Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has announced its latest cohort of Technology Transfer Liaisons, a group of experts selected to bridge the gap between research and commercialization efforts.

This program, designed by ORNL’s Technology Transfer Office, empowers selected researchers to guide their peers through the patenting, licensing, and commercialization processes, ensuring that the groundbreaking innovations at ORNL are effectively translated into real-world solutions.

“These liaisons will be critical in connecting our research staff with opportunities to bring ORNL innovations to the marketplace,” said Susan Hubbard, Deputy for Science and Technology at ORNL. “Their expertise will play a key role in strengthening collaborations between researchers and the Technology Transfer Office, which will ultimately help our lab realize its potential for real-world impact.”

Each liaison represents a directorate or key focus area at ORNL and will serve as an expert in their respective areas while working closely with the Technology Transfer Office. Their roles involve contributing strategic insights, broadening awareness of funding opportunities and ensuring that ORNL’s innovations are well-positioned for commercialization.

The newly appointed liaisons include:

1. Prasanna Balaprakash, Computing and Computational Sciences: Balaprakash specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in scientific research. His expertise drives ORNL’s initiatives in data-driven discovery and computational sciences.
2. Sandra Davern, Isotope Science and Engineering: Davern leads efforts in radioisotope production with a focus on medical and industrial applications. Her works support the development and use of radioisotopes critical to the healthcare field.
3. Sam Hollifield, National Security Sciences: Hollifield focuses on cyber security and critical infrastructure protection. His work ensures the safety and resilience of national security systems through cutting-edge technological solutions.
4. Diana Hun, Energy Science and Technology: Hun specializes in affordable, energy-efficient and resilient building envelopes. Her research is centered on the development of new materials and their optimized integration using robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
5. Santa Jansone-Popova, Physical Sciences: Jansone-Popova is a distinguished chemist specializing in chemical separations and coordination chemistry. Her research contributes to advancements in materials and processes for energy and environmental applications.
6. Brad Johnson, Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate: Johnson is a materials scientist and the program manager for nuclear batteries – long duration power supplies for remote and extreme environments. His programs develop advanced radioisotope heat sources, engineered safety systems, model-based systems engineering designs, thermoelectrics and power management.
7. Mark Loguillo, Neutron Sciences: Loguillo develops advanced robotics for neutron scattering experiments, increasing the efficiency and precision of neutron measurements. His work supports major scientific investigations in material science and physics.
8. Josh Michener, Biological and Environmental Systems Sciences: Michener leads research in enzyme engineering and bacterial genetics. His work focuses on optimizing microbial strains for biochemical production and sustainability efforts.
9. Andrew Nelson, Fission and Fusion Energy and Science: Nelson’s research in nuclear materials helps improve the durability and safety of materials used in fission and fusion energy applications. His work plays a key role in the development of clean energy.
10. Femi Omitaomu, Computing and Computational Sciences: Omitaomu is a distinguished research scientist specializing in energy infrastructure resilience and disaster management. He integrates data science and geospatial analysis to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure systems.
11. Soydan Ozcan, Energy Science and Technology: Ozcan leads research in polymer composites and their applications in lightweight automotive materials. His work supports ORNL’s efforts in sustainable manufacturing and carbon fiber development.
12. Dave Rotsch, Isotope Science and Engineering: Rotsch leads projects that advance the development of critical isotopes for medical and industrial use. His research helps improve isotope production and application techniques.
13. Vivek Sujan, Energy Science and Technology: Sujan works on advanced vehicle technologies and transportation systems, focusing on technology integration and interconnected mobility solutions. His research aims to enhance vehicle systems efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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