AUTM on the Air

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.
We talk about the realities of wearing multiple hats, the unexpected responsibilities that come with running a small office, and the moments when you realize you need help that may not exist within your own institution. We also explore the role of the AUTM Small Office Special Interest Group as a practical, day-to-day resource, along with strategies for avoiding burnout, building support systems, and learning from others instead of starting from scratch. We take a grounded look at how collaboration, shared knowledge, and community can turn what might feel like an isolated role into something far more connected and sustainable.

In This Episode:
[02:09] A look at what day-to-day work actually involves in a small tech transfer office, where one person often handles multiple roles at once.
[03:10] How responsibilities can range from licensing and IP strategy to stakeholder engagement and student supervision.
[04:20] The challenge of constantly switching between big-picture strategy and detailed operational work is explored.
[05:05] Real-world examples show how deadlines, competing priorities, and limited time can create pressure in small teams.
[06:10] A surprising aspect of the role is the amount of financial and administrative work involved, including budgets and legal invoices.
[07:15] Early career moments are shared where there was little internal support and a need to seek guidance externally.
[08:05] The importance of the broader tech transfer community becomes clear as a source of advice, mentorship, and practical solutions.
[09:20] Fellowship experiences are discussed as a way to gain knowledge, build confidence, and connect with experienced professionals.
[10:30] The idea of becoming “trilingual” in science, business, and law is introduced as a key skill in tech transfer.
[11:40] A discussion on why the community is so willing to share knowledge and support one another.
[12:50] The AUTM Small Office Special Interest Group is introduced as more than a forum, but a support system for under-resourced teams.
[13:40] Examples of real, practical conversations within the group, including patent strategy, budgeting, and compliance challenges.
[14:50] The value of sharing templates, workflows, and real-world examples to avoid reinventing the wheel.
[16:00] A shift toward sustainability and the importance of managing workload to prevent burnout.
[17:10] Strategies for setting boundaries and building support systems, even when staffing is limited.
[18:05] Creative approaches to staffing, including the use of student workers to extend capacity.
[19:00] The feeling of isolation in small offices is addressed, along with encouragement to connect with the broader community.
[19:50] Practical advice on building relationships, asking questions, and reaching out for one-on-one support.
[20:40] Reflections on how being part of the AUTM community changes decision-making and leadership approach.
[21:20] A reminder that collaboration and shared knowledge are key to long-term success in tech transfer.

Resources: 
AUTM
Caitlin Long - Alvernia University
Caitlin Long - LinkedIn
Caitlin Long - AUTM
Sanaz Shahi - Rowan University 
Sanaz Shahi - LinkedIn

Clean water plays a fundamental role in health, safety, and quality of life. This Earth Day conversation takes a closer look at PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and the growing challenge they pose to drinking water systems across the United States and beyond. My guest is Dr. Yongsheng Chen, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and the driving force behind a new approach to water treatment that aims to remove these contaminants at their source.
We talk about what makes PFAS so difficult to manage, from their persistence in the environment to the limitations of traditional, chemical-based treatment methods. Dr. Chen explains how his team is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to design advanced nanofiltration membranes. These membranes are built to target harmful substances and pull them out of the water, while still allowing clean water to pass through. His work focuses on removing what doesn’t belong in the first place. That difference matters more now as regulations tighten and even very small traces of contamination are no longer acceptable.
There’s also a broader story here about how innovation moves from research to real-world impact. Through the startup Minus Filtration, this technology is being developed for use in municipal systems, with potential applications that extend into agriculture and environmental protection. We discuss the role of multi-university collaboration, federal funding, and tech transfer in bringing this work forward, and what it takes to turn a scientific breakthrough into something communities can actually use.

In This Episode:
[02:10] Dr. Yongsheng Chen explains how PFAS have accumulated in water, soil, and even human bodies after decades of use in everyday products.
[03:45] The discussion highlights why PFAS are so difficult to remove, including their chemical stability, low concentrations, and the limits of existing water systems.
[05:10] Traditional water treatment methods are examined, including how chemical-based processes can solve one problem while introducing new risks.
[06:45] The conversation shifts to the need for new approaches as regulations require detection and removal at extremely low levels.
[08:12] Dr. Chen introduces the “minus approach,” which focuses on removing harmful contaminants rather than adding more chemicals to the water.
[09:35] A deeper look at nanofiltration membranes and how they act as precise molecular filters to separate contaminants from clean water.
[11:00] Dr. Chen describes how artificial intelligence and machine learning have accelerated membrane design, reducing years of trial and error to a faster, targeted process.
[12:30] The role of multi-university collaboration is explored, showing how different institutions contributed expertise to solve a complex problem.
[13:50] The journey from academic research to startup formation is outlined, including how the technology moved from lab results to real-world application.
[15:05] The importance of tech transfer offices is discussed, especially in guiding patents, licensing, and early commercialization efforts.
[16:10] Why municipal drinking water systems are the first target market and how the technology can integrate into existing infrastructure.
[17:40] The conversation expands to agriculture, including how PFAS-contaminated biosolids are spreading chemicals across millions of acres of farmland.
[19:05] Dr. Chen explains how his technology can remove PFAS upstream in wastewater treatment, helping prevent contamination before it reaches soil and crops.
[20:30] The concept of a circular economy is introduced, with a focus on removing contaminants while recovering useful nutrients.
[22:00] The impact of federal funding is discussed, showing how support from agencies like the USDA, NSF, and EPA enables real-world innovation.
[23:20] New EPA regulations on PFAS are explored, along with how stricter standards are driving urgency and creating demand for effective solutions.
[24:10] The challenge of removing short-chain PFAS is addressed, along with progress in developing membranes that can target both long- and short-chain compounds.
[25:15] Dr. Chen shares upcoming milestones, including improving membrane performance and scaling the technology through pilot testing.
[26:00] Looking ahead 10 years, the vision is a future where PFAS are no longer accumulating and clean water is the default.
[27:05] Advice is offered for tech transfer professionals on moving research into real-world impact through collaboration and persistence.
[28:20] Reflections on the role of innovation, AI, and commercialization in creating safer, more sustainable water systems.

Resources: 
AUTM
Dr. Yongsheng Chen - Georgia Tech
Minus Filtration

Turning research into something that actually works in the real world sounds straightforward, but it rarely is. There’s a gap between discovery and impact that trips up even the most promising ideas, and it often has less to do with the science and more to do with how the problem is framed, understood, and communicated. My guest today is Marc Filerman, Chief Business Officer at Start2 Group, a global accelerator working across academia, startups, and government to help early-stage ventures de-risk, grow, and scale.
Marc brings a unique perspective shaped by his background as an MIT-trained engineer, corporate leader, and serial startup founder. At Start2 Group, he helps run major programs like BARDA-supported VITAL and NSF-backed Stride Ventures, supporting thousands of companies and contributing to billions in follow-on funding. We talk about what actually separates startups that move forward from those that stall out, including the importance of defining a clear problem, building a real value proposition, and choosing a focused foothold market instead of trying to do everything at once.
We also get into where universities and tech transfer offices have an opportunity to better prepare founders, especially when it comes to early validation and adopting a commercial lens alongside strong IP. Marc shares practical insights on funding pathways beyond venture capital, common mistakes he sees again and again, and how small shifts in thinking can dramatically improve a startup’s chances of success.

In This Episode:
[04:05] Marc shares the three through-lines guiding his career: building things, solving complex problems, and teaching others.
[06:15] He explains his shift from engineering to startups through a passion for translating real-world problems into solutions.
[08:45] Introduction to Start2 Group and its global footprint supporting startup de-risking and commercialization.
[11:20] Breakdown of government-backed programs including BARDA and NSF partnerships, and how they fund innovation.
[14:10] Differences between VITAL (biotech, pandemic preparedness) and STRIDE (deep tech, materials reclamation).
[17:48] A major funding opportunity is highlighted, including a $100M antiviral development initiative.
[21:52] Marc outlines three core startup success factors: clear problem, strong value proposition, and focused market entry.
[24:10] Why poorly defined problem statements derail startups before they gain traction.
[26:30] He explains value propositions as benefits divided by adoption hurdles, not just features or outcomes.
[29:15] Common adoption barriers emerge, especially inertia and resistance to workflow disruption in healthcare systems.
[32:05] The hidden impact of IT integration and organizational complexity on startup adoption.
[34:45] Why many “real problems” never get solved due to low prioritization despite clear need.
[42:33] The importance of choosing a foothold market and resisting the urge to over-expand too early.
[44:10] Academic founders struggle with narrowing focus due to fear of limiting platform potential.
[46:00] Defining a true foothold market as one where customers urgently demand the solution.
[48:10] The biggest gap in university commercialization is lack of early validation and commercial thinking.
[49:20] Tech transfer offices can better support founders by encouraging market validation beyond IP development.
[50:30] Not all startups fit the VC model, alternative funding paths like angels and bootstrapping are critical.
[51:30] Closing reflections on improving startup success through clearer strategy and commercialization readiness.

Resources: 
AUTM
Start2
Marc Filerman - LinkedIn

One of the toughest calls in technology transfer isn’t deciding whether a discovery is interesting or even promising. It’s deciding whether that discovery should become a company at all. There’s a big difference between a strong piece of research and something that can support a venture-backed startup, and most of the real work happens in that space in between.
My guest today is Omar Zahr, Chief Technology Officer at TandemLaunch, a venture creation firm that builds companies around university technologies in collaboration with global industry and academic networks. Omar started his career as a researcher at McGill University, where he completed a Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry before moving into venture development. Over the years, he’s worked at the intersection of deep tech, founders, and university IP, helping shape early-stage research into companies that are actually investable and positioned for growth.
We talk about how to evaluate whether a technology is truly “company-ready,” what it takes to build a business around early-stage science, and why not every invention should become a startup. Omar also shares how TandemLaunch approaches founder pairing, how investor expectations shape deep tech timelines, and where tech transfer offices can make or break momentum in the process. It’s a practical look at what happens between invention disclosure and a funded company, and why getting that middle stage right matters so much.

In This Episode:
[05:08] Omar Zahr walks through his transition from materials science at McGill into venture creation at TandemLaunch.
[06:14] He explains how curiosity, not a fixed plan, led him away from academia and toward commercialization.
[07:22] The moment he began to understand the broader gap between research and real-world impact started to take shape.
[08:35] Omar outlines how TandemLaunch differs from traditional incubators by acting as a company builder, not just a funder.
[09:48] The venture creation model is described as an end-to-end process from invention to seed-stage startup.
[11:02] He shares what makes a university technology “company-ready,” starting with proof of core scientific validity.
[12:16] The idea of building a business narrative first comes into focus as a key decision-making tool.
[13:29] Working backward from a successful exit helps determine whether a startup path even makes sense.
[14:41] Omar explains how some technologies are better suited for licensing when a full company story can’t be formed.
[15:54] The role of tech transfer offices is highlighted as essential for structuring deals and protecting all sides.
[17:08] Early IP clarity is discussed, focusing on capturing the true differentiator behind the invention.
[18:21] He breaks down how licensing complexities like field of use and background IP are handled in practice.
[19:37] Getting involved early allows TandemLaunch to influence patent strategy and support broader filings.
[20:49] The conversation shifts to founder selection, including how technical and product leads are identified.
[22:03] Omar explains why experienced CEOs are critical, even when other team members are first-time founders.
[23:17] Managing expectations between inventors and startup teams often comes down to relationship dynamics.
[24:28] Deep tech timelines and investor expectations are explored, with a focus on reducing risk step by step.
[25:32] Omar closes on a key challenge: slow negotiations introduce risk and can quietly kill otherwise strong deals.

Resources: 
AUTM
TandemLaunch
Omar Zahr - LinkedIn
Omar Zahr - AUTM

Some of the most meaningful industry–academic partnerships don’t begin with a breakthrough headline or a flashy piece of technology. More often, they take shape around a real research need, a practical solution, and a willingness to keep showing up and working through the details over time. That’s the kind of collaboration we’re exploring here, including how ideas move from early-stage science into something researchers can actually use, and what it takes to make those relationships last.
My guest today is Mark Fairey, Senior Licensing Manager at STEMCELL Technologies, Canada’s largest biotech company known for its high-quality reagents, instruments, and tools used by life science researchers around the world. Mark has spent two decades at STEMCELL, moving through roles in R&D, scientific sales, business operations, and now licensing and business development. That range of experience gives him a grounded, practical perspective on what it really takes to turn academic discoveries into reliable, scalable products, and why the strongest partnerships often start long before anything is ready for market.
We talk about what actually bridges the gap between a promising idea in the lab and something that can be reproduced, scaled, and trusted in labs globally. Mark shares how STEMCELL evaluates technologies, why understanding real-world workflows matters just as much as the science itself, and where academic teams often underestimate the challenges of usability and scale. We also get into the role of tech transfer offices, what makes early conversations productive, and why consistent communication is still the backbone of any successful long-term partnership.

In This Episode:
[02:03] Mark Fairey reflects on his 20-year path at STEMCELL Technologies, from research into sales, operations, and licensing.
[03:11] He explains how time spent working directly with researchers gave him a clearer view of how products perform in the real world.
[04:07] The conversation turns to STEMCELL’s “scientists helping scientists” philosophy and how that mindset still shapes the company today.
[05:02] Mark discusses what helps move a promising academic insight toward something that can become a dependable product.
[06:18] He says early-stage science needs more than exciting data. It also needs a real commercial niche and a practical use case.
[07:26] A simple muffin-baking analogy captures why scaling a process is much harder than just repeating what worked in the lab.
[08:39] Mark shares how his exposure to customers and end users affects the way he evaluates technologies for licensing.
[09:47] Trust, strong science, and a shared commitment to improving research workflows all factor into lasting academic partnerships.
[10:56] He points to communication as one of the most important ways tech transfer offices can keep partnerships productive over time.
[12:04] Regular check-ins, clear expectations, and timely replies all make it easier for industry and academia to stay aligned.
[13:16] Not every collaboration leads to a license, and Mark explains why smaller, informal relationships can still be worthwhile.
[14:28] The discussion highlights what academic teams sometimes miss about usability, shelf stability, and large-scale reproducibility.
[15:42] Mark broadens the lesson beyond life sciences, arguing that commercialization always starts with solving a real-world problem.
[16:54] He reflects on how the volume of university innovation has grown and how both academia and industry have become more fluent in each other’s needs.
[18:06] When researchers or tech transfer offices first reach out, a solid non-confidential overview helps make the conversation more productive.
[19:02] Mark closes with his biggest takeaway for tech transfer professionals: communication, empathy, and active listening matter most in building relationships.

Resources: 
AUTM
STEMCELL Technologies
Mark Fairey - LinkedIn