Donna Shaw
Donna Shaw, PhD, is the Assistant Director of Life Sciences Licensing at UCSD’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization, where she works to bring innovations developed at the university to the realm of business so that they may eventually be available to the public. She earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, after which she completed a postdoc and took up several industry positions, finally re-entering academia.
Can you describe your academic and professional background?
I have a MS and PhD in Microbiology/Immunology, I completed a postdoc at Argonne National Laboratory, and I have a paralegal degree and am a Certified Licensing Professional.
After completing my postdoctoral research, I worked at Abbott Laboratories in the Pharmaceutical Products Division focusing on new drug development, not in the lab but managing the functional areas. Based on my expertise in immunology, I often worked with upper management in evaluating new opportunities for collaboration and/or acquisition. This transitioned me into Corporate Licensing and Strategic Management as a Director. I moved to IDEC Pharmaceuticals in San Diego where I was Director in Business Development, then to a startup, Attenuon, also as Director of Business Development.
I transitioned to academia into the UC San Diego Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Services Department over 17 years ago, and my role now is as the Associate Director of Life Science Innovation and Commercialization. I like to say I sat at the same table but moved chairs as I transitioned from big pharma to mid-sized biotech to start up to academia.
What path led you to pursue this field?
I love this question! As a student and then a scientist, I wanted to make a difference in the world (as does everyone). At Abbott, once I saw what could be done by leveraging innovations from universities to the pharma industry, I knew this is where I could have a major impact. I see myself as the hinge connecting basic research to commercial entities which develop the research into a product for the public benefit.
How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field?
To get to my current position, I worked at three different companies which enabled me to gain the business experience I needed for what I do today. First of all, I needed to understand the science so I could evaluate the potential of an innovation. I also needed to know how drugs and devices are developed, understand the patent process, and be a good negotiator.
The story of how I got the job is interesting: I was driving my son to school one day and I was behind a UC San Diego commuter bus. On the back was an ad that read “make an educated choice, go to joblink.ucsd.edu.” So I did! Next thing you know, I became a UC employee!
Can you tell us about your current responsibilities?
As Associate Director for the Life Sciences team, I have supervisory responsibilities, which means I have responsibility to track and approve vacations and sick leave, do performance appraisals, keep the team morale high, and assist team members when they need or ask for assistance. In addition, I have a portfolio of inventions that I manage — which involves reviewing the inventions for commercial viability, patentability, and novelty. Further, I negotiate license agreements with commercial entities for these assets. Sometimes these commercial entities are UC San Diego startup companies, so we work with the startup and assist them where needed so that they are successful. I support students in being entrepreneurial, and do outreach by speaking to departments and groups on campus as well as off campus.
What is a typical day or week like in your role?
The wonderful aspect of this job is that every day is different, bringing new challenges and opportunities. I spend a good deal of time interacting with the faculty and researchers explaining IP and the process of technology transfer, and in general being a resource.
What are some of the challenging aspects of your job?
One of the most challenging aspects is when there is no commercial interest in an invention and I need to discuss with the PI that we may need to allow the patent to go abandoned. It is almost always a difficult conversation.
What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road? Do you have any professional plans for the future?
Moving into administration. I do not aspire to take on a more administrative role since I prefer being “in the trenches.”
What’s changing in your industry?
The technology transfer industry is doing very well, even during the pandemic. If anything, I am seeing an increase in licensing activities from the universities to the private sector now.
What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?
Start by taking a job in the corporate world, so that you understand what business are like — they are different from universities. Once you have a handle on corporations, you can move into business development. There are two organizations in my field: The Licensing Executive Society International (LES) and The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). I believe AUTM has a special category for students.
Is it common for people in your field to have a scientific/academic background (i.e. have PhDs)? Can you think of any advantages or disadvantages someone with a PhD might experience while pursuing or working in your field?
Actually, it is required (by most institutions) to have an advanced scientific degree. Without it, it will be hard to do what I do. You need to fully grasp the science of the innovation and also the competition. The evaluation of the technology would be more difficult to do well without an advanced degree. It also is mandatory to have business experience. An MBA is not necessary, but company experience is a requirement.
Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions?
This is a very exciting field. You see cutting edge technologies every day, you work with brilliant minds and you facilitate transferring these innovations for the public benefit. What could be better than that?
