The Oversight Committee serves as a cornerstone of the MTRAC Program, bringing together industry experts and investment professionals to provide high-level guidance. They play a critical role in evaluating proposals for award selection and offering real-time feedback to investigators during quarterly meetings and presentations.
Over the course of the year-long grant period, the committee consistently dedicates their time, resources, professional networks, and expertise. Their contributions are invaluable in helping investigators navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities to achieve key commercialization milestones.
Tim serves as President at S.A.V.D. Solar- Solar Power Generation, Executive Vice President at Pyrochem Catalyst Company, and General Partner at Crimson Hill.
Denise is the Research and Development Manager at Gerdau Special Steel North America (GSN)- R&D focused on special steel processing (steelmaking, rolling, finishing, testing) and its applications. GSN produces high quality engineered carbon and alloy SBQ steel bars for safety critical applications used by the automotive, commercial vehicle, construction, agricultural, distribution and energy markets.
With over 30 years of expertise in chemical and materials sciences, including organic and polymer chemistry, materials science, and electronic materials, Steve excels in identifying disruptive technologies and emerging scientific trends with commercial potential. He is experienced in leading high-performing teams and pioneering Technology Scouting functions. He specializes in developing and commercializing complex, science-based products.
Chris has led global innovation, market and business management successfully launching and growing chemistry and materials based businesses for over 35 years. In his current role Chris is bringing together stakeholders including Federal funding agencies to support of BASF’s commitment to being the preferred partner in enabling our customer’s green transformation.
Erin is a results-driven leader, demonstrating strength at the intersection of customers and technology. With over two decades in the chemical industry, she brings experience in leadership, disruptive innovation, process development, technical service, application development, and collaboration across functions and geographies.
Jonathan is a teaching professor of management and assistant dean in the Michigan Tech College of Business. He was previously a product portfolio manager of a $10 million software business. He is a Certified Global Business Professional with NASBITE and has worked with entrepreneurial firms for over 20 years to raise significant startup and follow-on capital. He also serves as vice president of Superior Innovations at MTU.
Adrienne is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, a Past-President of the American Society for Engineering Education and directs the Micro Medical Device Engineering Research Laboratory (uM.D. – ERL) at Michigan Tech. She also served as Chief Technology Officer of a start-up company Microdevice Engineering, Inc (MDE) that spun out from her lab (NSF PFI and STTR Phase I and II). She has managed, as PI or co-PI, more than $14.9 million yielding 104 research graduates*, a patent, >110 publications [*12 PhDs (64% women, 18%UR)]. Her team earned ’Top Honors’ in the national NSF’s I-Corps and she currently serves as a co-instructor in the local I-Corps program.
Alain is a multilingual senior executive with international experience, specializing in corporate governance, market growth, and revitalizing underperforming operations. He is skilled in leading multicultural teams, driving product innovation, and optimizing facilities, Alain has successfully improved financial performance across startups, privately held businesses, and venture-backed enterprises in diverse sectors, including industrial and Department of Defense markets.
Orhan is a professor of practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Michigan Tech. He received a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s in electrical engineering from Michigan Tech. Orhan has 22 issued US patents and 47 published patent applications. He is also a senior member of IEEE and Advancing Science, Serving Society.
Ron has a proven track record in driving value across businesses through expertise in organization design, strategy, international business, and technology innovations spanning power, communications, and renewable energy sectors. With over $500M in VC, PE, and M&A transactions, he also brings governance experience as an outside director for public and private companies.
As a Venture Development Specialist at TandemLaunch, Kathleen applies her physics PhD and talent management skills to build and support deep-tech startups in the consumer electronics industry. She works with entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to identify, evaluate, and execute opportunities that address unmet market needs and leverage cutting-edge technologies. She also recruits and trains top talent and facilitates collaboration and communication across teams and stakeholders.
Kevin is an experienced entrepreneur with expertise in entrepreneurial finance, general management, operations, venture creation, and product development, with a passion for building and growing companies. He is a Board Member of Advanced Battery Concepts (ABC), a company that is commercializing the world’s first commercially viable lead-acid bipolar battery technology. ABC has secured licensing agreements with global OEMs that are scaling the technology to high volume production.