Jerry Martin Sets Ambitious Vision for Tech Commercialization at Missouri S&T
Missouri S&T has welcomed a new force in the realm of technology transfer with the appointment of Jerry Martin as the new associate director of technology transfer and economic development. Assuming his role on June 30, Martin embarks on this journey with a rich tapestry of international experiences and aspirations to accelerate commercialization efforts. As the globe turns its eyes to technology as a driver for economic advancement, Missouri S&T stands poised to make significant strides under his guidance.
The Journey to Innovation
Martin’s journey is one marked by exploration and growth, showcasing his deep-rooted appreciation for multiculturalism—a journey sparked by his childhood transitions across various parts of the nation due to his father’s military career. His academic path is as varied as it is impressive. A graduate of Valencia College and the University of Central Florida (UCF), Martin wove together threads of science, business, political science, and languages to craft his education, culminating in a rich academic career that includes an MBA in global management and a Ph.D. in educational leadership.
A Global Perspective
Notably, Martin’s venture into Japan on a scholarship fostered his first significant encounter with intellectual property and opened doors to a future in which he would engage with this critical facet of economic development. Years later, the legal acuity he developed, underpinned by a law degree from the University of New Hampshire with a focus on intellectual property, is now a cornerstone of his vision at Missouri S&T.
Impacting Economic Development
As an architectural innovator in technology commercialization, Martin’s previous roles—most recently as the senior international officer for Miami University’s regional campuses—have prepared him to elevate Missouri S&T’s standing on the intellectual property front. He aims to intertwine academic research with industry needs, a symbiosis he believes is essential for economic development.
“I learned how intellectual property is important both to a company and a nation for economic development and national security,” Martin shares, his conviction evident.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Ensuring intellectual property is not only protected but also effectively commercialized is at the heart of Martin’s mission. He envisions cultivating robust relationships with industry partners, facilitating the licensing of innovative technologies burgeoning within the university. His enthusiasm is palpable as he notes the ongoing infrastructural investments at Missouri S&T and the promise these hold for fostering innovation.
Community Engagement and Education
Martin beckons the Missouri S&T community to engage with the technology transfer team, encouraging inventors and innovators to reach out for guidance and support. “The team is ready to work with researchers and staff, or anybody who’s developing an invention, or an idea for one,” he assures, emphasizing the accessible and supportive nature of the resource available to the campus and broader community.
In the dynamic world of technological advancement, Jerry Martin’s leadership ignites a promising chapter for Missouri S&T. As the new era dawns, the university stands ready to not only protect its intellectual treasures but also to share them with the world—fuelling both innovation and economic growth.
According to news.mst.edu, Martin’s induction marks a significant step for Missouri S&T in strengthening its role in global technological innovation.
