Innovation and Commitment:
The Legacy of Mark Cook
A Visionary Scientist in Health and Nutrition
Mark Cook, a professor of animal sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, left an indelible mark on research, education, and entrepreneurship. With more than 40 patents and the founding of three startups, his work fueled advances in human health and food production. His innovative spirit broke academic barriers and fostered a mindset of possibilities. Despite his many accomplishments, he never lost his passion for teaching, instilling it even in introductory courses.
Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship in the Poultry and Biomedical Industries
Mark Cook was a prominent scientist with a strong commitment to innovation and technology transfer. His work spanned health and agriculture, reflecting the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea. Known as a "chickenologist," he was an influential figure in the poultry industry, and his discoveries were internationally respected.
He earned his PhD in 1982 from Louisiana State University, studying the relationship between pathogens, nutrition, and the immune system in birds. At the University of Wisconsin, his curiosity and passion for entrepreneurship led him to develop innovative technologies.
He founded Isomark in 2005 to detect infections early using isotopes in breath. In 2015, he co-founded Ab E Discovery LLC/Optum Immunity to replace antibiotics in the meat industry with proteins produced by chickens. He also investigated the use of a poultry-derived oil to reduce stress in farmed fish.
Cook revolutionized research funding by focusing on patents and royalties rather than relying solely on grants. He was instrumental in the creation of Discovery to Product (D2P), an initiative that has fostered multiple startups since 2014.
His greatest commercial success was the development of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the 1990s, a dietary supplement for reducing body fat. His ability to connect ideas and collaborate with others made him an exceptional figure in science and entrepreneurship.
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In 2015, Dr. Mark Cook brought his expertise to Optum Immunity, joining the team to help advance innovative solutions in immune health.
Innovation and Commitment:
The Legacy of Dr. Mark Cook
Innovation and Commitment:
The Legacy of Mark Cook
A Visionary Scientist in Health and Nutrition
Mark Cook, a professor of animal sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, left an indelible mark on research, education, and entrepreneurship. With more than 40 patents and the founding of three startups, his work fueled advances in human health and food production. His innovative spirit broke academic barriers and fostered a mindset of possibilities. Despite his many accomplishments, he never lost his passion for teaching, instilling it even in introductory courses.
A Visionary Scientist in Health and Nutrition
Mark Cook, a professor of animal sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, left an indelible mark on research, education, and entrepreneurship. With more than 40 patents and the founding of three startups, his work fueled advances in human health and food production. His innovative spirit broke academic barriers and fostered a mindset of possibilities. Despite his many accomplishments, he never lost his passion for teaching, instilling it even in introductory courses.
Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship
in the Poultry and Biomedical Industries
Mark Cook was a prominent scientist with a strong commitment to innovation and technology transfer. His work spanned health and agriculture, reflecting the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea. Known as a "chickenologist," he was an influential figure in the poultry industry, and his discoveries were internationally respected.
He earned his PhD in 1982 from Louisiana State University, studying the relationship between pathogens, nutrition, and the immune system in birds. At the University of Wisconsin, his curiosity and passion for entrepreneurship led him to develop innovative technologies.
He founded Isomark in 2005 to detect infections early using isotopes in breath. In 2015, he co-founded Ab E Discovery LLC/Optum Immunity to replace antibiotics in the meat industry with proteins produced by chickens. He also investigated the use of a poultry-derived oil to reduce stress in farmed fish.
Cook revolutionized research funding by focusing on patents and royalties rather than relying solely on grants. He was instrumental in the creation of Discovery to Product (D2P), an initiative that has fostered multiple startups since 2014.
His greatest commercial success was the development of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the 1990s, a dietary supplement for reducing body fat. His ability to connect ideas and collaborate with others made him an exceptional figure in science and entrepreneurship.
In 2015, Dr. Mark Cook brought his expertise to Optum Immunity, joining the team to help advance innovative solutions in immune health.
"I have been an egg producer my entire life as part of our family business. In 2023, we made the decision to feed Cosabody™ to every pullet we placed across our system of 5M layers. After two years of use, I can honestly say I have never seen our hens this healthy. We have reduced pullet mortality and increased egg lay rates. As a result, our overall egg production is up +3% - equivalent to an extra dozen eggs per hen. I attribute this remarkable increase to feeding Cosabody™."
- Frank Schimpf,
Owner S&R Eggs
