Kierstyn Schwartz-Watjen

Kierstyn Schwartz-Watjen is an experienced professional in microbiology and project management, currently serving as the Government Funding Grants Manager at LanzaTech since February 2025. Prior experience includes roles at ARA, where responsibilities ranged from Group Lead to Senior Program Manager I, overseeing a substantial portfolio of projects and developing presentations for marketing efforts. Previous positions also include Biomedical Team Lead and Senior Microbiologist, where Kierstyn managed government research partnerships and specialized in microbiology for various government clients. Additional experience includes working as a Senior Microbiologist at Working Bugs LLC, a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Chicago, and a Fermentation Science Research Technician at Pfizer. Kierstyn holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University.