July 28, 2025

For Immediate Release – July 28, 2025
 
Media Contact:
Ro Rode, Director of Marketing & Communications
(919) 220-5429 x361
Ro.Rode@lifeandscience.org

DURHAM, NC – The Museum of Life and Science is pleased to announce the addition of two accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors: Colby Andrews, Associate Director of Manufacturing Strategy and Portfolio Management at Merck, and Dr. Ian Jepson, President of Jepson Advisors LLC and former Site Head at Syngenta’s RTP Research Facility.

Colby Andrews brings a strong passion for STEM education and workforce development to the Museum’s Board. At Merck, Colby has held roles of increasing responsibility within biopharmaceutical manufacturing and currently leads efforts to broaden talent pipelines in manufacturing by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary skills, encompassing both technical expertise and the ability to build effective teams. He views museums as crucial partners in helping communities comprehend the full range of skills necessary in today’s biotech and manufacturing sectors. A frequent visitor and active Museum member, Colby’s hands-on experience and innovative thinking will support the Museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning through science and technology.

Dr. Ian Jepson joins the Museum’s Board following a distinguished career in global agricultural biotechnology and R&D leadership. With more than 35 years’ experience with multinational, startup, and academic partners, Dr. Jepson has a deep understanding of how scientific discovery translates into real-world impact. As Site Head at Syngenta’s RTP campus, he led teams of more than 500 scientists in developing sustainable crop technologies. Dr. Jepson has been a longtime advocate, helping the Museum secure grant support and fostering connections with the business community. Now a grandfather, Jepson is excited to experience the Museum in a new way, through the eyes of the next generation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Colby and Ian to our Board,” said Carrie Heinonen, President and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science. “Their expertise in biotechnology, strategic leadership, and commitment to community engagement align beautifully with the Museum’s vision. They will help us grow not only as an organization for learning but also as a connector to the region’s innovation ecosystem.”

For more information about the Museum of Life and Science’s Board of Directors, visit www.lifeandscience.org/home/who-we-are

About the Museum of Life and Science

Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Our 84-acre campus includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Our interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited zoo, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered red wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals. For more than 79 years, the Museum has upheld its ongoing commitment to the communities of Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina through programming, engagement, and research. To learn more, visit lifeandscience.org

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