Yajun Yan, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Engineering and director of the Biosynthetic Engineering and Biocatalysis Laboratory at UGA, serves as CEO and founder of UGA startup company BiotecEra. BiotecEra is using biosynthesis technology to manufacture and bioengineer pathways of compounds such as 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), an over-the-counter dietary supplement and anti-depressant currently derived from plants, to treat a variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels. Potential benefits of this method include increased product safety, quality and cost-effective production.