The Office of Technology Management aims to create an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment around patenting, commercialization, and entrepreneurship by offering programming, targeted outreach, and resources accessible to all.
A key component of OTM’s DEI efforts is a dedicated staff position charged with launching programming focused on increasing entrepreneurial awareness, education, and action among underrepresented minorities. In December, 2021, Sarah Goode was brought on to manage DEI efforts within the Office of Technology Management.
“The OTM works to drive innovation by removing barriers, which are often simply a lack of awareness and networks, for women and other groups that are historically underrepresented in the world of technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. And, we are continually evaluating and adapting our programming and resources based on feedback from participants.”
Sarah Goode, Education and DEI Manager for the Office of Technology Management
With support from the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, recent DEI efforts from the Office of Technology Management include:
Expanded web presence and outreach
OTM has added a DEI webpage to house resources, events, and educational information relevant to WashU researchers from all backgrounds and at all stages of their careers. This expanded web presence also includes a webpage specific to the Women in Innovation & Technology program.
The OTM has expanded outreach by identifying and communicating to special interest organizations within the WashU ecosystem. Outreach includes efforts to promote all OTM programming to special interest groups through their communication channels. In addition, customized presentations have been developed on OTM services and resources for organizations such as the Division of Physician-Scientists, the Washington University Postdoc Society, the Council of Training Programs, and the Graduate Association of Latinx, Native American and Caribbean Students (GALNACS). OTM is continually exploring partnership opportunities to broaden the reach, impact and support for historically underrepresented individuals.
Relaunch of the Women in Innovation & Technology program
Originated in 2014, the Women in Innovation & Technology (WIT) program was relaunched in 2022 after a pause due to the pandemic. WIT brings together WashU’s women academic researchers to celebrate their achievements in technology commercialization and showcase successful role models. In addition to supporting women faculty, the program aims to encourage and equip the next generation of innovators by engaging WashU’s postdocs and graduate students. While a goal of the program is to create a space for women inventors and entrepreneurs, WIT events are always open to all.
Key programming elements of the WIT program include the annual luncheon and symposium. The 2023 luncheon will feature keynote speaker Lan Yang, PhD, the Edwin & Florence Skinner Professor, Electrical Systems Engineering and Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer of Deepsight Technology. The event will also incorporate a networking element, a need identified through feedback surveys from previous WIT events.
Profiles of diverse stories in innovation
In an effort to increase representation among researchers of all backgrounds engaged in commercialization and entrepreneurship, the Office of Technology Management works to share diverse stories in innovation. For National Hispanic Heritage Month, OTM profiled two WashU faculty members and how their Hispanic and Latino backgrounds have helped shape their careers and approach to innovation. Read the full story here.
