Lucas began his career with Novartis Animal Health after completing a bachelor’s in science in biology and microbiology from South Dakota State University. At Novartis Animal Health, Lucas held roles as a laboratory technician and scientist focusing on bacteriological fermentation, downstream processing, batching and vaccine formulation, in process and potency release assays, safety testing, quality control, and host animal efficacy models. Lucas then decided to pursue a doctorate in Immunobiology from Iowa State University focusing on evaluating the efficacy and immunological mechanisms behind vaccines designed using novel polyanhydride biomaterials as adjuvants and antigen carriers. He then returned to Novartis Animal Health in 2012 as a Scientist and Project Leader responsible for development of innovative cattle and swine vaccines and maintaining current vaccine product licenses through requalification testing. After the Elanco Animal Health acquisition of Novartis, Lucas has served in multiple leadership and strategy roles within Elanco Research and Development for global licensure of companion and food animal health products. In these roles, has performed many duties associated with product development including host animal disease modeling, in vitro assay development, safety and efficacy study execution, evaluation of internal and external research opportunities, and subject matter expertise in immunology and food animal health. Lucas currently serves as a Senior Advisor for the External Innovation and Business Development team within Elanco Animal Health focusing on interfacing and evaluating external opportunities for application within the R&D pipeline.