Faculty scientists at IU are at the leading edge of new discoveries, addressing such issues as human health, the environment, new therapeutic interventions, and software solutions. However, our faculty scientists are not always sufficiently aware of how their research can lead to new economic opportunities and innovation pipelines. The Faculty Innovation Ambassadors (FIA) Program will prepare faculty to identify and cultivate these opportunities necessary for necessary for reaching IU 2030 Goals in innovation. This program will provide faculty with peer-delivered access to information and assistance related to innovation and commercialization on campus.
Faculty Ambassadors will develop a community of practice to promote translation of faculty research and will become a direct resource to their colleagues as a trusted source to navigate understanding translational activities related to intellectual property development. ICO intends to provide guidance and training to these faculty scientists by providing them with an understanding of how basic science and technology is assessed and developed into commercial products and innovations. The FIA Program will promote an understanding of innovation and commercialization and will be comprised of four facets:
This program will be launched through a series of intensive workshops. The workshops will be co-taught by a team consisting of ICO staff and guest lecturers (or technical expert such as a patent attorney) with a focus on intellectual property, commercialization, entrepreneurism and economic development. We anticipate bringing in guest lecturers with specific experience in areas such as intellectual property, business strategy, venture creation, and early-stage funding. These workshops will highlight the overview of the processes, outline expectations for each component, highlight the benefits of available resources, connect concepts to university wide metrics, and provide an overview of the broader ecosystem.
The workshops will address:
Introduction to technology transfer (Tech Transfer 101)
Intellectual Property (IP) development, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets
IP and COIC Policies and processes
Commercialization evaluation, stage gate process, and market evaluation
Industry Partnering and Startups
Faculty Ambassadors will be provided exclusive opportunities to join ICO and IUR staff to participate in community events and networking opportunities. These engagement events will provide faculty to increase their external networks, broaden their understanding of the innovation ecosystem, and increase their probability to identify opportunities to support and further their research. ICO and IUR staff will facilitate introductions to community members to facility developing connections and relationship building with local industry partners.
Faculty Ambassadors will be expected to present brief updates at monthly department level meetings on selected topics. These brief presentations will be co-developed with ICO staff to provide high-level updates, guidance, and communication of upcoming opportunities for faculty. Faculty Ambassadors will provide ICO with feedback from faculty on topics of interest.
ICO will plan and execute biannual half day Ambassador Summits for all current and previous Ambassadors. This will allow for ongoing engagement and continuing education of topics of interest. This will also provide a platform for group level feedback to ICO on the Program and provide the opportunity for Ambassador to present shared learnings.
Meet the 2025 Faculty Innovation Ambassadors:
Andrew Zelhof, the genome, cell and developmental biology section associate chair of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington. Zelhof aims to develop tools for generating transgenic Daphnia. These crustaceans have their DNA altered to increase their sensitivity to environmental pollutants, for environmental pollution and toxicology studies.
Chen-Ting Liao, an associate professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington. Liao aims to develop new quantum sensing and imaging techniques for probing matter for semiconductor and quantum materials.
Fletcher White, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the IU School of Medicine. White’s research involves developing new models of behavioral pain states and targets for chronic pain treatment.
Judith Gross, the director of the Center on Community Living and Careers. Gross’ research focuses on supporting and promoting high expectations for employment for individuals with disabilities.
Kara Garcia, an assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences at the IU School of Medicine. Garcia develops technologies for diabetes management, and her research also focuses on understanding brain development and degeneration.
Nick Manicke, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology and of forensic and investigative sciences at the School of Science at IU Indianapolis. Manicke’s research focuses on solving chemical detection problems in forensic, defense and biomedical applications.
Radek Kaczmarek, an assistant research professor of pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine. Kaczmarek’s lab studies immune responses to gene and protein replacement therapies for hemophilia A and B.
Roman Natoli, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the IU School of Medicine. Natoli’s research focuses on developing treatments for fracture-related infections, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and fracture-induced pain.
Silas Cook, a professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington. Cook’s research aims to develop sustainable catalysts and chemical processes.
Vijay Ramakrishnan, a professor of otolaryngology of head and neck surgery and director of rhinology research at the IU School of Medicine. Ramakrishnan’s lab focuses on upper airway inflammation as well as integrating artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering tools into otolaryngology.
Zebulun Wood, a senior lecturer of media arts and science at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at IU Indianapolis. Wood’s research explores virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D printing to create solutions that impact the world beyond entertainment.
