TLA Builds Capacity With Three Key Additions
Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) is pleased to announce the continuation of its capacity building with key staff additions in the revitalization of technology commercialization at the University of Arizona. TLA is a growing organization with substantial responsibilities and authority to effectively commercialize UA technology. These new positions represent a multidisciplinary approach to providing a wide range of services through Tech Launch Arizona, the TLA WheelHouse™ Commercialization Network and the Office of Technology Transfer. Notably, all are University of Arizona alumnae.
Jennifer Watson PhD, Associate, Technology Commercialization. The purpose of this newly created position is to enhance the technology business development and commercialization at Tech Launch Arizona. The position spans scientific, license, and other commercialization activities across TLA and the Office of Technology Transfer, such as the Proof Of Concept Program and IP clinics.
Dr. Watson is a University of Arizona alumna with Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Health Sciences, and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She has received numerous accolades including a prestigious ARCS Scholar award, and first place in the McGuire Entrepreneurship Showcase. In addition to these achievements, Jen has published in several peer reviewed journals, presented at numerous public forums and academic conferences, and has attended the prestigious Biophotonics summer program in Ven, Sweden. Jen brings strong University and community connections in the biomedical and engineering fields to her new role.
Janet Kisinger, Office of Technology Transfer Intellectual Property Manager. The Intellectual Property Manager has primary responsibility for activities supporting the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) mission to protect University of Arizona Intellectual Property (IP) assets that are under the disposition of OTT, and is responsible for the recovery and accuracy of these IP records and documents. The IP Manager has supporting responsibility for activities related to commercialization of the IP assets as well as overseeing reporting and compliance to federal sponsors.
Ms. Kisinger grew up in Overland Park, KS, attended Washington University, and then received her B.S. in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from University of Missouri – St. Louis in 1983. She then worked as a Contract Administrator in the aerospace industry at Emerson Electric in St. Louis, and Sundstrand in San Diego. Janet earned her law degree from the University of Arizona in 1999, and clerked for Justice Stanley G. Feldman at the Arizona Supreme Court. Janet then went into private practice in Tucson, practicing in the areas of civil litigation and commercial transactions before becoming an Assistant Dean in the Advancement Office at the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona in 2006. She joined the Office of Technology Transfer at Tech Launch Arizona as the Intellectual Property Manager in June 2013. Janet enjoys many outdoor activities, travel, great food, and wonderful wine.
Samantha Bankston, Project and Financial Analyst. This newly created position within TLA is responsible for project management and financial analysis for TLA, with specific emphasis on TLA Roadmap milestones, financial reporting, and TLA operations. Ms. Bankston joined Tech Launch Arizona in the Office of Technology Transfer in January 2013. . Prior to joining Tech Launch Arizona, Samantha’s experience at the UA spans five years, including work with the UA Museum of Art and the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Ms. Bankston holds a B.A. in English with minors in both Spanish and American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona.