Research Team:

The research team is headed by PI Mary L. Walshok, a sociologist on the UCSD faculty, who has a research record in the field of university-to-region knowledge flows, regional innovation, and entrepreneurship. She is a co-founder of CONNECT, one of the most successful technology-commercialization organizations in the United States.

Pamela Surko, formerly of Princeton University, AT&T Bell Laboratories, and SAIC, brings quantitative skills to the team, with broad experience in data analysis in physical and biological sciences, using statistical and artificial intelligence techniques to perform analyses using both quantitative and qualitative variables.

Nathan Owens brings international expertise in public S&T policy, having led analytical studies on regional innovation for Canada, Mexico, and the UK, with prior work experience in Washington, DC and Japan.

Lauren Primiano, a recent graduate of Northwestern University in Industrial Engineering and a social network specialist, has previous experience with mapping the co-authorships, co-citations, and other collaborations between academics in the Digital Media and Learning realm for a MacArthur Foundation grant.

Project Advisors:

Lewis Branscomb is an established thought leader nationally and internationally in public S&T policy. In 1980 President Carter appointed him to the National Science Board and in 1980 he was elected chairman, serving until May 1984. His current research focuses on domestic and international research and innovation policy.

Richard Fleming, President and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, is a project consultant intimately familiar with the St. Louis area and Washington University, and will provide entrée into St. Louis’s regional organizations.

Ken Harrington, Managing Director of the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Washington University will assist the team with his detailed knowledge of the St. Louis entrepreneurial environment and its connection with Washington University.

Richard Bendis, former CEO of the Philadelphia Innovation Council, is a project consultant for the Philadelphia region and the technology commercialization efforts there. He will provide entrée into the Philadelphia regional organizations.

Jeff Finkle, CEO and President, International Economic Development Council, Washington DC, will collaborate to assist the team in the validation and dissemination process.

This page last updated Jan 14, 2010.