What’s your morning routine?
Weekdays are simple but stressful - wake up, help my spouse get our kiddo ready for school, and eat some breakfast.  Weekends are more relaxed - I like to make a nice waffle or pancake breakfast for my family, then read or listen to music. I like N.K. Jemisin, but I've read all of her works now, and I'm waiting on her next book. I'm reading a nonfiction book right now - 'Venture Deals" by Feld and Mendelson.

What’s the most expensive habit you’ve started as an adult that you now wish you could break?
I like eating out at restaurants, which is an easy and potentially expensive habit to fall into in Houston where there is such a diversity of delicious foods to try. I have learned a lot of new recipes during the pandemic, but when it comes to something complex like a Thai curry, I'd rather just pick it up from a restaurant. 

Have you met anyone famous? What were the circumstances, and how did it go?
I've met Thundercat (musician) after his performance at the Montreal Jazz Fest and I've met Patrice O'Neal (comedian) after a show in Houston. Both times were weird for me, I didn't know what to say to either of them other than thanking them for the cool stuff they make. Patrice O'Neal invited me and my partner for drinks, but this was a Thursday night show and we both had to work the next day and we declined. One of my biggest regrets.

What’s a job you would not be good at, and why?
I don't think I'd like working as a flight attendant. It seems incredibly stressful: spending a long time on your feet on a plane and potentially dealing with unruly or intoxicated passengers.

If you could make a documentary about anything, what would it be about and why?
I like learning about the process of innovation, and there are lots of great documentaries and podcasts about creating and building. Some podcasts I'm listening to on this topic are 'How I Built This' and 'Starting Greatness.' There is a nice documentary on Netflix called 'Abstract: The Art of Design.' What I don't hear much about is innovative companies that fail - I think there are lessons to be learned there too but it is probably difficult to get people to talk about these stories.

What’s your favorite board game?
While controversial for taking forever to complete and causing conflict and chaos, I like Monopoly. Maybe one day I will figure out how to win. 

What is your tech transfer philosophy?
Interests-based negotiation and endeavoring to get a win-win outcome for both sides. I'm also a big proponent of communication with and among all stakeholders in IP transfer. 

What do you love about the Better World Project, and what do you love about being part of its Committee?
Better World Project has compelling examples of why it is important to fund and perform research and the impact incremental advances over time can have on the world. There are lots of easy answers there about what scientists are doing with taxpayer money and why. I love the Committee because we work well together and with the excellent AUTM staff and we get to read lots of cool stories!

What are you most looking forward to at AUTM’s Annual Meeting next year?
I'm looking forward to the next BWP Awards. Last year we opened the final voting to the entire tech transfer community and we had a great response. I hope we can have the same wonderful participation this year. I'm also happy that the conference is in New Orleans, which is a city close to my heart.