Van Heron Labs was founded in 2020 at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, with a mission to use advanced technologies and cellular analytics to decode cellular requirements and optimizing cell health, productivity, and performance.
Now headquartered at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, with offices in Houston and San Diego, Van Heron Labs integrates cutting-edge bioinformatics, cellular analytics, and artificial intelligence to drive innovation in biomanufacturing and cell-based systems.
Our flagship technology represents a major leap beyond traditional metabolic modeling and mass spectrometry–based methods, offering unprecedented insight into cellular function and nutrient and large molecule requirements enable precise nutrient, metabolite, and cofactor optimization for diverse cell types and applications.
In parallel, we have developed additional cellular intelligence and predictive modeling platforms that provide deep, multi-layered insight into cellular metabolism, gene expression, and physiological states fo, more comprehensive views into cell biology and empowering R&D, product development, and process optimization across the full innovation pipeline—from discovery and characterization to commercialization.
We work across a wide range of industries, bioproduction and therapeutic modalities to solve complex biological and bioprocessing challenges, enabling more efficient, economical, and robust production of bio-based products and therapies. Our expertise spans culture media optimization, process development, and product formulation across mammalian, microbial, and stem cell systems.
Van Heron Labs is named in honor of Rebecca’s lifelong mentor, the late James Van Heron. Following his passing in 2019, the Heron family donated laboratory equipment that made the company’s founding possible.
Under her leadership, Van Heron Labs has been named one of Alabama’s Top 100 Startups and has established itself as a pioneer in cellular analytics and biomanufacturing innovation.
Beyond her role at Van Heron Labs, Dr. Vaught serves on the Board of BIO Alabama and the CMMC, and advises organizations including Cell Mind, Aerterra, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Educational Outreach division, and Gener8tor programs.
Dr. Vaught earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell, and Microbial Biology from Auburn University and her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Genetics from Monash University. Her expertise spans molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, physiology, and mitochondrial biology, with a focus on cellular health and longevity.
She has been shortlisted three times for Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021–2023), recognized as an ISCT Top Early Career Professional, and named one of Business Alabama’s Top 24 Entrepreneurs for 2024.
