We're not just scientists. We're also musicians, artists, rugby players, cooks, surfers, woodworkers, rock climbers, and parents who care about enjoying life and doing good for the world at the same time.
Our Story
Our story begins over a decade ago, when now-CEO Zack Abbott was working at an HIV research lab. There, he had an idea: what if we could use genetic engineering to develop new probiotics – ones with specific, unique abilities to improve our daily lives?
Fast forward 7 years, a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology, and experience designing clinical trials, and Zack had what he needed to get started.
He founded ZBiotics in 2016, and today his vision has become a reality. ZBiotics launched the world’s 1st genetically engineered probiotic in 2019, and we haven’t looked back.
We live by a core set of
shared values: people, integrity,
citizenship, and science.
Candace Cui
Director of Growth Marketing
Candace owns the day-to-day operation and optimization of core ZBiotics growth marketing programs. Candace holds a master’s degree in exhibition and museum studies from the San Francisco Art Institute, with a focus on digital audience engagement. Candace is also a published writer.
Zack Abbott, PhD
CEO, Co-founder
Zack is the inventor of our proprietary technology and sets the mission, vision, and values for ZBiotics. Zack has a PhD in microbiology & immunology from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, where he double-majored in immunology and classical art & archaeology. Prior to starting ZBiotics, Zack worked in clinical trial design as well as researching HIV vaccines and pursuing novel antibiotics in both academia and industry.
Anna Lamb
Marketing Associate
Anna is a holistic marketer who primarily focuses on ZBiotics affiliate, partnership, and organic social media programs. Anna holds a bachelor of science in agricultural sciences with a concentration in viticulture & enology from Cornell University. Prior to joining the ZBiotics team, Anna was living and working for a winery outside of Santiago, Chile.
Michael Mullaney
Director of Supply Chain
Michael runs the ZBiotics supply chain, from ingredient and packaging sourcing to contract execution and compliance. Michael holds a bachelor of applied science from Michigan State University. Before joining ZBiotics Michael led strategic sourcing and operation teams at Albertson, Melt, and Earthbound Farm.
Kat Townsend
VP of Marketing
Kat leads marketing at ZBiotics. Kat has a bachelor of science in product design from Stanford’s School of Engineering. Before joining ZBiotics, Kat built her professional career in video games, leading marketing teams and strategic vision on some of the industry’s most well-known brands, including Assassin’s Creed and Words With Friends.
Nicole Shahin
Customer Experience Associate
Nicole oversees everything within customer support and customer experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Psychology from Florida State University, and over five years of experience in creating optimal customer environments, providing exceptional support, and optimizing customer interactions.
John W.K. Oliver, PhD
VP of Research & Development
John leads research and development at ZBiotics, with a focus on new product development. John has a PhD in organic chemistry with an emphasis in biotechnology from UC Davis. After his PhD, John was a postdoctoral scholar at Harvard Medical School and worked at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering as part of a multidisciplinary team working on engineering the human microbiome.
Savannah Hagenbaugh
Food Scientist
Savannah is responsible for developing and managing the food safety and quality programs at ZBiotics ensuring our customers receive consistently safe and wholesome products . She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ashland University and more than 12 years of experience at companies like The J.M. Smucker Company, MillerCoors, and 3i Solutions.
Stephen Lamb
COO, Co-founder
Stephen oversees the operational, regulatory, and financial aspects of ZBiotics. Stephen holds a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, an MBA from the Wharton School, and a bachelor’s degree in political economy from Princeton. Prior to ZBiotics, Stephen's career focused on corporate real estate and new market entry for companies like Ben & Jerry's, Pfizer, and Unilever.
We’re always looking for passionate people
We’re a team of deep thinkers who care about the future of the world and the role of science in that future. Sound like you? Check out our Careers page. We’re growing.
READ MORE ON our Company History
