John Schmitt is the CEO and co-founder of iXpressGenes, a biotechnology company pioneering biomarker diagnostics that connect neuroscience, immunology, and human performance science. Its flagship product, the Trauma Autoimmune Indicator (TAI™) panel, is redefining how trauma and chronic stress are understood—revealing how physiological inflammation and immune dysregulation drive cognitive dysfunction. This insight positions biology as the key to preventing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and to optimizing resilience and performance at the individual level.

A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, John served over 20 years as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and maintenance test pilot, completing two combat tours in Iraq before becoming an Assistant Professor at West Point. He later advanced to leadership roles in Army acquisition and R&D, helping drive next-generation aviation, missile, and advanced manufacturing innovation.

John holds a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis. His work focuses on translating molecular science into tools that enhance human performance, accelerate recovery, and expand the biological understanding of resilience—where optimizing the warrior mind begins with understanding the body.