Dr. Seth A. Faith is a leading expert in biotechnology and biomedical science, currently serving as the Senior Scientist, Civilian Senior Executive (ST) for these disciplines at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In this role, he provides expert scientific guidance and leadership for the development and implementation of cutting-edge biomedical and biotechnological advancements aimed at enhancing the health and performance of Airmen and Guardians.
Dr. Faith possesses extensive experience in both government and civilian sectors, with over two decades dedicated to industrial, academic and government-funded biotech research, development, testing and evaluation. Prior to joining the AFRL in 2022 as the Core Technical Competency Lead for the Air and Space Biosciences Division, he directed projects focused on bioterrorism risk assessment and the development of medical countermeasures for biological threats. His expertise extends to managing extensive genomics research and development programs for diverse stakeholders, including private industry, the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community.
A recognized pioneer in his field, Dr. Faith spearheaded groundbreaking research that led to the first successful demonstration of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics for forensic DNA genotyping in 2012. This achievement paved the way for the development and implementation of a first-in-class DNA analysis system. His contributions encompass facilitating technology transfer and method validations for state and federal laboratories adopting the Next Generation Sequencing bioanalytical technologies.
Dr. Faith's career is marked by impactful leadership roles. As an assistant professor, he directed interdisciplinary research initiatives in national security and bioforensics, securing funding from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Defense. He has served as a trusted biotechnology advisor for prestigious organizations, including the FBI's Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis and Methods, the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Organization of Scientific Area Committees, and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board. Furthermore, he held an executive academic administrative position at a Tier 1 research university, where he co-founded the Center of Microbiome Science and established a CLIA-compliant laboratory. This laboratory played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance, performing over 800,000 clinical tests and contributing significantly to epidemiological databases.
An active member of the scientific community, Dr. Faith holds memberships in the American Society of Microbiology and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. His impressive publication record includes over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and 48 conference abstracts. He is also an inventor with two patents and a sought-after speaker, having delivered invited presentations at 46 scientific conferences in genomics, forensics and infectious diseases.
Currently, Dr. Faith serves as the chair of both the AFRL Biotechnology Community of Practice and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Triservice Biotechnology Community of Interest. He also represents the U.S. Department of Defense at NATO Science and Technology working groups, highlighting his commitment to international collaboration in advancing scientific frontiers.
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Science, Biology-Microbiology, Minor-Chemistry, The University of Akron, Ohio
2006 Doctorate of Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University, Kent, Ohio
2010 Postdoctoral Fellow–Biodefense, University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research and Regional Biocontainment Facility, Pittsburgh, Pa.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. August 2002–May 2006, Graduate Research Assistant, Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
2. May 2006–January 2008, Postdoctoral Associate, Vaccine development, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Center for Vaccine Research and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, Pittsburgh, Pa.
3. January 2008–February 2010, Postdoctoral Associate, Biodefense and aerobiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Center for Vaccine Research and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, Pittsburgh, Pa.
4. February 2010–December 2010, Principal Research Scientist, biodefense and risk assessment, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
5. December 2010–November 2014, Genomics Technical Leader, biosecurity and forensics, Battelle Memorial Institute, Washington, D.C.
6. November 2014–January 2018, Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
7. January 2018–May 2019, Research Leader, biosecurity and biotechnology, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
8. May 2019–December 2022, Director of Strategic Alliances, Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus
9. November 2020–December 2022, Executive Director, Center for Microbiome Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus
10. March 2020–December 2022, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
11. July 2020–August 2022, Technical Supervisor, CLIA Diagnostic lab, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, The Ohio State University, Columbus
12. July 2020–December 2022, Technical Director, Microbial Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Columbus
13. January 2021–December 2022, President, Faith Analytical Intelligence LLC, Columbus, Ohio
14. December 2022–October 2023, Medical and Operational Biosciences Core Technical Competency Lead, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
15. October 2023–present, Senior Scientist (ST), Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, AFRL, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
AWARDS AND HONORS
2000 Phi Sigma Alpha, Arts and Sciences Honor Society, The University of Akron
2001 Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honors Society, The University of Akron
2001 Magna cum laude
2008 Keystone Symposia Scholarship, Keystone Symposia HIV Vaccines
2012-2014 Outstanding Performance Awards, Battelle Memorial Institute (4)
2012 Battelle FY11 Emerging Scientist Award
2012 Battelle FY11 Collaboration Team Award
2023 U.S. Air Force, Special Act or Service Award
2024 U.S. Air Force, Special Act or Service Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Associate Member, American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Full Member, American Society of Microbiology
(Current as of February 2025)