If you could gift one thing to everyone in the world, what would it be and why?
I may as well go big here – perfect health! After the year we’ve all had, it’s hard not to daydream about a world where everyone is in peak physical and mental health. Apologies to all the healthcare professionals who would be out of work, but I think they’d agree, it would be a better world!
 
What’s your idea of the perfect day?
If I had a whole day: sleeping in; having a pancake breakfast with the family; going for a long hike (and maybe a swim); and finishing the day with sushi takeout, buttery popcorn and an action movie.
 
If you could research anyone’s biography, who would your subject be, and why?
I’ve always found the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald fascinating – a Princeton dropout who joins the Army, finds success and failure, marries a schizophrenic socialite, becomes a screenwriter in Hollywood and never sees his “great American novel” (that he wrote in Europe) become a success. I mean, what a story! Perhaps that’s just the English major in me romanticizing the life of a writer.
 
If you had the opportunity to name a new country, how would you decide what to call it?
I’d consider the country’s primary functions, the surrounding countries, the population, origin, and shape. But if I’m not given that information, I’d go with a really cool word, like “Vellichor” (a unique word made up to define the strange wistfulness of used bookshops) or Komorebi (a Japanese word for “light filtering through the trees”). Although, the narcissist in me would want to name it “Elland.”
 
Have you ever quit something you used to be really passionate about? Do you regret quitting, or are you happy you did? Do you think you’ll ever take it up again?
When I was a teenager, I ran my own photography business (at the forefront of digital photography – my first camera was 2 megapixels!) I was 16 and funded through Ontario’s SummerCompany program and shot everything from weddings to family portraits to the fair circuit photoshopping fairgoers with celebrities. I’ve always had a passion for photography, but when phones started taking such high-quality photos, I stopped pulling out my DSLR.  I’m happy I experienced entrepreneurship, and I don’t regret moving away from professional photography. For now, I’m perfectly content taking a billion photos a day of my adorable toddler and constantly scrolling Instagram. I’ve also loved being a Mentor for the SummerCompany and StarterCompany programs that are run through my local Entrepreneur Centre – it feels very ‘full circle’! 
 
What’s something you’ve missed the most during the pandemic’s stay-at-home restrictions? Is there anything you’d like to continue from this period after the pandemic is over?
What I’ve missed the most is time spent with family and friends. I could work from home forever, but not seeing (and sharing a good meal with) family has been brutal. I’d love to continue my new fitness regimen, and I’ve taken up running – hopefully I can still squeeze it in once we’re all back at it!
 
How did you get to your career in tech transfer (and/or current position)?
Like most people, I just “fell into it!” I was waiting to get on the supply list for teaching, and I took an administrative job in the tech transfer office, not knowing anything about it. Through mentorship from Barb Eccles (then Tech Transfer Manager, now General Counsel and University Secretary) and AUTM, I worked my way up from Assistant to Officer to Manager to Director within five years, and truly discovered my passion for the work!
 
What would you tell a group of students about why they should become tech transfer officers? 
In tech transfer, there is never a dull moment. The world of innovation is constantly changing and working with researchers is often incredibly exciting and fulfilling work (although not without its challenges)! 
 
What do you love most about being an AUTM Member?  
The comradery. AUTM has sparked so many friendships and provided a strong sense of community with my colleagues. I have grown in this profession because everyone is so willing to share best practices, answer questions, and truly mentor one another. I miss travelling and seeing everyone in person, but the sense of community has not faltered during the pandemic.

Tech transfer office staff are being asked to do more with less. What tips can you share to help small (and not so small) tech transfer offices get things done?
A few tips we discuss deeper in the Small Office course are:

• Utilize students/co-op programs/student ambassadors in your office as much as possible - they are a great resource to help expand your office and are usually social media wizards!
• If you don't have licensing professionals on-staff, one "tool" on your tech transfer "toolbelt" would be to use TreMonti Consulting, who provide advice and assistance to universities, governments and companies regarding intellectual asset management issues. They are fantastic at working with both large and small offices to find licensees.
• Engage with faculty and find a way to showcase their success stories. Success breeds success, and sometimes professional jealousy can actually help ignite innovation within faculties! 
• Use your networks. Don't recreate the wheel, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The AUTM Small Office SIG is a great place to reach out, ask questions, share best practices and engage with the tech transfer Community.