As COVID-19 circumnavigated the globe, scientists representing many disciplines rose to meet it. Among them: James Hayward and the incredible minds at Stony Brook-based Applied DNA Sciences, where long experience and a unique technology set the pace.

A molecular biologist by trade, Hayward brings decades of biotech and consumer-product experience to his roles as chairman, president and CEO. Applied DNA cut its teeth as a DNA-based supply chain authenticator – creating forgery-proof DNA markers and next-generation tracking technology – and is now a primary supplier to worldwide laboratories and researchers keen on COVID and other scientific challenges.

In today’s conversation, James joins Spark host Gregory Zeller to discuss his standout science and his biotech’s unique role in the global COVID struggle – and to reveal some of the secrets of modern innovation.