Linnea A. Fletcher, PhD is a distinguished leader in biotechnology and education. She holds degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, with postdoctoral research in Immunology and Biochemistry. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Fletcher has served as Principal Investigator (PI) on several significant grants, including the InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Center Grant, which was recently renewed for five more years in 2024. She has also led projects focused on student retention and industry engagement. At Austin Community College (ACC), she has held various leadership roles, including Department Chair of Biotechnology, Assistant Dean of Math, Science, and Business, and Division Chair of Math, Science, and Technology.
In 1999, Dr. Fletcher started the Biotechnology Program at ACC and joined the first NSF Funded National Biotechnology Education Center, Bio-Link. She received her first NSF funded ATE grant to start Biotechnology high school programs in Texas. From 2008 to 2010, she worked as an NSF Program Officer and was involved in setting up the first Vision and Change Meeting. In 2015, she received an Emerging Technology Fund Grant to build a Bioscience Incubator at ACC, which is now full of start-up companies and students interning or working for these companies.
Dr. Fletcher's extensive work and leadership in NSF-funded projects and her academic journey make her a highly respected figure in her field.