Kara McCormick, Ph.D., South Dakota Biotech
Kara McCormick leads science and operations at South Dakota Biotech, where she drives statewide innovation through multi-sector partnerships, commercialization support, and workforce development. She manages South Dakota’s SBA FAST program, which has trained hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped secure federal funding for small business R&D. Kara also co-leads a GAFC award that supports outreach efforts to Tribal and rural communities, building inclusive pathways in regenerative agriculture, food security, and STEM education. With training in both biomedical and physical sciences, she brings experience in research communications, workforce development, and ecosystem building. She serves on South Dakota’s NSF EPSCoR REACH Committee, helping shape the state’s science and technology strategy.