Delaware Power Moves: Eric Kmiec and Cora Castle land new leadership positions

Eric Kmiec selected as editor-in-chief of a scientific journal

Eric Kmiec, executive director and chief scientific officer of ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute, has been named editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Gene and Genome Editing after serving three years on the journal’s board.

Kmiec is a leader in CRISPR research and education in Delaware, with a focus on equity and increasing inclusion in gene editing — including a partnership with Delaware Technical and Community College.

“This leading journal in the field has created an environment where gene editing research can undergo rigorous review and provide the field with cutting-edge findings that benefit all,” Kmiec said in ChristianaCare’s announcement earlier this month. “We have a unique opportunity to fill a void in the field by focusing on clear messages about the foundational aspects of gene editing and accepting papers that cover groundbreaking gene editing discoveries.”

Cora Castle. (Courtesy Cora Castle)

Cora Castle confirmed to the New Castle County Board of Adjustment

OmnipPtential Energy Partners President and CEO Cora Castle has been appointed by New Castle County (NCC) Executive Matt Meyer to the NCC Board of Adjustment. The board handles zoning appeals and adjustments, which is an area that Castle has become well-versed in as an advocate. Castle’s prior work included advocacy to pass legislation for a permit process for curbside electric vehicle chargers like her company’s Curbstar.

“I suspect my appointment to this important position of public trust is groundbreaking as likely (though I’m not 100% certain) the first openly transgender person appointed to a New Castle County board seat,” Castle said in a LinkedIn post. “Regardless of whether I’m first or not, women like me are often led to believe that our voices, judgment and experiences are not an important part of the amazing tapestry of human experience.”

More Delaware Power Moves:

• Tech Impact, the nonprofit that runs the workforce development program IT Works and acquired the Data Innovation Lab, has merged with the Philadelphia firm Message Agency
• Supply chain management company EtailFlow, a spinoff of the Delaware-based PCOnline, has announced that it will grow its operations in Newark alongside its parent company, with plans to create 45 new jobs in the next three years.
• University of Delaware astrophysicist Federica Bianco is among the 16 people selected to serve on a NASA-appointed panel studying Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).
• Wilfred Chen, LaShanda Korley and Mary Watson have been named as 2023 Fellows of the American Chemical Society.
• Brian Frazee has been appointed the new president and CEO of The Delaware Healthcare Association.