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Prior to coming to UGA, Sohail Malik was an assistant professor at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine. (Photo by Peter Frey) |
JOB DESCRIPTION: “I facilitate the transfer of technology developed by UGA researchers to commercial enterprises where it can be used for public benefit.”
A TYPICAL DAY: “The only typical part of the day is that it starts at 8 o’clock in the morning. The rest of the day is almost always atypical.
“Commercialization of research-related technology involves collaboration between faculty and the UGA Research Foundation.
“Once a researcher discloses an invention, a long assessment process begins to determine whether or not the product should be patented and what companies might be interested in using it.
“Every manager at UGARF works daily on several inventions, and each one has multiple aspects ranging from evaluation of the invention to its commercialization. Multitasking is the order of the day.
“Daily work involves a lot of reading, reviewing, following up on patent applications, working with and advising researchers and making connections with interested companies who might market the product. Time is also devoted to technology scouting and networking in academia, industry and the government.
“One of my personal goals is to promote UGA’s distinguished work in life sciences and to build a strong university industry relationship in this area. I set aside some time toward this goal as well.’
TIME IN CURRENT POSITION: Eighteen months.
MOST REWARDING PART OF THE JOB: “Learning something new everyday and my interactions with university researchers are collectively most rewarding part of my job.”
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB: “Multitasking.”
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: “I worked as an assistant professor at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine as well as spending time with a Fortune 500 company and co-founding a bio-pharmaceutical company.”
IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB, I WOULD MOST LIKE TO: “Most likely resume teaching and research.”
OFF-THE-JOB INTERESTS: “I am a news junkie and want to stay informed about what is happening around the world.
“I enjoy reading books on current affairs, history, philosophy and poetry, like nature photography, and participate in volunteer work within the community.”
FAVORITE MUSIC: “My favorite is semi-classical and jazz.”
A BOOK I’D RECOMMEND TO OTHERS: “Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.
“Nelson Mandela is admired all over the world as a vital figure in the fight for human rights, equality and justice and stands as a living example of hope, courage, perseverance and human dignity to millions of people around the world.”
THE PEOPLE I MOST ADMIRE: “My parents and teachers. I will always be indebted to them for their love, kindness and unrelenting guidance.”
THE ISSUES THAT CONCERN ME MOST ABOUT TODAY’S WORLD: “Poverty, hunger, disease and a growing gap between rich and poor in the world, the growing intolerance towards each other, lack of justice and equality and the environment.”
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