Technology Commercialization
Elizabeth
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Valley State University
Job Title: TCO Assistant
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The TCO is a resource and partner for university faculty, staff, and students developing technologies with commercial potential. By working together, the TCO can help form productive, sometimes profitable, business relationships; we're about making connections and advancing ideas.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Patent and Copyright research. I research patents and copyrights through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO.gov) and the US copyright office (Copyright.gov) Grant dissemination: I read through grant applications to determine if their presentations are accurate. I then give my approval and send it on for further review by my boss. Write Material Transfer Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements: I wrote the template agreements for the technology commercialization office. I make all modifications needed after signing an agreement with counter-parties. We have a material transfer agreement template for when we send out material that I wrote and maintain. This is used anytime we send or receive biological or chemical matter. I also wrote our confidentiality agreement template. Research and Development Committee: I sit on the committee and give student input on the requested grants that the committee receives. I also participate in a subcommittee that is looking to expand our grants program. Provide daily reception services. I field phone calls and emails, and organize meeting spaces. I also distribute mail, categorize and index filing systems, prepare and duplicate company reports and documents, and input and analyze data.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I now know how to research and draft legal documents. I understand grant dissemination and proposals. I am better acquainted with intellectual property law. I am better with research databases and excel spreadsheets.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Learning all the new things I learned about all the different aspects of working with grants and intellectual property.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I have decided not to pursue a career in law and instead focus on grant writing and administration.