University of Southern Mississippi has hired alumnus Brian Cuevas as director of the Office of Technology Development to oversee the full spectrum of technology transfer activities.
Brian Cuevas (pictured) was announced yesterday as the new director of the Office of Technology Development at University of Southern Mississippi.
Cuevas, who took over the position on May 13, will work closely with the vice-president for research, Gordon Cannon, and will be responsible for managing tech transfer, intellectual property, commercialisation, corporate relationships and economic development.
His responsibilities will also include overseeing technology development policies and procedures at the university, including the supervision of specific IP management plans, handling collaborations with patent lawyers and managing the prosecution of patents.
He will also be expected to engage with corporate partners and understand their investments, industry needs and strategic direction, while leveraging the university’s strengths to offer relevant solutions to industry and adding value to the university.
Cuevas joined the university from specialty chemicals producer Evonik, where he had been manager of research and development since 2016. He previously co-authored a research proposal from the US Office of Naval Research that resulted in a $15m award for the development of an “acute care cover for severely injured limbs”.
Cuevas said: “As an alumnus and former resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it is a great honour to serve as the director of the Office of Technology Development at University of Southern Mississippi.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the distinguished faculty and staff at this university in order to establish a robust portfolio of intellectual property as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Cannon added: “Technology development is becoming a larger part of universities’ missions. We are fortunate to have someone with Brian’s experience in both academic and industrial arenas to lead our efforts.”