Our Team

Pamir Alpay, PhD
Vice President for Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
pamir.alpay@uconn.edu | 860.486.3619

Pamir Alpay is UConn’s interim Vice President for Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He oversees the University’s $375 million research enterprise at the main campus in Storrs, the UConn Health campus in Farmington, the School of Law in Hartford, and the regional campuses at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury. He was appointed interim vice president following a successful tenure as executive director of the Innovation Partnership Building at UConn Tech Park, where he served as the University’s chief advocate for industry-informed research and prime liaison between the research community and government collaborators. A professor of materials science & engineering and physics, Alpay was also the associate dean for research and industrial partnerships for the UConn School of Engineering.

Abhijit (Jit) Banerjee, PhD, MBA
Associate Vice President, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
abhijit.banerjee@uconn.edu | 860.486.2532

Administrative Assistant: Jan Rockwood.

Reporting to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Banerjee supports UConn’s continued growth as an economic driver for the state of Connecticut by helping to set an agenda that defines the University’s program in technology commercialization. He is responsible for all aspects of the University’s technology commercialization activities, including patenting, licensing, venture development, and UConn’s business incubator, the Technology Incubation Program (TIP).

Christopher Conners, PhD
Director of Licensing, Life Sciences
christopher.conners@uconn.edu |

Chris supports the tech transfer activities of UConn’s researchers through invention evaluation, patent process, marketing, licensing, and agreement management and negotiation. He supports university startups by providing guidance on intellectual property and information regarding agreement expectations. Chris also provides valuable connections between internal and external stakeholders to support UConn tech commercialization.

Vinay Thakur, PhD, JD
Senior IP Manager, Life Sciences
vinay.thakur@uconn.edu |

Vinay works closely with the licensing and business development team in assessing life science related invention disclosures for patentability and other IP related aspects. He supports UConn inventors through management of intellectual property, managing invention disclosures, and by preparing and filing patent applications. He coordinates UConn patent prosecution with faculty and external law firms. He also supports licensing activities by managing invention disclosures, and patenting processes.

Ira Turner, MS, JD
Senior IP Manager, Physical Sciences
ira.turner@uconn.edu | 860.227.7841

Ira works closely with the licensing and business development team for assessing technology related to engineering and physical sciences. He supports UConn inventors through management of intellectual property, managing invention disclosures, and by preparing and filing patent applications. He coordinates UConn patent prosecution with faculty and external law firms. He also supports licensing activities by managing invention disclosures, and patenting processes.

Paul Parker
Director, Technology Incubation Program (TIP)-Farmington/Storrs
paul.parker@uconn.edu | 203.912.2214

Paul oversees the Technology Incubation Program (TIP) by discovering, vetting, and recruiting new technology based startups to the program. In addition to managing TIP lab and office facilities, Paul provides support from entry through graduation by preparing TIP companies for funding and mentors them on creating compelling pitches to potential investors, partners, and customers. Paul also recruits new business service suppliers and sponsors to support the TIP community.

Ryan McMillian
Director of Venture Development
psr24003@uconn.edu|

Ryan McMillian is the Director of Venture Development at the University of Connecticut, where he evaluates UConn technologies for startup potential, collaborates with tech transfer teams to facilitate commercialization, and provides support to over 30 companies in launching technology-based and life science ventures. With over 15 years of experience in strategic financial planning, capital allocation, and business development, Ryan has successfully raised over $250 million in funding for biotech companies and has a proven track record of driving growth and value in dynamic, high-stakes environments. Prior to joining UConn, he served as Managing Director of RM Consulting LLC and held key finance leadership roles at Wellinks, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and GE Capital. Ryan holds an M.B.A. from Northeastern University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Vivek Ramakrishnan, PhD
Director of Venture Development
Vivek.ramakrishnan@uconn.edu |

Vivek Ramakrishnan, is a Director at UConn Ventures. He has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital investing, starting his career at Intellectual Ventures, a $6B fund based in Seattle. Before joining UConn, he was Managing Partner, New Ventures at Ventech Solutions where he focused on Private Equity transactions. He has extensive experience in medical device development, technology transfer, intellectual property management, and fund raising for early-stage companies.

Erika Paine
Coordinator, Technology Incubation Program (TIP)-Stamford
erika.paine@uconn.edu |

Erika Paine is a Program Coordinator for TIP. She works closely with the TIP and Licensing teams to support day-to-day operations. Erika brings in many years of administrative, managerial, and educational experience. She had previously worked as a Senior Program Director overseeing and managing programs for gifted learners, and providing professional development opportunities for educators interested in gifted education. Erika holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and B.A. in Human Services from UConn.

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