Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80% of the world with its products and services, has selected Rebecca Lucas to serve as director of research and development (R&D) for its human nutrition and health business unit.

Lucas previously spent 10 years at Kemin, building expertise in the company and its industries through roles in R&D, marketing and strategic acquisition. Since 2018, she has been with MedPharm Iowa – owned by Kemin president and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson – where she helped launch the state’s first licensed manufacturer of medical cannabis. As technical development manager, Lucas supported a line of 14 products, advocated for legislation that increased patients’ access to medical cannabis, boosted physician and community outreach efforts and advanced expansion efforts for MedPharm Iowa outside of the state. 

With Lucas’s return to Kemin, she will lead all aspects of discovery research, product development and formulation activities – from conception to commercialization – for Kemin Human Nutrition and Health.

In her new role, Lucas will establish all scientific and tactical efforts to ensure Kemin Human Nutrition and Health remains at the forefront of research in the nutraceutical industry. She will also be responsible for setting the strategic direction for new product development and commercialization activities within the business unit. 

Lucas received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Iowa State University and Master of Business Administration from Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. 

www.kemin.com