Steve Lockett is the regional programs manager for the Biotechnology Center's Western Office in Asheville.
Lockett works with regional economic development organizations, businesses, public officials, researchers and educators to identify and strengthen the application and development of biotechnology across Western North Carolina. He oversees and coordinates the advisory committee for biotechnology in Western North Carolina, a group of 25 regional leaders dedicated to the advancement of the biotechnology industry in WNC.
Lockett has been actively involved in the formation and development of the Bent Creek Institute, designed to facilitate natural biotechnology commercialization and to support the expansion of the region’s vibrant natural products and integrative medicine industries. He also manages Science in the Mountains, an annual conference which brings together researchers from across Western North Carolina and beyond in an open environment that fosters discussion, communication, and collaboration. Since its inception in 2006, collaborations stemming from Science in the Mountains have gone on to receive over $400,000 in grant awards.
Lockett began working for the Biotechnology Center as the senior administrative assistant for the Western Office before being promoted to Western Office programs specialist, and then regional programs manager. Before joining the Biotechnology Center in September 2005, he spent four years as a paralegal, with a majority of his experience in intellectual property law.
Lockett is a member of the North Carolina Economic Developer’s Association (NCEDA) and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). A native of Burke, Virginia, Lockett has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the College of William & Mary, and received his MBA from Western Carolina University.
