Andrew E. Byrd is Director of the University of South Alabama (USA) Office of Commercialization and Industry Collaboration (OCIC) where he is tasked to identify, assess, protect and commercialize promising Intellectual Property emerging from USA research. Dr. Byrd joined the OCIC after receiving his Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences, with a focus in Molecular Immunology, from USA College of Medicine. A native of Mobile, AL, Dr. Byrd has been affiliated with USA for over 15 years, obtaining both a bachelor and master degree in Business from the USA Mitchell College of Business. He has published scientific-research articles and reviews, presented at conferences and is a named inventor on two patents. As Director, he strives to establish and maintain positive relationships with USA faculty, while building industry relationships with the intent of creating collaborations and identifying licensing opportunities.
Dr. Byrd’s involvement in USA technology transfer is pervasive, from technology scouting, invention disclosure and due diligence assessment, through patent strategy and licensing. In addition, he is serves on the Advisory Committee for the USA Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and supports the Coastal Innovation Hub, USA’s tech-based start-up incubator. As such, Dr. Byrd assists and advises in the formation and startup of USA-spinoff biotech companies and is project manager for the development of a class of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of rare inflammatory diseases. He also is a Teaching Team Member for the NSF funded USA Innovation-Corps Site program. Dr. Byrd is also involved in state-wide outreach as a board member of BioAlabama and an advocate for Alabama Launchpad and EDPA efforts, as well as being a member of the regional angel investor group.