PARK - Key Persons
Mark Liles has translated his research into one of The Park's most successful corporations. He and his scientists harness the naturally occurring variety of microbial life to develop improved enzymes, cultures and drugs. The science of metagenomics, tapping into natural biodiversity using genetic methods, has led to unprecedented discoveries about microbiomes associated with humans and other habitats. Varigen uses and improves upon this wealth of biodiversity using proprietary methods to create novel variants that have beneficial applications for medical, agricultural and industrial use.
Job Titles:
- Director, Auburn Research
With offices in The Park's New Venture Accelerator, Michael Zabala has created XO Armor. Zabala and an interdisciplinary group of engineers and scientists were designated a Tier III team in Auburn University's Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research program and assigned nearly $1.275 million in research funding. With an advanced scanner, a 3D printer and musculoskeletal architecture, XO Armor builds sophisticated orthotics and implants for college and professional athletes.