With your extensive background in academia and industry, what knowledge and experience are you hoping to bring to CURF that can be used to build relationships between Clemson faculty inventors and industry partners?
I have about 20 years of industry experience as a business development scientist, director of research, and faculty member from academia and industry—broad international work experience from Canada, China, Sri Lanka, and Africa. Most of my work was in food, agriculture, nutrition, and chemistry. I have published several research articles, book chapters, and patents.
What resources and support are you looking forward to offering Clemson University faculty members to assist them with furthering their research?
Having been on both sides of industry and universities, I understand what drives markets and the faculty's keen interest in serving those markets. Faculty will receive regular inputs and feedback on what they are working to convert to commercial success.
What specific goals do you have to help develop and build CURF’s relationship with industry professionals in the Life Sciences field?
Today, life science inventions are not limited to one particular field. For example, a unique molecular marker could have applications in medicine, agriculture, food, bio-engineering, chemistry, biology, environment, water, and many other areas. Bringing the broadest possible industry engagement with CURF could be a way to strengthen collaborative partnerships and new market opportunities.
In your free time, what are some things you enjoy doing?
Reading and long-distance running.
To contact Thava, email him at pthavar@clemson.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn.
