Thriving in Small Tech Transfer Offices with Caitlin Long and Sanaz Shahi

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and strategies of operating in small technology transfer offices with insights from industry leaders.

Collaboration is one of the defining strengths of the technology transfer community, and it often becomes even more important when resources are limited. This conversation takes a closer look at what it really means to operate in a small or under-resourced office, where the work can feel both expansive and unpredictable. From managing intellectual property to handling budgets, compliance, and stakeholder relationships, the scope of the role is broad, and no two days look quite the same. My guests are two leaders who have spent a great deal of time thinking about how these offices not only function, but find ways to grow and succeed. Caitlin Long is Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation at Alvernia University and serves as the AUTM Small Office co-chair and an AUTM Foundation board member, with a focus on translating ideas into real-world health impact through a student-powered, community-engaged model. She is joined by Sanaz Shahi, Administrative Director of Intellectual Property at Rowan University and co-chair of the AUTM Small Offices Committee, who also plays an active role in supporting diversity, mentorship, and professional development across the AUTM community…

People in this episode

Guests: Caitlin Long, Sanaz Shahi

Topics covered

• technology transfer
• small offices
• intellectual property
• collaboration
• professional development

Keywords

• technology transfer
• intellectual property
• small offices
• collaboration
• professional development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alvernia University, AUTM, Rowan University

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