Meet our staff members and learn about their expertise and connections to community resources.

The Office of Economic Innovations and Partnerships (OEIP) serves the University by connecting faculty innovators and entrepreneurs with collaborators and partnerships outside UD through its Technology Transfer Office.

OEIP also serves as the host of a statewide network for the Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which facilitates programs and support for any business under 500 employees. The SBDC community includes the needs of faculty researchers and entrepreneurs.

The relationship of technology transfer units at universities has evolved, most notably when the bipartisan Bayh-Dole Act was enacted in 1980. Its guidelines unite efforts to protect and nurture innovations derived from federally funded research.  It also allows for a guided process further to develop them through commercialization or licensing for societal benefit.

For universities, it allows them to retain ownership and control of intellectual property developed from federally-funded research. At the same time, universities can continue ongoing efforts toward economic development through licensing, corporate engagement, or new company formation.

University of Delaware’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP), Technology Transfer Office (TTO) has added staff to support the work of UD’s research capabilities in advancing innovation to improve the human condition.

Julius N. Korley, associate vice president for the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, is focused on advancing and redefining creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship at UD, a pillar in the University’s refreshed strategic plan. Korley stated, “I am an entrepreneur at heart, and OEIP is a critical piece to this strategic objective for the University,” when asked about his role and OEIP. Korley’s focus on entrepreneurial opportunities will help bring faculty innovations to life. According to Korley, “Technology transfer has always supported creative approaches to translating new knowledge, research, and discovery beyond patent or licensing potential. Technology Transfer Associates (TTA) assist in identifying the innovation’s benefits that impact society and how innovations contribute to economic growth by growing and advancing these innovative ideas into opportunities.”

Technology Transfer Associates are already visiting colleges, departments, and groups in a specialized approach to provide more personal assistance in connecting resources and helping to expedite the processes. Your TTA will be available ongoing through office hours and regular visits. By invitation, they are available as guest speakers in classrooms, workshops, summer camps, events, and team meetings.  

We are pleased to introduce the new OEIP team of technology transfer associates and staff at UD.  The office is located with OEIP at the FinTech Innovation Hub on the STAR campus.

Technology Transfer Associates and Staff Introductions

Stefanie McBride
Technology Transfer Manager

Stefanie recently joined OEIP’s TTO and brings both private sector and academic experience with her. We had a chance to sit down with Stephanie to learn more about her.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

Most recently, I was the Assistant Registrar for Catalog and Curriculum in the Office of the University Registrar for UD. I worked with faculty and staff to develop and maintain their curriculum and ensure that the University published an updated Academic Catalog each year. Previously, I supported Global Data Warehouse as a VP of Operations at JPMorgan Chase. Stefanie received her BA at Dickinson College and JD at Widener University School of Law.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am most proud to have earned my JD and have transformed that training in law and ethics into the various elements of my career. My colleague and I discussed how ethics training is valuable and should be integral to advanced degree programs.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

I wish people knew that it is very natural for some personality types to enjoy helping others. I am personally fulfilled if I can make a process or a function work more smoothly for others.

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Travel and experiences with my family mainly. I would love to explore the domestic treasures like Mackinac, MI, or Big Sky, MT.

Do you have a personal mantra?

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop

Terry Grey
Technology Transfer Associate for CAS
 

Terry recently joined the OEIP team part-time, bringing private sector and academic experience to Tech Transfer. Here is what we learned about her.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

Most recently, I was a Compliance Business Partner at AstraZeneca, supporting teams in the Biopharmaceutical Business unit.  Before that, I was a general practice attorney in PA and an adjunct faculty and counseled law students at my alma mater. Many years ago, I was a member of what was then the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, managing UD’s Intellectual Property and playing a part in UD’s Technology Transfer development. I’m excited to be back at UD working with OEIP and the TTO team on the beautiful STAR campus! Terry received her BA from Duquesne University and JD from Widener University School of Law. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Successfully building and nurturing professional relationships with internal and external colleagues to improve business, the workplace, and my teams throughout my career.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

How fostering education and collaboration around innovations and new technology across and among our community, businesses, universities, and the public, ultimately improves our world.

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

#1 on my bucket list was attending Wimbledon’s championship tennis match in England, which I did this past summer! Next on the list is the French Open😊

Do you have a personal mantra?

Almost everything worth accomplishing “takes a village.”

Dan Beniker
Senior Technology Transfer Associate for CAS and CEOE
 

Dan joined OEIP’s TTO in January of 2023 and brings years of biomedical research and patent law experience. We had a chance to sit down with Dan to learn more about him.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

Prior to my time with the University of Delaware, I was a tech transfer officer for the University of Maryland in College Park. Most of my career prior to that was as a benchtop scientist in the medical device industry and as a patent attorney in Texas. Dan received his BS and MS at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a JD at St Mary’s University School of Law.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Every step in my career has left me something to be proud of. While a research scientist, I was proud of my contributions to the field of wound healing and helping to develop new re-vitalizing surgical implant materials. Now that I am in the academic arena, I am proud of every contribution I can make towards helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

University tech transfer departments are crucial to the dissemination and practical application of all the amazing work performed by our researchers.

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

I have a keen interest in sailing and have a 35-foot sailboat that I would really like to restore and take on a transatlantic voyage… more of a dream at this point, but still a bucket list item nonetheless!

 Do you have a personal mantra?

Make time for the little things.

Michael Blaustein
Director, Business Intelligence / Commercialization Strategy

Michael has been a part of OEIP for the last five years, primarily focused on technology development and commercialization strategies. Recently, his role has expanded to include the development of business intelligence capabilities to better address the needs of technologies by identifying the best possible opportunities for commercial success.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

I enjoyed a long career at DuPont, where I held a variety of professional and management roles in R&D, Business Development, Strategic Planning, and Portfolio Management.  One of my best roles at DuPont was leading DuPont Ventures, our corporate venture capital program; I had the opportunity to work with many early-stage companies and university spinouts.  I also led DuPont’s university engagement process; this interesting experience spurred my interest in transitioning from the corporate to the academic world after retiring from DuPont.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I take pride in having addressed a wide range of business and technology opportunities in multiple industries, undertaken in partnerships with people representing all dimensions of diversity and cultures.  It has been a great ride.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

My new role with the Technology Transfer Office is to lead our business intelligence effort.  This work is all about identifying preferred opportunities for commercialization of UD’s intellectual property through fact-based, rigorous analysis of markets, customers, competitive dynamics, and technology fit.

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

How about shooting my age on the golf course? Since I’m not a great golfer, that means I’ll need to keep on playing for a long time.

Michael Blaustein and Terry Grey during a weekly commercialization committee meeting with potential inventors.

Christina M. Catalano
Senior Technology Transfer Associate for CANR and CAS
 

Christina joined OEIP’s TTO in July of 2023 and carries with her a passion for life sciences. Her experience includes years of varied expertise in the following areas: biology/biochemistry and agricultural research, IP (Intellectual Property) preparation/prosecution/strategy development, operations (process/technology development and improvement), external engagements, outreach, project management, and agricultural production. We had a chance to sit down with Christina to learn more about her.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

Prior to “re-joining” University of Delaware, I held three positions over 15 years at DuPont, DowDuPont, and Corteva Agriscience, LLC including Legal Operations Lead, Intellectual Property Operations Leader, and USPTO-registered Patent Agent supporting the agricultural business. I proudly state that I “re-joined” University of Delaware because I earned my Ph.D. and B.S. at the University of Delaware in plant molecular biology and plant science, respectively. I also enjoy sharing that apart from my professional career, my family owns and operates a grain, vegetable, and sod farm in Southern New Jersey. Seeing food produced and helping with its production has always been an integral part of my career journey.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Given the diverse opportunities and many highlights I have experienced throughout my career, I believe that my greatest contribution that I am most proud of to-date is building collaborative, sustainable, and trust-worthy partnerships with researchers, inventors, leadership, legal counsel, and external stakeholders. I truly love seeing innovation and life science research from end to end, which includes many stakeholders along the journey.   As a scientist at heart, I am proud of the relationships I have built to talk with researchers and understand their research from its infancy, thereafter, including many stakeholders to deliver results. Moving forward, my career goal is to “give back” through impacting and advancing life science innovation for the benefit of society.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

I am a team member of kind and helpful Technology Transfer Associates that strive to meet your needs. Early, transparent, and active communication between research and the Technology Transfer Team is very important to protect ideas and research. Our door is always open, either virtually or in-person. We want you to visit us, collaborate with us, and tell us about your science!

What’s the number one thing on your bucket list?

My narrow bucket list constantly changes, but what’s most important to me is spending time with my family. From a broader perspective, I hope to visit several European countries to see where my ancestors lived and their communities.

 Do you have a personal mantra?

Whether the moment is big or small, be actively present because tomorrow is unwritten.  

Francis Galvin
Senior Technology Transfer Associate for COE

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

Immediately before joining UD, Frances was CEO at Galvin-Dolce Inc. While there, she successfully launched two innovative products of the male variety.  She serves that organization as a volunteer consultant. Prior to that, she held roles of increasing responsibility in technology transfer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Drexel University and Fox Chase Cancer Center.  She began her career in an immunology lab at Dana-Farber.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am proud of the relationships I have built with the UD research community.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job? 

It’s really fun and keeps me on my toes.

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Bali!

Saurabhi Satam
Technology Transfer Associate for COE, BE and CEHD
 

Saurabhi “re-joined” the team at UD OEIP in July 2023 and is passionate about bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world applications. She is excited to be part of a team that drives innovation, fosters partnerships, and turns visionary ideas into tangible solutions. We had a chance to sit down with Saurabhi to learn more about her.

What did you do before joining UD Tech Transfer?

I proudly consider myself a tech transfer enthusiast for life. My entire, albeit brief, career has revolved around technology transfer. Before becoming a Technology Transfer Associate at UD OEIP, I served as a Business Development and Licensing Associate at North Dakota State University. Being a UD Alum with an academic background in biotechnology, I even had the privilege of interning at OEIP during my graduate school days.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am a wholehearted enthusiast, and I take pride in my ability to build and nurture robust professional relationships with colleagues both inside and outside of my organization.

What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

Though it may appear that nothing was going on. I can assure you there was lots going on underneath – Kent Davison, Veep (HBO)

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Adventuring the enchanting landscapes of Banff and Rocky Mountain National Parks is a must-do on my bucket list.

 Do you have a personal mantra?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott 😉

Office of Economic Innovation & Partnerships (OEIP)  

 Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP) is an economic development portal that connects outside entities to university knowledge-based assets to stimulate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among UD students, faculty, and partners to contribute to the state and region’s social and economic development. OEIP acts as a focal point for resources and advisory services to support the cultivation of early-stage companies and industry partnerships. With a focus on discovery, OEIP assists in developing and commercializing intellectual property assets into marketable opportunities and/or new businesses. OEIP offers the Spin In® program that stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship and provides workforce development opportunities for qualified students. OEIP’s units include the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Delaware Small Business Development Center (DSBDC), and APEX Accelerator Delaware (formerly PTAC). These units perform as an integrated ecosystem to meet the technology and business needs of the University, the state, and the region.