Intellectual Property & Licensing Officer
Associate Director, Digital Health & Creative Works
How has your career path unfolded since graduating?
After graduating from Syracuse University College of Law, I relocated to Charleston, SC, to join the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as a Technology Transfer Associate with the MUSC Foundation for Research Development (FRD). My experience at the Innovation Law Center (ILC) and education in the technology commercialization program gave me a strong foundation, and I quickly took on significant responsibilities in the role. Less than a year in, FRD merged with an on-campus medical device accelerator to form the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (ZI). During this transition, I stepped into a managerial role and eventually progressed to my current roles as Associate Director of Digital Health & Creative Works and Intellectual Property & Licensing Officer. In these roles, I work to transform MUSC’s intellectual assets into impactful healthcare solutions. I was admitted to the New York State Bar in February 2022 and to the South Carolina Bar in November 2024. I also earned my Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) credential in October 2024, which has expanded my expertise in IP licensing.
Where do you currently work?
I work at the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, part of South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health system, MUSC. ZI is responsible for transforming MUSC’s intellectual assets into impactful healthcare solutions in three key areas: Biopharma, MedTech, and Digital Health & Creative Works. Our mission is to bring groundbreaking medical advancements from concept to community.
What law tasks do you perform in your current role? I lead IP evaluations, licensing, and compliance, particularly within the digital health and creative works space, which includes AI, software, mobile apps, educational materials, and other copyrightable works. My work also involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements, protecting trademarks, and advising inventors on IP strategies and commercialization potential.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I envision myself continuing to grow in the tech transfer field, with a focus on broader IP and licensing responsibilities. I aim to take a larger role in managing ZI’s IP portfolio and to get more involved in early negotiations with companies around technology licensing. Overall my goal is to be able to support a wider range of innovations.
What is your favorite memory from law school? My favorite memory from law school was my time as a senior research associate at the ILC. I enjoyed helping newer students develop their skills while collaborating closely with inventors to analyze IP strategies, regulatory considerations, and market potential. This experience solidified my passion for tech transfer and intellectual property law. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and guidance provided by the ILC professors. The relationships I built have lasted beyond graduation, and I value my continued communication with these mentors.
How has the Innovation Law Center prepared you for your career or current position? The ILC prepared me exceptionally well for my role at ZI by offering hands-on experience in IP law and technology evaluation. Working on over 20 real-world projects involving patent strategy, regulatory considerations, and market analysis gave me a comprehensive understanding of the legal and business sides of technology commercialization. This experience has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of advancing MUSC’s intellectual assets to benefit healthcare globally.
What does being a member of the SU College of Law alumni community mean to you? I take great pride in being a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and am honored to have built lasting relationships with fellow students and faculty. Although there isn’t a large SU alumni presence in my area, I remain a proud alum. When I had the opportunity to hire an intern, I immediately posted the position to the law school’s page and was impressed by the candidates from SU. My first intern was another SU law student, which made the experience even more meaningful and reinforced my connection to the school.
Outside of your work as a lawyer, what are you passionate about? Outside of work, I coach all-star cheerleading, which lets me continue my passion for mentoring youth. Working with young athletes is incredibly rewarding, and I’m inspired by the impact I can have as a mentor. My dedication to working with youth began in undergrad, where I substitute taught. I continued this through law school and even covered a maternity leave during my 3L year, teaching high school chemistry full-time. While balancing full-time teaching with law school and bar exam studies was challenging, seeing the positive impact I had on my students made it all worth it. Coaching cheerleading allows me to keep fostering that positive influence.
What advice do you have for law students looking to enter your field?
I advise law students interested in tech transfer to seek out practical experience through internships, clinics, or research centers like the Innovation Law Center. I also suggest getting involved in professional societies like AUTM (Association of University Technology Managers) and LES (Licensing Executives Society). Both organizations offer student memberships and host numerous events that provide valuable learning and networking opportunities. I wish I had known about these resources during law school, as they’re incredibly beneficial for building industry knowledge and connections.
For additional information about Kaitlyn or if you have any questions, you can visit her LinkedIn page here.