Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization's mission is to provide professional commercialization services to the Vanderbilt community, thus optimizing the flow of innovation to the marketplace and generating revenue that supports future research activities, while having a positive impact on society.We accomplish this by serving as an efficient and effective conduit for the transfer of promising intellectual property to industry; contributing to regional economic development by licensing locally and supporting new venture creation; and encouraging greater translational research collaborations between academia and industry.The New Ventures Officer position has provided me with the unique opportunity to showcase the entirety of my professional skillset in support of startups licensing Vanderbilt IP. My scientific background has been invaluable in my deep understanding of the technologies invented on campus, my network connections have facilitated synergistic interactions with disparate resources, and my previous work with contracts and grants has translated well to technology transfer activities. I have enjoyed making new connections with national and international entrepreneurial resources, and I look forward to developing the ecosystem in Nashville and the Southeast region as a whole.

While remaining a part of VUMC, I was able to become more involved in the industry research to which I was exposed during my tenure at VUIIS. I became more comfortable navigating institutional systems for research, finance, and administration, and I was in charge of all IACUC and DEA matters (e.g., protocol writing, response/plan letters, documentation, etc.). I was directly responsible for managing a team of 10 students, staff members and researchers, and I assisted in running the labs of 3 junior investigators within the unit. I actively managed a contract portfolio totaling ~$1.2 million. Major focuses included: i) preclinical research applications spanning from inception to IND filing, ii) experimental design of biomedical and pharmaceutical studies, iii) negotiation of material transfer and research agreements, iv) business development to grow the VO-CRO client and capability portfolios, and v) training in conducting experiments to fulfill contractual obligations. Duties include management and coordination of day-to-day operations of the VO-CRO team, data analysis, project oversight, budgetary responsibility, procurement, compliance, and assistance in preparing/submitting manuscripts, grants, and reports.

This position has allowed me to further my experience in academic research by continuing my scientific studies in primates, while giving me more autonomy and responsibility over the primate program. I am comfortable navigating systems for research and administration, and I am familiar with extrinsic (e.g., FDA) guidelines as well. I helped draft a grant application for DoD funding to study spinal cord injury with my investigator, which was awarded with me listed as key personnel. I was directly responsible for managing a team of 5 staff members and researchers, and also assist other investigators in the program.

I have experience in experimental design, setup, data acquisition, and data analysis using the many imaging techniques. I have a thorough understanding of these various imaging techniques. I am comfortable designing multi-modal imaging experiments that accomplish more than just functional/anatomical coregistration. I further developed my management skills overseeing a team of student lab members, as well as helping to manage up to 6 projects simultaneously.

Experimental design, setup, and data analysis using one or a combination of the following small animal imaging techniques: uPET, uCT/X-ray, nSPECT, and autoradiography. Highly skilled in radiation handling, experimental timing with various isotopes, and various injection techniques for small animals (e.g. retro-orbital, intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, etc.).

I have logged over 500 hours tutoring high school students in preparation for their college entrance exams (i.e., SAT and ACT). I also tutor students in the AP/IB sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, etc.).

I began my career in Residential Education during my sophomore year as a Resident Adviser on a freshmen hall. I believe that providing good council to those who are younger is a necessary duty, and exemplified this during my captainships of my high school athletic teams (soccer, track, lacrosse). I fulfilled my desire to serve as a mentor by joining Residential Education. As an RA, I was able to develop and execute educational programs for my residents, as well as help them through what can be a very difficult transitional period in life. I was promoted to the position of Head Resident of an upperclassmen area during my junior year, where I was placed in charge of a staff of RAs. While further developing my programming and mentoring skills, I was also able to develop my managerial style and strengthen my abilities to effectively organize and delegate. I filled the position of Head Resident in the same upperclassmen area during my senior year where I managed the largest staff on campus.

As a conference coordinator for Vanderbilt, I was responsible for organizing and executing events for conferences staying on campus during the summer. I was able to work with many different personality types, and utilize interpersonal communication skills I developed through my classes at Pepperdine. I gained experience in customer service and hospitality, as well as exercised my multitasking and communication skills. Reacting to changing scenarios throughout the summer allowed me to exercise my ability to think quickly and make good decisions.