Sam Baker, an environmental researcher and entrepreneur, will present his findings on leveraging earthworms and microbial systems to address pressing challenges in soil health and waste management. Drawing on years of applied research and laboratory experimentation, this presentation highlights the critical role of earthworms in soil restoration and the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
Sam will detail the scientific processes behind WriggleBrew, a liquid fertilizer derived from worm castings. The product was developed to overcome key issues such as microbial stability, pathogen control, and consistency in nutrient delivery. Additionally, Sam will discuss its efficacy as a natural pesticide, driven by preserved plant hormones in worm-derived materials.
The presentation will also explore groundbreaking research into the biodegradation of plastics using “superworms” and their gut microbes. Sam’s team has isolated and optimized these microbes in controlled bioreactors, enabling the transformation of plastics into biodegradable compounds that can be converted into soil. Experimental results demonstrate that plants grown in this soil perform comparably—if not better—than those grown in conventional mediums.
This research offers scalable, nature-based solutions to the dual crises of soil degradation and plastic pollution. Attendees will gain insights into the interdisciplinary methods used, spanning microbiology, materials science, and agricultural engineering, and learn how these innovations contribute to sustainable environmental practices.
Sam Baker is the CEO of WriggleBrew, a startup in Central Florida dedicated to sustainable agricultural solutions. With an academic background in economics and chemistry, and research experience across multiple scientific disciplines, Sam has spearheaded WriggleBrew’s growth, including the launch of its flagship organic plant growth accelerator. A lifelong innovator, he has earned honors like the Cade Prize from the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Florida, and recognition as an Inno Under 25 honoree by the Orlando Business Journal. Author of The Earthworm Almanac, a pre-publication book on the science and agricultural uses of earthworms, Sam is also an Eagle Scout, SCUBA diver, and environmental advocate. Sam continues to drive WriggleBrew’s mission to improve agriculture and protect ecosystems.
