BOONEVILLE, MS, July 17, 2024 - Frank Austin has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A seasoned diagnostic microbiologist and educator with years of experience in specimen management, research and laboratory management, Dr. Austin excels as the co-founder and corporate scientific officer for Sano Chemicals, which specializes in identifying and developing natural drug products that combat infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Before establishing himself in his current role with Sano Chemicals, Dr. Austin taught at Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in several roles serving as assistant professor, associate professor, professor and professor emeritus between 1989 and 2024.

During the early stages of his career, Dr. Austin gained valuable expertise as a frame carpenter, roofer, associate veterinarian, and diagnostic microbiologist. Through his diagnostic and research work, he characterized a bacterium with Drs. Shien Lu and James Smith and tested an antifungal it produced. This work resulted in a 2009 publication in Biochemistry initially characterizing and naming the antifungal Occidiofungin, meaning "fungus killer." Over the years following, Sano Chemicals was founded and persisted through NIH grants culminating in completion of the FDA Phase 1 clinical trials during 2024.

An expert in his field, Dr. Austin holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology, biochemistry and organic chemistry, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. Subsequently, he expanded his professional knowledge by completing a PhD in veterinary microbiology and immunobiology from Louisiana State University. Driven to stay abreast of changes in the field, Dr. Austin aligns himself with several industry organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.

Throughout his career, Dr. Austin has contributed to society through organizations such as Phi Zeta, The Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as secretary and treasurer for more than 20 years. Given his professional achievements, he has been honored many times, earning an award for his excellence in microbiology research, the Dean's Pegasus Award for Teaching and Academic Excellence, the Walter and Jean Rothchild Faculty Award, the Mississippi State Pride Award and Start Up Company of the Year Award for Sano Chemicals. Additionally, he established The Dr. Frank Austin and Class of 2012 Endowed Scholarship for veterinary students and served as Commencement Graduation Speaker. Similarly, he has contributed to more than 70 scientific publications in more than 30 different international journals and 10 book chapters.

While his career has been filled with highlights, Dr. Austin takes the most pride in teaching more than 3000 students and in co-developing, with his business partners, the first truly fungicidal drug since amphotericin B in 1955. Occidiofungin is a first-in-class drug with a unique mechanism of action involving cellular suicide across the fungal kingdom and many simple protozoans. Though hard work and dedication have brought him far in his career, he credits his success to his respect for life and the values his father, a 33rd degree Mason, instilled in him. Looking ahead, Dr. Austin intends to fully develop Occidiofungin and other antibiotics to eradicate fungal disease and battle antimicrobial resistance.

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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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