My Path to Technology Transfer

I direct the technology transfer program at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). My team of 50 includes scientists, lawyers, and professionals with business experience. We facilitate cutting-edge research and innovation as well as development and commercialization of products such as human and animal vaccines, monoclonal antibody therapies, and diagnostic tests. We promote and negotiate partnerships with the private sector as well as with not-for-profit organizations and universities. In addition, we manage patenting and licensing for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This chapter describes my path from research in an academic laboratory to running a large and complex technology transfer organization and offers suggestions to those who might be interested in pursuing careers outside the traditional academic track.