James Guenther

Dr. James Guenther is from New Orleans and attended Southeastern Louisiana University before a doctorate in biochemistry at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  As a research scientist he has published unique findings in multiple fields such as: plant aquaporin structure and function, plant defense responses, lung disease, and inflammasome mediated inflammation responses.  After hurricane Katrina in 2005, he moved back home to help rebuild and rebrand New Orleans as a technology and innovation center.  As such, he developed and directed a biotechnology program at a local community college while serving as the Principal Investigator (PI) on a National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education (NSFATE) proposal.  Over the years, working with the NSFATE broadened his understanding of the technology driven industries on a global scale and allowed him to interact with national programs such as: advanced manufacturing technologies, agricultural and bio-technologies, energy and environmental technologies, engineering technologies, information technologies, micro- and nano-technologies, security technologies, and geospatial technologies.  These experiences have helped him transition to serving both academic and private industry development needs as a consultant for business development specializing in Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding in conjunction with community colleges.  In December 2018, Dr. Guenther was appointed chapter director for StartupGrind New Orleans.  StartupGrind and its partnership with Google for Startups is the largest independent business entrepreneurial community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting more than 2,000,000 entrepreneurs in over 600 chapters and over 125 countries. He is very excited and honored to be representing an entity that has helped millions of entrepreneurs build their businesses, connect with strategic partners, and secure funding.  Jim also owns two businesses in the Greater New Orleans area, Mosquito Hunters of Central New Orleans, and Crescent City Biotechnology Consultants.  Future plans include developing curriculum and business entrepreneurship at community and technical colleges across the country.