FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alicia Schiff, WiSys Executive Assistant
(608) 316-4037
[email protected]

MADISON, Wis. – Jennifer Cook, formerly a technology commercialization manager in the United Kingdom, has joined WiSys Technology Foundation in the new position of associate director. In her role, Cook will help lead technology transfer operations across the UW System.

"Nurturing R&D opportunities across the state, encouraging discovery and moving new products to market is a profound responsibility for WiSys," says David J. Ward, chair of the WiSys board of trustees. "Jennifer brings energy and capacity to our growing organization."

At the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, Cook managed the intellectual property portfolio for the faculty of life and health sciences, in particular, early-stage drug discovery, diagnostics and bioengineering. She worked closely with academic groups to identify and secure industry partnerships across a variety of sectors.

Originally from the United States, Cook earned her degree in biology and chemistry from the University of West Alabama.

"Jennifer is a scientist, business analyst and IP expert," says Carl Gulbrandsen, managing director of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), which partners with WiSys. "She possesses the diverse skill set to thrive in this role and WARF is looking forward to working with her."

As associate director, Cook will spearhead patenting and licensing initiatives aimed at increasing the number and quality of disclosures from university inventors. Through partnerships with industry, she looks to advance job-creating products as well as identify UW startup opportunities.

"I'm excited to bring someone of Jennifer's caliber and expertise to the WiSys team to help us deliver excellent service to UW inventors throughout the state," says Arjun Sanga, executive director of WiSys.

Cook will manage the student ambassador program and other outreach efforts to promote research and collaboration across system campuses.

In addition to Cook, WiSys recently welcomed Robert Wise on staff to serve as regional associate. In this role Wise will focus outreach and development efforts on three east-central campuses (UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay). Wise was a UW science faculty member before joining WiSys.

About WiSys Technology Foundation
WiSys Technology Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) supporting organization of the University of Wisconsin System. WiSys supports 11 four-year universities, 13 freshman-sophomore UW College campuses and statewide UW-Extension to identify innovative technologies and bring them to the marketplace.