We humans are creatures of habit. And as much as we claim to embrace all that is new, the reality is, we pretty much want things to stay just as they are.
That was certainly true when it came to Technology Ventures at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Over the past five years, Manu Nair had built a robust portfolio of technologies and corporate partnerships at OMRF.
Still, talent and perseverance like Manu’s are in short supply, a fact that did not escape the Mayo Clinic. So, this spring, when Manu accepted a position as Mayo’s new Vice Chair, High Value Opportunities, we found ourselves staring change in the face.
Fortunately, OMRF’s Office of Technology Ventures was not a one-man show. Far from it.
In his half-decade at OMRF, Manu had worked hard to assemble a team of talented professionals to develop and market our technologies. That team is now excited—and prepared—to meet the challenge of helping to translate our scientists’ discoveries into life-changing products.
Dr. Andrew Westmuckett will lead that effort. A Ph.D. cardiovascular biologist by training, Andrew spent almost 15 years as a bench scientist at OMRF before transitioning to Technology Ventures in 2015. Over the past five years, he’s honed his skills in the realms of patenting and project management, assuming day-to-day responsibility for running the office and, this past fall, becoming a registered patent agent.
As Director of Technology Ventures, Andrew will be backed by a quartet of talented professionals, each of whom he has trained. Dr. Sam McNeal, who joined OMRF in 2016 after earning a Ph.D. at Brown University and completing post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and Morehouse School of Medicine, will lead patenting initiatives. Ryan Downing, who came to OMRF in 2017 with a degree in biology and training as a laboratory technician, will assist in licensing activities and contract negotiations. And John Miller and Nancy Widener will continue to provide vital administrative assistance.
In addition, Andrew will have the support and expertise of Adam Cohen, OMRF’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel. A Duke Law graduate who spent the early part of his career as a corporate litigator for a Wall Street law firm, Adam has been with OMRF since 2002, supplying legal guidance and creative solutions on countless deals.
It’s true that things look a little different around here. Yet that change, we feel confident, will create unforeseen opportunities. And progress.
Going forward, Andrew and his team will be enthusiastically renewing old partnerships and forging new ones. Expect to hear from them. With a deep bench of OMRF technologies and a history that includes three FDA-approved therapeutics now on the market, they believe the next success story is just around the corner.
I do, too.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Prescott, M.D.
President
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