How did you get involved in tech transfer?
I sought out an opportunity to combine my legal background, technical experience and people skills. I wasn’t entirely familiar with tech transfer as I began my inquiry, but amazingly, I discovered what a good fit this field is for me.

What initiatives or programs at the University of Delaware are you particularly proud of?
Our TTO does a terrific outreach and engagement program with the departments. It can be daunting for a researcher to know where to begin when they have an innovative concept they would like to protect. So, making engagement a strategic part of the TTO is the first step to breaking down barriers for researchers.

What superpower would you choose and why?
I would choose the ability to speak and understand any language or form of communication. Good communication and comprehension skills are an absolute superpower!

What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received is simply that if you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to keep getting what you get – if you are happy with those results or your current situation, then keep doing what you are doing. But if you are not satisfied, then you need to do things differently. It’s empowering to think of things in your control that you can change. 

What do you like most about working with inventors and other tech transfer professionals?
There is something very satisfying about working with people who come from varied backgrounds but ultimately share a common goal. 

What does an average day at work look like for you?
An average day for me is emails, of course, and meetings. I enjoy making connections between people, places or even data points to support solutions.

How does your membership with AUTM support your work as a Technology Transfer Manager?
The AUTM community is one of the most supportive, involved and focused groups with which I have been involved. When Members say to reach out, they genuinely mean it and intend to follow up with you. It is like having an entire resource community on the other end of an inquiry.

What inspires you to stay motivated and keep driving innovation?
Meeting with inventors is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of my  work. Having someone with deep knowledge explain their process can be riveting, plus we get to advise them on how to move the needle forward.