Josh Branen Moscow, Idaho Chief Executive Officer BioTracking, LLC
What education are you bringing with you to this position?I have a doctoral degree in molecular biology with a primary focus on the development of new diagnostic platforms such as biosensors. All of my research has been very focused on real world applications of these technologies especially in the areas of food safety and animal production.
Please describe your agricultural background.
Research-based agriculture has always been a large part of my life. My mother and father were both professors in the college of agriculture at a number of land grant institutions throughout their careers. My father also held a number of administrative positions at these institutions, including a long tenure as the dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Idaho.
As a result, I have always had a lot of respect for the development of technologies based on scientific breakthroughs so that they could have a tangible impact on agriculture. I am extremely proud to be part of a business that is helping to bridge the gap between scientific theory and practical agricultural applications.
What are your new responsibilities?
My new responsibilities include primary leadership of the business aspects of BioTracking along with guidance of the overall direction of the company and the BioPRYN brand. My responsibilities will include development and implementation of policies and procedures for efficient business operations along with oversight of product development.
What territory will you cover?
The position oversees all aspects of BioTracking business both domestically and internationally.
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to joining BioTracking I was the director of the Biosensors and Nanotechnology Applications Laboratory at the University of Idaho. I have spent the last four years at BioTracking as a research scientist.
Apart from work in the area of diagnostics development, I have previous experience as a football coach at Northern Arizona University and the NFL Europe League.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I look forward to working with producers, veterinarians, diagnostic lab personnel and other agricultural professionals to identify ways to assist their businesses to efficiently run and grow in collaboration with our company.
I am excited to lead the process to determine how BioTracking can best address our customers’ needs by continuing to improve our products and facilitating product use through effective communication and education of benefits and applications.
I am confident that BioPRYN will continue to be a leader in the field and that I can help provide the leadership so that this tool can be accessible to everyone who could benefit from its use.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I have a lot of experience communicating ideas and concepts with individuals across a diverse set of specialties and backgrounds. In addition, I believe that I have the ability to identify critical aspects of technology and then succinctly communicate the benefits and limitations of these technologies to potential end-users.
I hope that in my new role as CEO I will continue to have the opportunity to work with producers to identify uses of BioTracking technology that will be most beneficial to their operations.
Why did you choose this company?
BioTracking is a great company at the cutting edge of science, but with a firm foundation in the practical applications of technology. The Sasser family and the BioTracking team have shown great leadership and perseverance in bringing blood-based pregnancy testing and BioPRYN from a dream to a reality.
I am honored to be a part of this cutting-edge company and look forward to moving BioTracking forward in the coming years.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My plan is to keep BioPRYN at the forefront of blood-based pregnancy testing. In addition, I hope to identify and overcome any barriers that are not allowing this tool to be utilized by individuals who could benefit from its implementation in their operations.
BioTracking will continue to strive for outstanding customer service and to be leaders and educators in the area of chemical based pregnancy testing. We will continue improve and develop our current products while identifying and developing technologies that have the potential to benefit our customers. PD
