Jessica Richman is an American entrepreneur and scientist known for her work in the field of microbiome research. She is the co-founder and former CEO of uBiome, a biotechnology company that focused on analyzing the human microbiome. Richman gained significant attention for her innovative approach to understanding the microbiome’s role in human health, and her work has been both celebrated and scrutinized. Jessica Richman pursued her higher education at Stanford University, where she studied economics and computer science. Her academic background combined a strong foundation in technology with an understanding of economics, which later played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial endeavors. Richman continued her education at the University of Oxford, where she earned a doctorate in computational social science. This interdisciplinary field allowed her to explore the intersection of technology, data analysis, and societal trends, setting the stage for her future work in biotechnology. Richman’s career took a significant turn when she co-founded uBiome in 2012 alongside Zachary Apte, a fellow scientist. uBiome was established with the mission to explore the human microbiome and its impact on health. The company started as a citizen science project, funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. This approach allowed individuals to contribute to microbiome research by submitting their own samples for analysis. Under Richman’s leadership, uBiome expanded rapidly, securing substantial venture capital funding and launching several products aimed at consumers and healthcare providers. The company’s flagship product, the “SmartGut” test, was designed to provide insights into an individual’s gut microbiome, offering personalized recommendations based on the findings. uBiome's services were initially well-received, and the company was hailed as a pioneer in the growing field of microbiome research. Richman was recognized for her innovative contributions to science and entrepreneurship. She was featured in several prestigious lists, including Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in 2014, which celebrated her as a rising star in the healthcare sector. Her ability to combine technology with biological research earned her a reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the biotech industry. Despite the early successes, uBiome and Jessica Richman faced significant challenges. In 2019, the company became embroiled in a legal investigation concerning its billing practices and the validity of its scientific research. The FBI raided uBiome’s headquarters, and the company was accused of misleading investors and insurance companies regarding its testing procedures and the effectiveness of its products. The controversy surrounding uBiome led to Richman stepping down as CEO, and the company eventually filed for bankruptcy. The fallout from the investigation tarnished the company’s reputation and brought into question the ethical practices of its leadership. All in all, Jessica Richman’s story is a complex one, marked by both groundbreaking achievements and significant setbacks. As of now, Richman remains a figure of interest in the scientific and business communities.