I sat down with Brian H. Davison, PhD, Chief Scientist of Systems Biology & Biotechnology in the Biosciences Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Bioenergy Innovation. Brian is a graduate of the University of Rochester and Caltech and candidate for President of the American Institute for Chemical Engineering (AIChE). Brian discusses his career trajectory from bench scientist to Chief Scientist, science communication, skills needed for effective leadership, discovery and commercialization, and his long history of leadership in AIChE and what he would aim to accomplish as President.