Vanderbilt University
Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization
1207 17th Avenue South, Suite 105
Nashville, Tennessee 37212-2838
Campus Mailing Address: Box 320 GPC
Phone: 615.343.2430
Staff Directory
Leadership
Alan joined CTTC in June 2011 and is responsible for directing all aspects of the office, focusing on faculty service and transactional efficiency. Prior to Vanderbilt, Alan served for five years as the Director of Commercialization for Cleveland Clinic Innovations, that health care center’s technology commercialization function. Before the Cleveland Clinic, he served as the Associate Director of the University of Virginia’s Patent Foundation.
Alan received his masters degree in physics from the University of Virginia, and separate bachelors degrees in electrical engineering and in physics from Carnegie Mellon University. Alan is a registered patent agent and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of University Technology Managers.
Chris Harris joined the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) in October 2011 and is responsible for leading all licensing activities. Prior to joining CTTC, Chris was the Associate Director for Licensing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado where he managed a team of licensing executives. He was also previously the Senior Licensing Manager at the University of Virginia Patent Foundation.
Chris received his doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Virginia in 2001. In 2003, he became a registered U.S. Patent Agent and in 2008 he became a Certified Licensing Professional. He is also an active member of the Association of University Technology Managers and helped create and manage the AUTM TransACT database for deal comps. Chris also provides guest lectures for entrepreneurship classes at Vanderbilt.
Prior to his graduate school career, Chris worked as a software design engineer for Martin Marietta in King of Prussia, Pa. where he helped design command and control type software for a classified contract.
Kenneth J. Holroyd, M.D., MBA is Medical Director for the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, and also holds appointments as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Medicine. Joining Vanderbilt University in 2005, Ken is on the Board of Directors of Cumberland Emerging Technologies, the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, Informatics Corporation of America (ICA), Acuitec, digiChart, and Friends in Global Health. He is past Co-Chair of the Public-Private Partnership Committee of the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. At Vanderbilt his clinical practice of medicine is in Anesthesiology. Ken was in the biopharmaceutical industry for seven years, at Magainin Pharmaceuticals and Genaera Corporation, where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Previously he was a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and at Johns Hopkins University, where his research interests included the genetics and molecular biology of asthma. Ken received his residency training in internal medicine and in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, and in pulmonary medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Johns Hopkins University awarded him the M.D. degree in 1984.
Donna joined CTTC in March 2024 and is responsible for leading operations and project management activities to optimize the Center's performance and effectiveness. Prior to joining CTTC, Donna served as Associate Director for Vanderbilt's Research Development and Support team after transitioning from her role as Assistant Director of Operations for the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. Prior to her career at Vanderbilt, Donna worked in drug discovery and then in epidemiology and global public health at Moffitt Cancer Center, including roles managing laboratories, project teams, and operations.
Donna brings extensive experience in project development, implementation, and management across numerous fields, with a masters degree in medicinal chemistry from the University of Kansas and an MPH in epidemiology and global communicable diseases from the University of South Florida.
Stephen joined CTTC in May 2024 and is responsible for leading the New Ventures team in their efforts to advance entrepreneurship and new venture creation and support programs across the Vanderbilt campus, in the greater Nashville area, and throughout Tennessee. He works closely with the CTTC unit directors of Licensing and Industry Collaborations and their teams, as well as key university leaders, administrators, and faculty, to identify promising technologies, assess market potential, secure IP, build management teams, and attract funding to accelerate commercialization.
Prior to joining CTTC, Stephen led the University of Colorado/Boulder’s venture development team, where he helped manage a pipeline of over 130 high potential innovations through a 3-stage I-Corps® curriculum, corporate formation, launch, and venture funding. With 25 startups launched in 2022 alone, over $3B in venture funding was secured by startups commercializing university technology from 2018-2023. He also founded Destination Startup®, a collaboration of 15 research universities and national laboratories to showcase cutting edge innovations in the Rocky Mountain/Desert Southwest region; over $700M in venture, angel and grant funding raised through Q2 2024. Stephen received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Denver, and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver.
Christopher Rowe, M.E., Ed. D.
Executive Director, Industry Collaborations
615.343.0348
Christopher Rowe is executive director for industry collaborations in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, working on the Vice Provost’s team and with the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization. In this new role, he leads the institution’s efforts to create and expand mutually beneficial industry research collaborations that advance strategic scientific programs, solves industry-relevant research and development challenges, and provides channels to deploy and commercialize new technologies of substantial societal impact. He holds faculty appointments in engineering management and communication of science and technology. Prior to his current role, he served as associate dean for external relations, communications director, and inaugural faculty director for the A. James Clark Scholars Program in the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering.
Professor Rowe has authored scholarly papers on first-year engineering education, tech-based entrepreneurship, global engineering education and commercialization strategies for new technologies. He has held leadership positions in the American Society for Engineering Education; is a member of the American Society for Engineering Management, the Council of Engineering Management Academic Leaders, and the Association of University Technology Managers; and completed ABET’s Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership. He holds degrees in biomedical engineering and management of technology from the Vanderbilt School of Engineering and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. He has consulted with a wide range of engineering companies, focusing on high-tech startups developing commercialization strategies.
Corporate Alliances
Development and management of the Deerfield Alliance and biotech partnerships
Margaret Read, Ph.D.,
General Manager - Corporate Alliances
615.875.8634
Margaret joined CTTC in June of 2018 and serves as Alliance Manager for Ancora Innovation, the collaboration with Deerfield Management. Prior to joining CTTC, she was an independent consultant in the oncology sector for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Margaret previously served as vice president of Portfolio and Product Development at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Infinity, she was a director at Millennium Pharmaceuticals where she led Cell and Molecular Oncology and was the discovery leader on the VelcadeTM product development team. She started her career in drug discovery at ProScript as a senior scientist and leader of the Cell Cycle team. Before joining industry, Margaret was an instructor and research fellow at Harvard Medical School.
Margaret brings extensive experience in drug discovery and development to Ancora Innovation, including filing IND's, leading cross-functional project teams through clinical proof-of-concept studies, and bringing a first-in-class drug to market. She holds a bachelor's degree in cell biology from University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. in pathology from Vanderbilt University.
Corporate Contracts
Management of MTAs, CDAs and other collaboration agreements
Karen joined CTTC in November 1999 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Karen held research positions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where she conducted research in infectious diseases and reproductive endocrinology.
Karen received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Memphis, and a doctorate degree in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Karen is a member of the Association of University Technology Managers, the Licensing Executive Society, and the National Association of Health Services Executives.
Nadine joined CTTC in July 2018 and is responsible for administrative support for a variety of department functions including staff support, scheduling, detailed data collection and entry, procurement, and assisting in government reporting activities.
Prior to joining CTTC, Nadine was a Elementary and Special Needs school teacher for 11 years at the Christian Missionary School and The American Community School in Amman, Jordan.
Rebecca joined CTTC in June 2024 and is responsible for the completion, organization, and compliance of material transfer agreements. Rebecca has an Electrical Engineering degree from Missouri S&T, a JD from the University of Memphis, and is certified in Rule 31 Civil Mediation. Prior to joining CTTC, she was an Intellectual Property Attorney at the law firm of Alston & Bird in Charlotte, NC, focusing on patent prosecution. Rebecca also has experience with the United Way of Greater Nashville as a Regional Coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
Cole joined CTTC in March of 2023 and his responsibilities are focused on the completion, organization, and compliance of material transfer agreements and material licensing agreements. Cole graduated from Seattle University School of Law in May of 2022 and has prior legal and law firm experience working in dispute resolution, state and federal regulatory compliance, and conflicts of interests.
Economic and New Venture Services
Facilitating start-up company development, launch and growth
Stephen joined CTTC in May 2024 and is responsible for leading the New Ventures team in their efforts to advance entrepreneurship and new venture creation and support programs across the Vanderbilt campus, in the greater Nashville area, and throughout Tennessee. He works closely with the CTTC unit directors of Licensing and Industry Collaborations and their teams, as well as key university leaders, administrators, and faculty, to identify promising technologies, assess market potential, secure IP, build management teams, and attract funding to accelerate commercialization.
Prior to joining CTTC, Stephen led the University of Colorado/Boulder’s venture development team, where he helped manage a pipeline of over 130 high potential innovations through a 3-stage I-Corps® curriculum, corporate formation, launch, and venture funding. With 25 startups launched in 2022 alone, over $3B in venture funding was secured by startups commercializing university technology from 2018-2023. He also founded Destination Startup®, a collaboration of 15 research universities and national laboratories to showcase cutting edge innovations in the Rocky Mountain/Desert Southwest region; over $700M in venture, angel and grant funding raised through Q2 2024. Stephen received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Denver, and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver.
George Wilson, B.A., M.S., M.L.I., P.M.P. Certification
Assistant Director, New Venture Programs
615.322.5477
George joined the CTTC in August 2019 and is responsible for developing the new ventures and other business opportunities of Vanderbilt affiliates. Prior to joining CTTC, George managed the operations of the Vanderbilt Ophthalmic Contract Research Organization within VUMC and prior to that for the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. George has a wide-range of experience in biomedical research and business development, which includes work in PET/CT, MRI, cancer, neuropharmacology, electrophysiology, and ophthalmology. While he has spent his career associated with academic institutions, he has also worked closely with industry sponsors contracting research with VU and VUMC.
George received a B.A. in Psychology and Medicine, Health, & Society from Vanderbilt University, an M.S. from Kaplan University in Financial Analysis, and an M.L.I. in Neuropharmacology & Imaging Methods from the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. George is a member of the Project Management Institute with a PMP certification.
Cameron joined the CTTC in September 2022 and works with the New Ventures team to provide service to faculty and to the administration to help conceive, plan, start, and operate companies that commercialize IP owned by Vanderbilt.
Prior to joining CTTC, Cameron was the Co-Founder, President and COO of X Co, an early-stage technology accelerator in Reno and Las Vegas with a portfolio of nine startup companies. Cameron has experience working with a variety of founders and accredited investors in SaaS, Fintech, Hospitality Tech, and Gaming Tech.
Before working in venture, Cameron served as an educator and the Director of Marketing and Development for Sage Ridge School, a premier college preparatory institution.
Cameron received his Masters in Theatre Production and Design from Southern Oregon University, and his B.A. in English from Washington State University. Cameron recently completed his certification in Venture Capital from Berkeley Law.
Amit joins CTTC as a New Venture Officer. He is a dedicated biotech business development executive with several years of experience in scientific innovation and business development. Amit possesses a unique blend of excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a Ph.D. in life science and an MBA from Rice University, majoring in entrepreneurship and venture capital. He is passionate about accelerating the innovation-to-market journey through data-centric decision-making and strategic partnership. He has coached several technology-based startups and helped them raise over $5M of diluted and non-diluted capital.
Heather McMillan joined CTTC in July of 2013 and is the New Ventures Coordinator. Prior to joining CTTC, Heather was responsible for supporting the Chief of Staff for VUH. She is currently attending Belmont University.
Industry Collaborations
Facilitating partnerships with industry to advance research programs
Christopher Rowe, M.E., Ed. D.
Executive Director, Industry Collaborations
615.343.0348
Christopher Rowe is executive director for industry collaborations in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, working on the Vice Provost’s team and with the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization. In this new role, he leads the institution’s efforts to create and expand mutually beneficial industry research collaborations that advance strategic scientific programs, solves industry-relevant research and development challenges, and provides channels to deploy and commercialize new technologies of substantial societal impact. He holds faculty appointments in engineering management and communication of science and technology. Prior to his current role, he served as associate dean for external relations, communications director, and inaugural faculty director for the A. James Clark Scholars Program in the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering.
Professor Rowe has authored scholarly papers on first-year engineering education, tech-based entrepreneurship, global engineering education and commercialization strategies for new technologies. He has held leadership positions in the American Society for Engineering Education; is a member of the American Society for Engineering Management, the Council of Engineering Management Academic Leaders, and the Association of University Technology Managers; and completed ABET’s Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership. He holds degrees in biomedical engineering and management of technology from the Vanderbilt School of Engineering and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. He has consulted with a wide range of engineering companies, focusing on high-tech startups developing commercialization strategies.
Swapneeta Date, Ph.D. , NSF I-Corps Fellow
Assistant Director, Life Sciences Collaborations
615.343.4457
Swapneeta joined the CTTC Industry Collaborations team with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research & Innovation in January 2023 as the Assistant Director for Life Sciences Collaborations. She is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding partnerships between life science industries and academic departments, schools, and colleges across Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining as the Assistant Director for Life Sciences Collaborations, Swapneeta was a Senior Scientist at the Biological Sciences Department at Vanderbilt University.
Swapneeta brings an extensive background in the life sciences to her position, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and competitive training in Clinical and Translational Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH). She has won multiple awards and scholarships for her research and leadership contributions. She has worked with prestigious institutes, including Columbia University and the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Lab. Swapneeta has first-hand experience in innovation commercialization through her life science startups. She won the competitive I-Corps Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Sandy DeWald joined Vanderbilt University in September 2022 and is the Assistant Director for Industry Collaborations in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, working with the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization.
Her role will focus on identification, cultivation, and solicitation of corporations by managing market intelligence for the stewardship of organizational research and development (R&D) relationships and will be involved in supporting corporate R&D collaborations across the university’s schools and colleges.
Sandy brings extensive market knowledge in the commercialization of new products. With over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, she has developed and launched hundreds of new products for multiple market segments including automotive, construction, mining, consumer goods, oil & gas, metal fabrication and warehouse operations.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and English from the University of South Carolina-Aiken and an MBA from Union University.
Licensing
Commercialization via licensing to industry partners
Chris Harris joined the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) in October 2011 and is responsible for leading all licensing activities. Prior to joining CTTC, Chris was the Associate Director for Licensing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado where he managed a team of licensing executives. He was also previously the Senior Licensing Manager at the University of Virginia Patent Foundation.
Chris received his doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Virginia in 2001. In 2003, he became a registered U.S. Patent Agent and in 2008 he became a Certified Licensing Professional. He is also an active member of the Association of University Technology Managers and helped create and manage the AUTM TransACT database for deal comps. Chris also provides guest lectures for entrepreneurship classes at Vanderbilt.
Prior to his graduate school career, Chris worked as a software design engineer for Martin Marietta in King of Prussia, Pa. where he helped design command and control type software for a classified contract.
Biotechnology and Health Sciences Licensing
Michael Villalobos, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Life Sciences Licensing
615.322.6751
Michael joined CTTC in September 2011 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Mike managed the commercialization of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostic assay and medical device technologies for The Cleveland Clinic and prior to that for Purdue University. Prior to his career in licensing, he was a Senior Process Scientist at Abbott Laboratories where he oversaw the manufacturing of diagnostic assays for human blood borne pathogens.
Michael brings an extensive background in the life sciences to his position, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Illinois - Urbana and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Loyola University Chicago. He is a member of the Association of University Technology Managers and the Licensing Executives Society.
Michael joined CTTC in July 2024 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies arising from the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Development. Prior to joining CTTC, Michael worked for the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships at Binghamton University, where he was responsible for evaluating new technology disclosures, contributing to patent prosecution efforts, and marketing life science technologies to potential licensees.
Michael received his BS in Integrative Neuroscience and Biochemistry in 2019 and later completed a MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Binghamton University. During this time, he studied levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease in the lab, enrolled in the national NSF I-Corps program, and spin out a start-up company to advance novel treatments for this condition.
Carlos joined CTTC in March 2024 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Carlos finished his doctoral thesis establishing a mouse model in which scientists can track tumor-specific CD8 T cells response against various stages of tumorgenesis. His work shows that identifying patients at high-risk for cancer and administering cancer vaccines early, before macroscopic lesions have developed, may lead to improved and longer-term responses. He also completed an internship at our office in 2023.
Carlos received his B.S. in Biology from University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla and his Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Vanderbilt University.
Greg joined CTTC in September 2022 as a Licensing Analyst to commercialize new life science technologies. He has a diverse background in STEM, including research experience in drug delivery, genetic engineering, batteries, biofuels, microscopy, metabolomics, biosensors, and functional nucleic acids.
Greg received bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering from Auburn University in 2016, followed by a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2022. He is also a member of the Association of University Technology Managers.
Karen joined CTTC in November 1999 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Karen held research positions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where she conducted research in infectious diseases and reproductive endocrinology.
Karen received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Memphis, and a doctorate degree in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Karen is a member of the Association of University Technology Managers, the Licensing Executive Society, and the National Association of Health Services Executives.
Cameron joined CTTC in September 2022 and is responsible for commercializing life science technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Cameron was a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis in the lab of Dr. Fuzhong Zhang. In his graduate work, Cameron developed protein-based materials on the nano and macro scales for applications in health diagnostics and high-performance biomaterials. He also completed an internship in the WUSTL Office of Technology Management, was a consultant for The BALSA Group, and helped to launch and fundraise for a startup spun out of the lab.
Cameron received his B.S. in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from WUSTL.
Physical Sciences and Engineering Licensing
Taylor joined CTTC in June 2011 and is responsible for a diverse portfolio of cases, including both physical and life sciences. Before joining CTTC, Taylor handled the commercialization of engineering and life science technologies at The Johns Hopkins University. Prior to that, Taylor was an Associate at the law firm of Dickstein Shapiro in Washington, D.C., where he focused primarily on patent prosecution and litigation.
Taylor received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Missouri and his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Maryland and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a member of the Association of University Technology Managers.
Masood Machingal, Ph.D.
Manager, Digital Technologies Licensing
615.343.3548
Masood joined CTTC in February 2012 and is responsible for identifying, protecting and marketing technologies in both physical and life sciences, as well as managing the licensing activities for VU e-Innovations. Prior to joining CTTC, Masood was a technology transfer intern and a post-doctoral research fellow at Wake Forest University. Masood received his Ph.D. in 2010 from the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering, working at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine where he worked on developing tissue engineered skeletal muscle constructs for functional repair in a rodent injury model. He also worked on cardiovascular bioengineering, specifically evaluating the impact of smooth muscle seeding on structural, biomechanical, and physiological characteristics of tissue engineered blood vessels, using a sheep carotid-jugular fistula model. He received a Bachelor of Technology degree in Dairy Science and Technology, and subsequently received M.Tech and MS degrees in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, respectively. Masood is a member of Association of University Technology Managers, where he serves on the Membership Committee, and the Licensing Executives Society. Masood is a winner of 2014 Howard Bremer Scholarship awarded by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
Philip Swaney, Ph.D.
Manager, Licensing and Strategic Initiatives
615.322.1067
Philip joined CTTC in August 2016 and is responsible for licensing and market analysis of physical science and engineering technologies. Prior to joining CTTC, Phil was a graduate student at Vanderbilt University in the Medical Engineering and Discovery Lab led by Dr. Robert Webster III. He also spent time as a technology transfer intern at CTTC. In his graduate work, Phil developed a number of needle-sized surgical robots and tools in collaboration with expert surgeons for the treatment of diseases in the lung and brain.
Philip received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.
Digital Technologies and Content Licensing
Masood Machingal, Ph.D.
Manager, Digital Technologies Licensing
615.343.3548
Masood joined CTTC in February 2012 and is responsible for identifying, protecting and marketing technologies in both physical and life sciences, as well as managing the licensing activities for VU e-Innovations. Prior to joining CTTC, Masood was a technology transfer intern and a post-doctoral research fellow at Wake Forest University. Masood received his Ph.D. in 2010 from the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering, working at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine where he worked on developing tissue engineered skeletal muscle constructs for functional repair in a rodent injury model. He also worked on cardiovascular bioengineering, specifically evaluating the impact of smooth muscle seeding on structural, biomechanical, and physiological characteristics of tissue engineered blood vessels, using a sheep carotid-jugular fistula model. He received a Bachelor of Technology degree in Dairy Science and Technology, and subsequently received M.Tech and MS degrees in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, respectively. Masood is a member of Association of University Technology Managers, where he serves on the Membership Committee, and the Licensing Executives Society. Masood is a winner of 2014 Howard Bremer Scholarship awarded by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
Brad joined CTTC in December 2001 and is responsible for funding sponsor reporting and compliance as well as managing daily operations and improvement projects for the department's database. Prior to joining CTTC, Brad worked as a Data Analyst in Vanderbilt's Utilization Management Department following his work in various positions in the Medical Information Services Department.
Joseph joined CTTC in July 2013 and is responsible for daily support, maintenance, and administration of department PCs and servers in accordance with best practices. Joseph also creates and manages a number of projects in support of the systems lifecycle, with responsibilities ranging from equipment and service procurement to advisory and training. Prior to joining CTTC, Joseph was the Systems Administrator for the Freedom Forum & First Amendment Center located at the Seigenthaler Center on Vanderbilt's Peabody campus. Joseph received his BS in MIS from Lipscomb University and holds an AS in Communications Technologies from Nashville State Technical College. He additionally holds MCSE and MOS certifications from Microsoft and multiple computing certifications from CompTIA.
Gianny joined CTTC in July 2015 and is responsible for daily support, maintenance, design, and administration of the CTTC site. Prior to joining CTTC, Gianny worked as a Project Coordinator and Drupal Web developer for Information International Associates contracted out to the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information in addition to Freelance work for Leon Russell and other local Bands and companies.
Gianny has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from University of South Carolina, Upstate.
IP Management
Coordinating the protection of IP assets
Tom joined CTTC in June of 2016 and is responsible for patent docketing. Tom attended college at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Literature. For several years after college he was the Director of Music at St. Joseph Church in Strongsville, Ohio. He moved back to Columbus and worked as a legal assistant with Dreitler True, LLC, an intellectual property boutique firm focusing in trademark law, from 2012 to 2015. During that time, he assisted with both prosecution and litigation matters and acted as a primary liaison with clients and foreign attorneys. In the summer of 2015, Tom moved to Nashville where he worked as a paralegal in Baker Donelson’s intellectual property group.
Medical Product Support Services (MPSS)
Assisting faculty with regulatory and IRB issues
Kenneth J. Holroyd, M.D., MBA is Medical Director for the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, and also holds appointments as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Medicine. Joining Vanderbilt University in 2005, Ken is on the Board of Directors of Cumberland Emerging Technologies, the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, Informatics Corporation of America (ICA), Acuitec, digiChart, and Friends in Global Health. He is past Co-Chair of the Public-Private Partnership Committee of the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. At Vanderbilt his clinical practice of medicine is in Anesthesiology. Ken was in the biopharmaceutical industry for seven years, at Magainin Pharmaceuticals and Genaera Corporation, where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Previously he was a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and at Johns Hopkins University, where his research interests included the genetics and molecular biology of asthma. Ken received his residency training in internal medicine and in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, and in pulmonary medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Johns Hopkins University awarded him the M.D. degree in 1984.
Lu Ellen began working at CTTC in March of 2014 and provides FDA regulatory guidance to Vanderbilt researchers developing and investigating medical devices. Lu Ellen has been employed at Vanderbilt for a number of years, initially as an RN in the SICU. She has 14 years of human subjects protections experience under the VHRPP and VICTR. She holds a Master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Devices and Biologics from Northeastern University in Boston, and a BSN degree from Austin Peay University.
Operations
Overseeing daily operations of CTTC
Donna joined CTTC in March 2024 and is responsible for leading operations and project management activities to optimize the Center's performance and effectiveness. Prior to joining CTTC, Donna served as Associate Director for Vanderbilt's Research Development and Support team after transitioning from her role as Assistant Director of Operations for the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. Prior to her career at Vanderbilt, Donna worked in drug discovery and then in epidemiology and global public health at Moffitt Cancer Center, including roles managing laboratories, project teams, and operations.
Donna brings extensive experience in project development, implementation, and management across numerous fields, with a masters degree in medicinal chemistry from the University of Kansas and an MPH in epidemiology and global communicable diseases from the University of South Florida.
Finance
Sherrie joined CTTC in August of 2013 and is responsible for assisting with the management of the financial affairs of the department. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Sherrie was a Tax Accountant for Osborne and Co. in Brentwood as well as a part time accounting specialist for OI, Inc. in Franklin. She also spent seven years with Nissan North America in various financial and systems analyst roles. Sherrie received both her Masters of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee and is a CPA (Inactive).
Angela joined CTTC in April 2017 and is responsible for assisting with the management of the financial affairs. Prior to joining CTTC, Angela worked at Vanderbilt in Enrollment Management for 14 years. She is currently studying Accounting and has an Associate's degree in Business Management.
Sean joined CTTC in July 2018 and assists with managing the center's financial affairs. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Sean was a Financial Analyst at Epic in Verona, Wisconsin. Sean received his Masters of Science in Accounting from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Office of Vice Provost for Research