Our Mission

UARF's mission is to transform and expand the region's innovation economy through entrepreneurship education, technology commercialization, application of UA research, and creation of new entrepreneurial ventures. 

Since its creation in 2001, UARF has become a significant source of support for both UA innovators and Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs.
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UARF is home to one of the nation's first I-Corps Sites, one of the first Ohio-awarded technology validation funds.UARF is also proud to be a member of the Northeast Ohio Entrepreneurial Signature Program.​​ 

Meet the UARF Team
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Dr. Suzanne Bausch
​President of UARF
[email protected]​

​Dr. Bausch serves as the University of Akron’s chief research officer where she is responsible for growing the University's research enterprise including grants, contracts and sponsored programs; intellectual property administration, patent marketing and licensing; and oversight of programs to encourage basic, applied and funded research among faculty, staff and students.
She also oversees technology commercialization of University intellectual property and economic development as well as outreach to build relationships between the business community and the research enterprise.

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Kelly Bialek
Executive Director of UARF
​[email protected]

​Kelly Bialek serves as the Director of Technology Transfer at The University of Akron (UA) and the Executive Director of the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF). With years of experience in technology commercialization and intellectual property (IP) management, particularly in the areas of polymers, advanced materials, medical devices, electronics, and sensor technologies, she plays a key role in translating academic research into real-world industry applications.
Bialek oversees daily operations at UARF and UA's portfolio of more than 400 active patents and facilitates licensing agreements with a broad range of partners—from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. She is also deeply involved in the I-Corps program, a National Science Foundation initiative designed to help researchers and entrepreneurs explore the commercial potential of their innovations.  
 As a proud UA alumna, she remains deeply committed to advancing research, supporting innovation, and fostering entrepreneurship within the higher education ecosystem.

​Dr. David Strukel
Innovation Entrepreneurship Coordinator
[email protected]

​Dr. Strukel brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education to UARF, having spent the last 9.5 years at Hiram College, most recently serving as Director of the Burton D. Morgan Center for Integrated Entrepreneurship. In this role, he oversaw annual programming, managed budgets, expanded program outreach, and mentored aspiring student entrepreneurs. Prior to his directorship, he served as an Assistant Professor at Hiram, worked as a Lecturer in Communication at the University of Toledo, and spent several years in the broadcasting industry, where he earned multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. A proud native of Massillon, Ohio, Strukel brings a passion for innovation, communication, and student development to his new role at UARF.​

Tricia Pihlblad
Coordinator
[email protected]​

​Tricia joined the UARF Team in 2015.  As the Coordinator, she oversees administrative tasks, assists in organizing UARF programs/UARF special projects and she coordinates all UARF events. Tricia attended the University of Akron and enjoys being part of the support staff that assists ambitious entrepreneurs navigate through their first steps in launching their business.

Niraj Jaishwal
Entrepreneurial Program Intern

Niraj Jaishwal is an international student from Nepal pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a second major in Applied Mathematics with a focus in Data Science, and a minor in Statistics. In addition to his academic work, he enjoys exploring data-driven technologies, with particular interest in machine learning and deep learning applications.
Before moving to the U.S., Niraj operated a small-scale bag manufacturing business in Nepal, where he managed both technical operations and administrative responsibilities. This hands-on entrepreneurial experience equipped him with practical skills in leadership, resource management, and client engagement.
Combining a strong academic foundation with real-world business experience, Niraj brings a balanced perspective and a proactive approach to solving complex challenges through technology and data.

Manoj Khatri
Entrepreneurial Program Intern

Manoj is an international student from Nepal majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Applied Mathematics at The University of Akron. He joined UARF as an intern to support the program I-Corps, where he helps with tracking participant progress and data.
"I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and exploring innovative business ideas. Being part of UARF has allowed me to learn more about the startup ecosystem and how new ideas can be developed into real-world solutions. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, playing football, and learning about different cultures. I'm passionate about using technology to make a positive impact and solve real-life problems."

Nikunja Jaiswal
Entrepreneurial Program Intern

​Nikunja is an Honors Civil Engineering Student at The University of Akron with strong interests in structural, environmental, transportation, and water resources engineering. His academic background includes designing, modeling, planning and analysis. Driven and detail-oriented, Nikunja is passionate about applying engineering principles to create engineering studies. He has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and enjoys exploring how innovative ideas can be developed into real-world.

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

January 29, 2025  via Microsoft Teams
April 30, 2025   via Microsoft Teams
July 30, 2025    via Microsoft Teams
November 19, 2025   via Microsoft Teams

Email [email protected] for more details