.
• Authoring SOPs, reports, presentations, and manuscripts for internal and external use.
• Designed and manufactured completely custom filter implements using CAD programs/3d-printing finely tuned for the specific physical shape and characteristics of a particular organism we wanted to harvest.

R&D Associate - Algae Research and Supply

(2021-09 - 2021-12)

• Re-isolated and maintained an axenic algal strain library, ensuring uncontaminated cultures to support experimental reliability and precision.
• Designed algal products(both products to grow algae as well as products made from algae) and performed light electrical and CAD work.

Research Technician - California Center for Algae Biotechnology (Cal-CAB)

(2019-06 - 2021-09)

• Contributed to algae-based biotech and aquaculture R&D in collaboration with industrial and academic teams.
• Focused on extremophile strain isolation and characterization (e.g., for CO₂ capture or hypersaline growth).
• Supported transgenic protein production and pigment extraction for commercial partners.
• Isolated multiple new strains of microalgae that have gone on to show promise for various uses through the research of various other colleagues(see publications).
• Conducted experiments, analyzed results, and created manuscripts.
• Constructed and operated large-scale algal culturing systems.
• Optimized culture conditions for different algal strains.
• Conducted field sampling and isolated novel strains.
• Collaborated with researchers and industries in various fields.

Laboratory Assistant - Crinetics - San Diego, CA

(2016-05 - 2017-07)

• Molecular biology benchwork (Transformation, PCR, etc.)
• Protein production and purification
• Management of consumable inventory; ordering supplies

Laboratory Intern - Neuralstem, Inc. - San Diego, CA

(2015-08 - 2016-03)

• Preparation of stock solutions
• Dissection, antibody staining, and slide preparation of various tissues
• Data entry and tissue sample library organization
• Sterile washing of lab equipment, consumable inventory management

General Laborer - WebbShade - San Diego, CA

(2015-06 - 2015-07)

• Part fabrication using various materials, tools, and heavy machinery
• Final product assembly and inspection, packing and shipping

Bachelors of Science - Ecology - San Diego State University (2018)