Interns with Technology Transfer & Business Development (TTBD) are important members of the OHSU team. They assist with technology development and the transition of technology from laboratory to market for the benefit of the public. In return, interns gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions.
The TTBD office currently has three interns, with varying educational and professional backgrounds.
Uchenna Emechebe, Ph.D. received his Ph.D. in neurobiology and anatomy from the University of Utah and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Knight Cardiovascular Institute. As a TTBD intern, Emechebe is working to build on current cell line portfolios, discover ways to add value to the biomaterials, write non-confidential summaries, and identify potential licensees. These cell line documents will be assigned to him as an OHSU work product, giving him the opportunity to become an inventor of a licensed technology before his internship period ends. Emechebe is considering a career in the development and testing of novel tools for scientific research or a career that explores the legalities of new product development.
Dan Murphy, M.S., received his master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from OHSU’s School of Medicine and is currently working toward a Juris Doctor degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. As a TTBD intern, Murphy’s main duties are to draft office actions, conduct prior art searches, and compose patent application drafts. In the future, he wishes to pursue a career in the intellectual property field.
Marek Szumowski is currently working toward his M.B.A. at Portland State University and works as a research specialist in the lab of William A. Horton, M.D., at the Shriners Hospital for Children. As a TTBD intern, Szumowski’s main project involves building a financial model for evaluating intellectual property, creating a standard operating procedure for improving the process for tracking marketing efforts, and developing hit lists based on relevant technology sectors. In the future, Szumowski looks to transition away from bench work and secure a business role within the biotech industry.
Where are they now?
Past TTBD interns have gone on to pursue careers in technology transfer, patent law, startup development, and other career paths. We checked in with our interns from the 2014-2015 academic year to see where they are in their careers.
Sarah Biber, Ph.D., worked closely with Joseph Carroll, Ph.D., director of business development for the Knight Cancer Institute, to develop a strategy for evaluating and efficiently using competitive intelligence databases to identify potential industry partners based on work with gene targets. She also assisted the office by drafting marketing materials, evaluating technologies, and conducting market research. Prior to the end of her internship, Biber accepted a position at the Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI) and serves as the operations and programs officer.
Lisa Lukaesko, Ph.D., worked closely with the business development team within TTBD to research industry partnerships and startup company metrics. She compiled her research and recommendations into a formal report at the end of her internship, and will present her findings to several members of OHSU leadership. Soon after her internship, Lukaesko joined the TTBD office as an agreements officer.
Khoa Tran, Ph.D., worked with technology development manager, Trina Voss, on TTBD’s antibody portfolio, discovering ways to add value to the biomaterials, drafting non-confidential summaries, and identifying potential licensees. As a result of his internship, he is now the inventor of OHSU technology #2054, “A guide for rapid assessment of antibodies following disclosure.” Tran is currently negotiating a permanent position with a biotech startup company in the Portland area.
Internship applications now being accepted
TTBD is currently accepting internship applications for the 2015-2016 academic year. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 21. To learn more about the internship program and apply, please visit the TTBD website.
