2021 Board of Directors Election
Candidate Statements of Interests and Biographies 
(Alphabetical Order)

Harry Brislin, IV 
Executive Director for Real Estate Services and Asset Management
The University of South Alabama (USA) Technology and Research Park
Mobile, Alabama

AURP member since: 2015
Service to AURP: Participation on the 2021 Member/Sponsor Committee, 2020 Spring Training Planning Committee; 2019 Spring Training Session Moderator, regular program attendee
Research Park industry experience: 6 years

Statement of Interest
As a member of AURP, the connections I’ve made and the content provided by the Association have all made notable positive impacts on our Park and my own personal growth as a leader. AURP must be prepared to grow the brand and build a larger tent to incorporate more districts of innovation and a more diverse membership through innovative methods of outreach adaptable to today’s new climate. If elected, I plan to assist in molding and executing AURP’s vision as I’ve truly gained a great deal from my involvement and feel strongly about the work AURP does and seeing it continue.

Biography
Harry Brislin, IV currently serves as Executive Director of Real Estate Services and Asset Management at the University of South Alabama (USA). In his position, Harry is tasked with the direction of the USA Technology and Research Park and USA Properties, a fully licensed real estate division of USA, with the oversight of all the University and University Health real estate. Prior to joining USA in 2015, Harry began his career at a regionally recognized real estate corporation, The Mitchell Company, where he served as Broker and Vice President of Commercial Sales, Leasing, and Development. He has been active in all facets of the real estate industry along the Gulf Coast, including residential construction and development, commercial sales and leasing, retail and office property management and development, and national tenant representation.

As a native Mobilian, Harry received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from the University of South Alabama. He is an active member of a multitude of business and community organizations such as the Gulf Coast Technology Council, the USA Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, the Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Camp Rap-a-Hope, a Mobile-based children’s oncology summer camp. Most recently Harry was recognized as one of Mobile Bay’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2019.


Dwaine Chapel (incumbent)
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Growth Partnership and Research Park
South Dakota State University
Brooking, South Dakota

AURP Member since: 2011
Service to AURP: Current AURP Board member, regular attendee and frequent speaker to AURP programs
Industry Experience: 10+ years

Statement of Interest
Over the past 5 years, the Association of University Research Parks has provided me with excellent leadership opportunities for growth and professional development. The organization’s digital leadership library provided a basis for our organization as we maneuvered through a park reorganization. The AURP leadership and membership became excellent mentors to our staff and board members. The willingness of AURP members to visit South Dakota, in December, January, and February alone shows their commitment in helping everyone succeed.

My interest is to give back when and where needed. We have grown and changed exponentially, and we want to provide our story and best practices to those working towards development of a park. With limited knowledge, we have already worked with our partners at the USD Discovery District in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Ascent Innovation District in Rapid City, South Dakota.

AURP staff and members are true advocates for research, society enhancement, and professional development. It would be an honor to serve the organization and assist others.

Biography
Dwaine Chapel has been with the Research Park at SDSU since March of 2012. He currently oversees the business recruitment, development, marketing and the day to day operations of the Research Park and the Brookings Innovation Center.

Dwaine enjoyed six successful years in Madison, South Dakota, as the economic development director of the Lake Area Improvement Corporation. His experience also includes 10 plus years as a Real Estate Broker with Century 21; a home builder and general contractor.

He has had the opportunity to assist individuals in building their dream homes: he appreciates the opportunity that he had in assisting in furthering home ownership through his real estate career; working with communities has provided a diverse education on the mechanics of business development; however, assisting startups, working with faculty, and creating partnerships with industry, throughout the region has been the most rewarding.

As a non-traditional student at the age of 41, he attended South Dakota State University acquiring a degree in Business Economics in the winter of 2003. He received his master’s from the College of Engineering at SDSU graduating in the spring of 2005. Dwaine and his wife Gayle live on an acreage outside of Brookings. They enjoy working on the farm, developing wildlife habitat, hunting, golfing, and spending as much time as possible with their four grandchildren.


Bob Geolas
Partner
HR&A Advisors
Raleigh, NC

AURP Member since: 2001
Service to AURP: Prior AURP Board member, served on Sponsor/Fundraising, Annual Conference and Washington DC Summit Planning Committees, regular attendee and speaker at AURP events
Industry Experience: 30+ years

Statement of Interest
For over thirty years, I have dedicated myself to creating, operating and leading great places of innovation. I have seen the transformation from traditional research parks to vibrant, mixed-use innovation districts. And still, the change continues.

My desire to serve is driven by three core beliefs:

1) Great places of innovation must be driven by people and programs. Real estate, while essential, should never be the definition of success. How do change lives and improve our world?
2) Universities and places of higher education are going through enormous financial disruptions. How do we expand our knowledge in public/private partnerships to assist our anchor institutions in driving mission through new business models tied to program driven place making?
3) Ever changing concepts of innovation require those in positions of influence to continue learning and expanding our knowledge. How do we shape the change that is coming and not be the victims.

Our work is amazing. Let’s move forward!

Biography
Bob Geolas, Partner, HR&A Advisors, is a nationally-recognized leader in the development of innovation districts, university campuses, and research parks. With more than 20 years’ experience working with academia, government and private industry, Bob has a proven track record of leveraging world-class education, research and business activities for the greatest public good.

Prior to joining HR&A, Bob served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, the steward organization for the Research Triangle Park, where he coordinated initiatives and efforts surrounding its redevelopment. Previously, Bob helped to create one of the country’s most successful public-private research and development campuses as Executive Director of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. Bob has received several awards for his work to further the missions of institutions, including the Vision Award from the International Association of University Research Parks, Alumni of the Year Award from North Carolina State University, College of Humanities and Social Science, and the Triangle Top 20 CEO of the Year Award from the Triangle Business Journal.  


Erin Koshut (incumbent) 
Executive Director
Cummings Research Park
Huntsville, Alabama

AURP Member since: 2015
Service to AURP: AURP Vice President; current Chair of AURP's Communities of Innovation 101 program; co-chair of the 2017 International Conference Planning Committee when the conference was hosted in Huntsville, Alabama; regular member of the International Conference Planning Committees (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018), the membership committee, and the education committee.
Industry experience: 6 years

Statement of Interest
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the AURP Board of Directors for the last three years, where I am currently serving as vice president. Our AURP Board truly collaborates around a shared vision and purpose for our members. The camaraderie and collaboration across the AURP organization is not seen across other trade associations-it's one of the things I truly love about this organization and its members. I would like to continue to serve on the AURP Board to ensure that our AURP organization is fully supporting, engaging and helping to advocate for all Parks and Park service providers and their initiatives, issues and needs. Being able to serve as the chair of the Communities of Innovation 101 program has given me an opportunity to engage with new/recent Parks and Park staff around building and growing our research parks and innovation districts--engaging with this program because of my membership on the board has been incredibly fulfilling. We have some exciting parks and innovation districts underway and really great people joining our parks and districts too! AURP, along with our members will have unique challenges as well as opportunities as we exit the pandemic and I would be honored to work as a member of the board that supports our entire organization as we move forward.

Biography
Erin Koshut is the Executive Director of Cummings Research Park (CRP) in Huntsville, Alabama. With more than 320 companies across 3,843 acres that employ 26,500 professionals, and where 13,358 students attend school through graduate school, CRP is the second largest research park in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world. Erin is responsible for managing and marketing CRP, including recruiting new industry and amenities to the Park, developing a business environment that supports existing industry growth and recruits new industry in the Park. With partners, Erin works to create a vibrant environment where employees can connect, work, live, learn, and play. Previously, Erin was Vice President for Client Services and Special Events with public strategies firm, CRISP Communications. While at CRISP, she served as the lead strategist and account planner for several of the firm’s national clients. Additionally, she led numerous statewide high-tech issue advocacy campaigns and events. For 14 years, Erin worked for AkinsCrisp Public Strategies, rising to Vice President for Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL, Operations. While at AkinsCrisp, Erin led and managed strategic efforts with state and federal government clients, and dozens of companies. Prior to AkinsCrisp, Erin was an Assistant Publicist with Cumberland House Publishing in Nashville, TN. Erin currently serves on the board of directors for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) where she was recently elected as vice president. Within AURP, she serves as the chair of the Communities of Innovation 101 program. Erin and Cummings Research Park played host to the 2017 AURP International Conference. Erin is a member of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Economic Development Advisory Council and the Mayor of Huntsville’s Mobility Advisory Committee. She serves as treasurer of the PTO for her children’s school, Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School. Erin graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Public Relations.
 


Scott Levitan (incumbent)
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

AURP Member since: 2001
Service to AURP: Served on the Board and active with the membership committee. Held the Finance and Treasurer board positions. Served as an International Conference Chair, and Insights into Research Parks host.
Research Park industry experience: 30+ years

Statement of Interest
AURP has faced an existential challenge over the past year and I have been privileged to work with Brian, Vickie, Diana and the Board to manage through to a very positive outcome. Serving as Board Treasurer, I am seeking one final term on the Board to help chart a course for a strong, financially stable future for AURP. The Board should continue its focused effort to increase diversity among our membership and Board composition. If elected, I would be willing to continue to serve as Treasurer and help identify new member leadership among members by advocating for committee participation.

Biography
Scott Levitan is the ninth President and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF). RTF is a not-for-profit organization established in 1959 for the purpose of developing and operating the Research Triangle Park – the oldest and largest research park in the US. Since its inception RTP has led the transformation of the North Carolina economy helping to fill the gap created by the long decline in the historic industries of the State – tobacco farming and production, manufacturing and textiles. RTP supports 310 companies including IBM’s largest US facility, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, Biogen, Research Triangle Institute that employ 50,000 workers. Levitan was selected in July 2017 to lead the effort of the Foundation to transform the Park’s physical and business strategy to maintain relevance and attractiveness moving ahead. Before RTP, Scott was Vice President and Development Director for Forest City Realty Trust assigned for 11 years to oversee the transformational redevelopment of 88 acres in East Baltimore into the Eager Park community and Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins. This $1.5B mixed use effort continues to revive a community that had suffered disinvestment and neglect since the 1960’s with lab and office, retail, hospitality, educational and residential redevelopment surrounding a new 5.5 acre open space – Eager Park. The project successfully merged the objective to create a new commercial innovation community supported by research emanating from Johns Hopkins with a requirement to ensure that local residents and businesses equitably participated in the renewal of the challenged but proud and historic East Baltimore community. Begun in 2004, the project has generated over $750M in new investment.

From 2001 through 2006, Scott was Executive Director for Real Estate at Georgia Tech. He oversaw the Technology Square project which advanced the Institute’s footprint into Midtown Atlanta and was the beta-site for the then newly promulgated Blueprint Midtown zoning overlay district. Looking back, it is difficult to imagine that just 15 years ago, this are of Midtown Atlanta was derelict and could not attract development. He also led the effort to establish Georgia Tech’s research park – Technology Enterprise Park – on the westside of campus which is again in the spotlight owing to the recent opening of the new Mercedes Benz Stadium. Scott continues to serve on the Planning and Design Commission at Georgia Tech which advises the administration on design and planning for new building projects and has shepherded the EcoCommons project for the past decade.

From 1989 to 2001, Scott held numerous positions at Harvard Real Estate in Cambridge. He began as Director of Construction and Planning as Harvard University ramped up its Cambridge building program. Projects overseen by Scott included the former Inn at Harvard, the 3-year renovation of Harvard Yard and the Freshman dormitories and the rehabilitation of its non-campus residential portfolio in Cambridge. When he left Harvard, he was Director of the University and Commercial Portfolio of properties that included commercial and retail holdings in Cambridge and other non- University buildings owned by Harvard.


Aaron Miscenich
Executive Director
bwtech@UMBC
Baltimore, Maryland

AURP member since: 2015
Service to AURP: Previously served on the AURP Board of Directors, International Conference Planning Committee, BioParks Chair
Research Park industry experience: 30 years

Statement of Interest
I have worked for over 30 years in support of entrepreneurship and the economic development surrounding university-related technologies. I'm interested in developing more innovative mechanisms for creating technology companies and building communities around research.

Biography
Aaron Miscenich is currently the Executive Director of bwtech@UMBC, a 70+ acre research park located in Baltimore, Maryland. Home to over 525,000 square feet of office and lab space, bwtech houses over 130 companies who employ over 1,900 employees.

For 14 years Aaron was President & CEO of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a life science business incubator focusing on university-based technologies from across Louisiana. With an emphasis on entrepreneurship in the life sciences, the BioInnovation Center created a $48 million LEED Gold business incubator, that helped create over 100 companies and raise over $100 million in funding for local startups. Aaron also managed New Orleans BioFund, an evergreen capital source for the regional life science industry. Aaron oversaw the fund’s activity in equity investments, alternative finance/mezzanine lending, and senior debt transactions for start-ups and emerging companies. He also served as Interim Executive Director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center.

Aaron Miscenich served as Chairperson of LouisianaBIO, the state affiliation the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) from 2009 to 2019 and served on the Board of Directors of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) since 2015. Aaron has been a member of the Rotary Club of New Orleans since 1996, serving as President from 2012-2013.

Aaron Miscenich holds a B.S. in Physics from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Tulane University.


Laura O'Blenis
President and CEO
Stiletto: Make a Point
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

AURP member since: 2010
Service to AURP: Regular attendee and speaker at AURP programs; co-founder and former managing director of AURP Canada
Research Park industry experience: 15 years

Statement of Interest
Laura O’Blenis is a leader. She is passionate about ecosystem development and believes in the power of place. She has international experience and expertise in innovation ecosystems and the industry and post-secondary sectors they support. A registered federal lobbyist, Laura is skilled at policy development and navigating political landscapes at all levels of government to solicit buy-in and drive support. Well-versed in working in politically charged, multi-stakeholder communities, she is a consensus builder who challenges status quo to drive transformative change that results in broad-based economic development with a focus on communities of innovation.

Laura is and has been an active participant and champion of the Association of University Research Parks for fifteen years. She is a Sustaining Member of the Association and has attended the National Conferences, Spring Training, and International Park Missions (Paris). Laura has helped expand AURP’s reach and influence in a substantial way into Canada when she co-founded AURP Canada (2007). She is an advocate for the Association’s mission of bringing the research park community together and driving change for greater community and global good.

Laura will bring her global, cross-industry and cross-sector expertise, knowledge of trends and best practices of innovation ecosystem, and understanding of political landscapes and governance to support the Association in reaching a broader audience of park leaders, developing offerings that are both at the forefront of innovation support and is effective in building relationships and sharing of best practices, and broadcast the importance and impact of the association to solicit buy-in and support.

Biography
Laura O’Blenis is the founder of Stiletto (2010), a market research and strategic planning firm specializing in feasibility assessment, concept development, sustainable model development, strategic planning and execution support for innovation districts, research institutes, research and technology (R&T) parks, communities and post-secondary institutions. She is also the Co-Founder and former Managing Director of the Canadian chapter of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP Canada – 2007-2017). Laura has nearly 25 years’ experience in leading change, generating results, marketing products and services, and successfully negotiating new business opportunities and contracts. An award-winning entrepreneur, O’Blenis applies a philosophy of focus and strategy on activities and outputs that can maximize impacts and results to the organizations she represents.

A trained facilitator, O'Blenis has facilitated more than 700 strategy sessions with C-suite leaders and others to bring companies, communities, and individuals together for a common goal. O’Blenis has also served on numerous boards and committees throughout her career and has extensive experience as a chair, a participant, and a committee member to contribute to the organizations she commits to in a meaningful way. Laura has travelled throughout North America and Europe to study innovation and innovation support ecosystems and industry sectors to gain a greater understanding of global best practices and trends that can be applied to research and technology parks, innovation districts, communities, and post-secondary institutions.

Laura is an MBA candidate, chair of the Start-up Canada National Ecosystem Task Force, past chair of the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance CanWIT Atlantic Chapter, a past president of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Fredericton Executive Association, and founding executive director of New Brunswick's Knowledge Park. She has spent here entire career focused on economic development, post-secondary institutional growth, and cluster development in communities throughout Canada and the United States. Laura brings a wealth of knowledge in export markets and has helped companies of all industries (from retail, to high-tech to manufacturing) in expanding into new markets (domestic and international). She has specific expertise in the Canadian, United States and European markets and specializes in commercialization, innovation, technology park concept developments, export-market expansion, and partnership development. She was awarded the Startup Canada Female Entrepreneur of the Year for Atlantic Canada in 2016, was a finalist for Businessperson of the Year for the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and is the recipient of the 2019 NBCC Alumni Award.


Aaron Olver
Managing Director

University Research Park, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, Wisconsin

AURP member since: 2014
Service to AURP: Regular attendee at AURP programs
Research Park industry experience: 7 years

Statement of Interest
I am excited about the prospect for joining the board of AURP and contributing to the high-quality programming and networking that I have benefited from. My particular interests include the contributions of place-making and urban design to innovation districts, the role of entrepreneurship and clusters in economic ecosystems, economic development strategy, and the relationship between geography and demographics to innovation outputs. I also am interested in and believe there is a real gap in understanding how architecture affects the interaction and behavior of occupants in and between buildings. In my own work, I’m increasingly focused on how the park can be a good community partner outside the university in advancing civic goals such as equity, climate resilience, transit, and housing affordability. I enjoy participating in AURP and would look to continue its high value-added programming, foster deeper networks within the AURP community, and ensure continued fiscal sustainability.

Biography
Aaron Olver is the Managing Director of the University Research Park. Established in 1984, University Research Park, a University of Wisconsin-Madison affiliate, is an internationally recognized research and technology park that supports early-stage, and growth-oriented businesses in a range of sectors, including engineering, computer and life sciences. University Research Park manages a core park that is home to 125 companies and approximately 4,100 workers. The park’s portfolio includes one million square feet of space, 18 ground leases, and 200 acres for a second planned park location.

Aaron previously served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Madison.

Prior to joining the City, Aaron spearheaded Wisconsin’s economic development efforts serving as the Secretary of Commerce under Governor Jim Doyle. He held a handful of roles over two terms in the Doyle administration and led numerous economic development initiatives including the development of the Governor's plan, Grow Wisconsin, and the creation of an entrepreneurship agenda that launched programs such as Wisconsin's Angel and Venture Capital tax credits (QNBV) and the Governor’s Business Plan Contest. Before entering public service, Aaron was management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Chicago, IL where his practice focused on business development and growth strategy.

Aaron earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a graduate degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University, Oxford, UK, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He serves on the boards of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Forward BioLabs, and the Waisman Biomanufacturing Advisory Board.


Halim Hamid Redhwi
Deputy CEO, Business Development
Dhahran Techno Valley Company
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

AURP Member since: 2010
Service to AURP: Panel member in AURP meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida
Research Park industry experience: 15 years

Statement of Interest
Halim Redhwi is a pioneer in establishing science/research park in Saudi Arabian and the regional universities. His expertise in establishing science/research parks were utilized by local universities resulting in university science/research parks in King Saud University - Riyadh, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology - Thuwal, Umm-ul-Qura University – Makkah, Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University - Dammam as well as the regional universities from Kuwait, UAE and Oman. His main interest is now to widen the activities of AURP to international venues outside USA. There is an increasing interest in university science/research parks in Middle East and if elected as AURP Board Member, he plans to activate AURP activities in the region. This will get international flavor to AURP activities and increased registrants in AURP meetings. His presence in AURP Board will enlighten other board members of local and regional university science/research parks that will add value to AURP image and activities worldwide.

Biography
Dr. Halim Redhwi is the Deputy CEO – Business Development of Dhahran Techno Valley Holding Company and Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM). His educational background is in the areas of Chemical Engineering and Polymers. He received his PhD from The City University, London in 1988. During his professional career spanning more than thirty years, he has been active in research and teaching in the field of Petroleum Refining, Petrochemicals, and Polymer Degradation.

Halim’s main contribution in the last fifteen years has been in establishing a world class Science Park namely Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) and in promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the University. The DTV Science Park constitutes eighteen state-of-the-art Research & Technology Development (R&TD) Centers of multinational companies such as Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Sinopec, Yokogawa, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, ROSEN, Air Products, Saudi Aramco, SABIC and others. He is very active in promoting interaction between these companies and KFUPM departments, particularly, Chemical Engineering Department. He was also involved in the establishment of research programs that became the areas of excellence for KFUPM. These programs are in the areas of Heavy Oil Upgrading, novel petroleum refining process (HSFCC) and Polymer Degradation. The projects resulting from these programs generated multi-million US dollars funding for KFUPM from industrial clients, such as, Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Nippon oil - Japan, Ciba Specialty Chemicals - Switzerland, etc.

His specific contribution was in the in the field of Heavy Oil Upgrading in an international project jointly conducted by Japan Cooperation Center for Petroleum (JCCP), Saudi Aramco and KFUPM since 1995. The project resulted in developing a novel High Severity Fluid Catalytic Cracking (HSFCC) technology which is currently licensed to S-Oil refinery in South Korea with a capacity of 86,000 BPD. He has done some pioneering work in the area of UV induced degradation of polymers in harsh climates. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has awarded him letter of appreciation and a citation of excellence for his work in ozone depletion and the effect of increased UV radiation on polymers. He was the recipient of the 1992-93 KFUPM-RI Distinguished Researcher Award. Halim has 8 US issued patents and published more than 150 papers in refereed journals, conference proceedings, chapters in books, and other trade journals. He has also published three books with a USA publisher. He is a member of Saudi Arabian Section of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (SAS-AIChE).


Mark Romney (incumbent)
Chief Industry Alliance Officer
Aggie Square - University of California, Davis
Sacramento, California

AURP Member since: 2017
Service to AURP: Board Member since 2018; Two years on Executive Committee Bio Health Caucus Co-Chair, 2019, 2020 & 2021; Spring Training Co-Chair 2021 International Conference Committee 2019, 2020, 2021; Awards Committee 2018 International Committee - China AURP 2018
Research Park industry experience: 30 years

Statement of Interest
It is with great interest that I submit my application for consideration for a position on the AURP Board of Directors. As I have shared with many colleagues, my first exposure to AURP at the 2017 Spring Training was a life changing experience. I found the community of members at AURP to be a welcoming family of professionals with vast experience in leading university research parks and a passion to share their knowledge with the newer members to help them shape their institution’s innovation districts and research parks. It is through this perspective, of servant leadership, to AURP and my University that I wish to serve on the Board of Directors. I am passionate and driven to learn everything I can about best practices in research park development. As important, I am equally committed to sharing my own experience and giving back when called to serve, including speaking engagements, event leadership, and volunteering on conference and programming committees. As many have stated before, thriving research park ecosystems rely on understanding and connecting the interests of all parties involved. I have extensive experience, creative insight and demonstrated success in cultivating strong long-standing partnerships between academia, industry, and government entities, in regional, national and international levels. As AURP continues to set the standard for creating communities of innovation, I welcome the opportunity to serve in advancing this critical mission.

Biography
Mark Romney joined the University of California, Davis in 1991 and currently serves as the Chief Industry Alliance Officer for UC Davis Health (comprised of the Medical Center, School of Medicine and School of Nursing and Practice Management Board) for Aggie Square. Mark has over 30 years of leadership experience in higher education master planning, with an emphasis in research and industry planning and development initiatives. Mark is often called on by UC Davis schools and colleges to advise on master planning and programming of research facilities. He also serves as the primary negotiator and facilitator for industry partner colocations on the Sacramento campus providing the vital connection point between university administrators and corporate executives.

Mark is a highly sought after thought leader in the field of public, private and university partnerships. He is invited to share his expertise across the nation and internationally presenting at conferences including San Francisco’s Bay-Bio, AURP Bio-Parks (2017), Urban Land Institute (ULI), U.S. Embassy in Beijing China on topics such as Managing Risk/Leveraging Opportunities, The Rise of Medical Centers as “Innovation Districts.” Mark also served as host and closing speaker at the U.S. Department of Commerce SelectUSA Advance Tour Event (2017) hosting scientific collaboration discussions and providing the keynote presentation of the proposed UC Davis Aggie Square to the U.S. Embassy, Beijing Commercial Services officers and a delegation of senior representatives from over 25 Chinese life sciences, real estate development and real estate investment companies. The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest-profile event dedicated to promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Services Division. Mark has successfully attracted significant resources to key initiatives of UC Davis. Most recently, Mark has coauthored multiple State and Federal construction grants (NIH-C06 and CIRM) providing the University with over $30,000,000 in extramural funding for the renovation of existing buildings and development of new state of the art research facilities.

Mark’s passion and proficiency in facilitating collaborations between industry and academia resulted in the adsorption of all eligible industry partner space on the Sacramento Campus (over 50,000 square feet). His efforts motivated UC Davis Health Leadership to launch the new research park planning and development effort, known as Aggie Square, which has already garnered national attention for the University and Sacramento. What began as a UC Davis Health initiative was transformed into a UC Davis wide initiative through the vision of the then new UC Davis Chancellor, Gary May, who envisioned creating a similar environment to Georgia Tech’s Technology Square in Atlanta of which he was involved with while Dean of the Engineering School.. Chancellor May encouraged Mark to engage with leadership throughout the University in the effort to identify colleges and schools on the Davis Campus that would benefit from joining Aggie Square. Through Mark’s efforts, Aggie Square has grown to over 2,500,000 square feet, has garnered endorsement and collocation interests by the other schools and colleges on the Davis Campus, many midsize and Fortune 500 companies (both domestic and international), as well as endorsement and $2,800,000 in financial support from the Mayor and City Council of Sacramento, the State of California Legislature, and the US Congressional Representatives.


Michael Rosen
Managing Director, Innovation and Research Park and Helix 51 Incubator
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
North Chicago, IL

AURP member since: 2010
Service to AURP: Chair of BioParks program (2014/San Diego), and have organized/facilitator several life science panels and tours
Industry Experience: 14+ years

Statement of Interest
I have been directly involved in the development of bioscience parks for the last 15 years at: Johns Hopkins University, Rosalind Franklin University, Illinois Science +Technology Park (affiliated with Northwestern), the University of Colorado, and L.A. Biomed (Los Angeles). Additionally I scouted out possibilities for news science parks in Toronto, SF, Miami, Atlanta, London, Barcelona, and Israel . I have also visited and have contacts at science parks in Japan, Germany, Spain, India, Brazil, UK, France and other countries and have a global perspective on this industry. I believe my global perspective on these parks and research universities can broaden the AURP perspective on this global industry.

Biography
Michael S. Rosen is Managing Director, Innovation and Research Park and Helix 51 Incubator for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, which launched its 100,000 sf phase I building last year. Michael had his own company, Rosen Bioscience Strategies LLC, with offices in Chicago and São Paulo, Brazil, a life science economic development consultancy focused on the development of science parks, incubators and eco-systems centered around research-based universities. His clients included Ernst & Young, CBRE, Lundquist Biomedical Institute (formerly LA Biomedical Institute), and TekCapital, a British technology firm assisting universities to accelerate technology commercialization. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President, New Business Development for the Science + Technology Group at Forest City Realty Trust, a NYSE-traded U.S. real estate development company which developed and built science parks, such as Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore), MIT (Boston), and Northwestern University (Chicago), and he successfully brought numerous international life science into these parks. He has worked extensively with and trained more than 300 university faculty on the creation of bioscience start-ups.

Michael spent many years in the life science industry including 20 years in senior management positions with Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Searle/Monsanto, while living in Latin America, Japan, and Europe, and worked extensively in Canada, India and Asia. Additionally, he spent 12 years as President/CEO of European and U.S. biotech and medical device companies in the areas of cancer, cardiology, GI, neuroscience, woundcare and kidney disease. He is currently a board member of the German Hospital Oswaldo Cruz (Sao Paulo, Brazil), the American Society of the University of Haifa (Israel), Heal Ventures (Guatelmala City), and a member of the Business Advisory Board of Cures Within Reach. He was a co-founder and former Chairman, Vice-Chairman and board member of the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (IBIO), and former chairman of the Center for Healthcare Innovation. He has been an adjunct professor of biotechnology at Northwestern University and professor of International Management at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (Chicago).

He received his B.A. in Sociology and International Relations from Beloit College and an MBA in International Business from the University of Miami. He has graduate and post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan) and the Adolfo Ibañez University and School of Business (Santiago, Chile).


Tracy Shickel
Director of Economic Development
University of Delaware
Newark, DE

AURP Member since: 2011
Service to AURP: I2RP planning committee and regular AURP attendee
Industry experience: 4 years

Statement of Interest
Over the past 10 years, AURP has served as an important professional resource, particularly as I moved from corporate innovation into an academic institution. I have learned and benefitted tremendously thanks to AURP's team, events and network. AURP members have been extremely generous with their time and expertise in sharing best practices, lessons learned and facilitating introductions. I am interested in serving on the AURP Board of Directors and sharing my leadership skills and expertise in support of an organization that has been instrumental in my professional growth and part of the success and the future of UD's STAR Campus.

Biography
As Director of Economic Development at the University of Delaware (UD), Tracy Shickel leads campus-wide corporate and government engagement including the University’s Science Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus. In this newly created role for the University, Tracy works across the University with all Colleges and Departments, with faculty, staff and students and with external stakeholders to scope and build impactful innovation communities that enhance the health and education of Delawareans, regional residents and beyond.

Tracy’s background prior to UD includes extensive strategy development, intrapreneurship and commercial leadership with bioscience and advanced materials corporate leaders such as WL Gore, DuPont, FMC and Monsanto. Over the course of her career, Tracy had the opportunity to collaborate and partner with AURP members including Delaware Technology Park, Delaware Innovation Space and the University City Science Center. Tracy grew up in Newark, Delaware near UD's campus and fully appreciates the importance of job creation and economic development to the community and joined UD to continue enhancing the societal impact of innovation.

Tracy is a connector and supporter of regional and national economic development and has served on various boards and committees committed to creating vibrant communities including UD Horn Entrepreneurship, the University Science Center Community Engagement, Association of University Research Parks (AURP), Delaware BioScience Association and PHLLife Congress. Tracy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing Management from the University of Delaware.