RASOR PROMOTED; NEW OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS CREATED
COLUMBUS -- Robin L. Rasor of WORTHINGTON has been promoted to director of the Office for Technology Licensing at The Ohio State University in connection with a continuing emphasis on enhancing the university’s technology commercialization services.
Rasor joined the office in 1991 as assistant director and was named associate director in 1995. The appointment to director became effective June 15. With a primary focus on life sciences research, she has been responsible for all aspects of the transfer of Ohio State technology to companies and investment firms interested in pursuing commercial development of those technologies.
Between 1978 and 1991, Rasor worked as a research scientist, principal research analyst and senior business analyst for Battelle Columbus Laboratories. She holds a master’s degree in genetics from Ohio State and a B.A. in microbiology, zoology and chemistry from Ohio Wesleyan University.
“With her expertise in science, her industry know-how and her technology transfer experience at Ohio State, Robin is the best in the business. We’re fortunate to have her,” said David N. Allen, assistant vice president for technology partnerships. “As we restructure our operation, Robin’s role as director will provide continuity and stability, thanks to the strong relationships she has developed with faculty and industry representatives over the years.”
The personnel change is part of a reorganization of technology-related offices at Ohio State in response to recommendations made by the university’s Technology Partnerships Task Force. An Office for Technology Partnerships was created July 1, subject to Board of Trustees approval, as an umbrella entity to which three offices report: Technology Licensing; Industrial Outreach; and Business and Industry Contracts, which is jointly overseen by the Research Foundation. Allen manages the new office.
Paul McSweeny directs the Office for Industrial Outreach, facilitating industry-university partnerships and serving as businesses’ initial point of contact with the university. A search is in progress for a new director of the Office for Business and Industry Contracts.
Internally, Ohio State faculty seeking advice and assistance with efforts to commercialize new technologies will work with the same people. Additionally, the offices physically will be relocated and coordinated on the second floor of the Research Foundation building, 1960 Kenny Road, to make the task force’s proposed “one-stop shopping” concept a reality.
Externally, Ohio State will become more user-friendly to businesses and firms seeking to join with the university in technology partnerships, said William A. Baeslack III, interim vice president for research.
“Companies come to the university looking for true partners, not just suppliers. These complex relationships involve faculty, research scientists and students, as well as licensing and intellectual property issues, and contract negotiations,” Baeslack said. “They require communication and maintenance. By coordinating our partnership efforts internally, Ohio State will better serve faculty who want to explore start-up companies and existing businesses who value university research and expertise.”
President William E. Kirwan appointed the Technology Partnerships Task Force in August 1998. In a March report, the task force outlined strategies to develop and sustain alliances between education and technology companies, contending that Ohio State must expand its capacity to develop research programs and technology commercialization strategies that benefit the university and the local, state and national economies. A redesign of technology partnership initiatives was among its recommendations.
“Robin’s appointment and other organizational changes are a clear indication of Ohio State’s commitment to effectively promote partnerships with businesses and to serve Ohio citizens and the nation by licensing our technologies for use in the marketplace,” said Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost. “With these and other changes, we’re well on our way to becoming a best-practices university in technology partnership initiatives.”
Contact:
David N. Allen, Technology Partnerships, (614) 688-5744
Robin Rasor, Technology Licensing, (614) 292-3911
William A. Baeslack III, Research, (614) 292-1582
Edward J. Ray, Academic Affairs, (614) 292-5881