1. What is your current role at CMRI?

I oversee intellectual property (IP) management and commercialization of Children's Mercy inventions. I work closely with researchers, clinicians, and faculty at Children's Mercy to educate them on patent and copyright protection and build a strategy for commercialization. I collaborate with my team for marketing CM inventions to industry partners, negotiate license agreements, and monitor compliance of license terms. I enjoy my role as it allows me work with researchers, patent attorneys, and business development experts. It is exciting to play a critical role in translating research into market-ready innovations.

2. What drew you to a career at CMRI?

I have always been interested in intellectual property, and when I expressed this interest to my PhD advisor, she encouraged me to explore a career in Tech Transfer. I started working for the Tech Transfer office at University of Illinois soon after earning my PhD, then worked for the Tech Transfer office at the University of Kansas for 15 years prior to joining Children's Mercy.

3. What are your research/career goals?

My goal is to build a robust Technology Commercialization ecosystem at Children's Mercy in the next five years.

4. What is your favorite thing about working at CMRI?

I love interacting with people at Children's Mercy. It is a great opportunity to mingle with researchers, physicians, patients, and community at CM.

5. What is on your bucket list?

I am interested in traveling to non-prominent countries and exploring ancient cultures.