Practicing science is not just something one does in the lab–in fact, you can use your science a variety of careers. Technology transfer and business development are one path–and OHSU has an internship program to help you navigate it. Interns in Technology Transfer and Business Development are important contributors to OHSU: they assist with transferring discoveries into the public space. In return, interns gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions. Since 2005, more than 50 interns have volunteered in TTBD before moving on to careers in scientific research, business, and law. Meet the 2015-2016 academic year interns! And find out details about the summer internship program below.

Abby Dotson, Ph.D. works with the Business Development team to identify and develop industry partnerships for OHSU’s infectious disease technologies. She also assists the office by evaluating technologies, drafting non-confidential summaries and conducting market research. Abby received her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Kansas and is currently a postdoctoral scientist in the Department of Neurology at OHSU. Starting June 1st, Abby will be transitioning away from bench work to work as an Alliance Manager in TTBD, focusing her career on developing impactful academic-industry partnerships to promote the advancement of therapeutic technologies.

Sudeshna Dutta, Ph.D. works with Trina Voss, Technology Development Manager, to evaluate the commercial potential of OHSU owned mouse models. She is creating a decision tree for assessing new models and determining possible distribution routes. She also performs new technology disclosure evaluations, related prior art searches, and looks at the future market potential of technologies. Sudeshna was recently hired on as a full-time Translational Strategist at Due North Innovation, a Portland company dedicated to helping move technologies from laboratory to the market. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Maryland, College Park and did her postdoctoral studies at Oregon Health & Science University.

Scott Vanderwerf, Ph.D. worked with Travis Cook, Senior Technology Development Manager, to prepare non-confidential summaries of OHSU technologies, which he marketed to potential licensees. He also evaluated new OHSU technologies for commercial potential and assisted with the development of term sheets. Scott was recently hired on as lead scientist for a local medical device startup company, where he will conduct product development using his scientific and entrepreneurial skills. Scott received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from OHSU, and was a postdoctoral fellow in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department.

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 2015 summer program to see where they are in their career path, since their departure from the TTBD office.

Uchenna Emechebe, Ph.D. worked closely with Trina Voss, Technology Development Manager, to build on cell line portfolios, discover ways to add value to biomaterials, write non-confidential summaries, and identify potential licensees. He has since become an inventor of an OHSU licensed technology. Uchenna is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Knight Cardiovascular Institute.

Dan Murphy, MS worked with Jeff Jackson, Senior Patent Associate, to draft office actions, conduct prior art searches, and compose patent application drafts. Dan is currently working towards a Juris Doctor degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

Marek Szumowski worked with Travis Cook, Senior Technology Development Manager, to build a financial model for evaluating intellectual property. He created a Standard Operating Procedure for improving the process for tracking technology marketing efforts and developed hit lists based on relevant technology sectors. Marek currently serves as a Research Specialist for the Shriners Hospital for Children and is working to complete his M.B.A. at Portland State University.

Summer Internship applications are open from April 1 through April 29, 2016.

In order to qualify for a TTBD internship, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a life or physical science or in engineering.
• Be pursuing or have received a graduate-level degree in science, medicine, engineering, business, or law.
• Have an interest in intellectual property, technology transfer, and/or business development as a career goal.
• Be able to commit to volunteering 20 – 25 hours per week for the entirety of the 2016 summer term (6/20/2016 – 8/26/2016).

To learn more about the internship program and how to apply, please visit the TTBD website.