New director to help UM capitalize on research

UM has hired a new director of technology transfer to help commercialize campus research, generate new startup companies and otherwise enhance the state’s economy.

Joe Fanguy started in his new role this fall and is based in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Development. He replaces longtime UM administrator Jon “Tony” Rudbach, who passed away last year.

Fanguy came to UM from the Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State University, where he was assistant director of the Office of Technology Commercialization. During his tenure there, he also worked as an applied research scientist and technology licensing associate.

“It’s an honor to have been selected for this great leadership opportunity within The University of Montana’s growing research community,” said Fanguy, who earned a doctorate in biophysical chemistry with an emphasis in biotechnology instrumentation from Mississippi State University.

He was selected for the UM position from among three finalists brought to campus after a national search.

“We were fortunate to bring someone of his caliber to campus,” said Daniel Dwyer, UM vice president for research and development. “He has the perfect background to help license UM intellectual properties – patents, copyrights and trade secrets – and to help rev the state’s economic engine.”

The Office of Technology Transfer manages UM’s intellectual property portfolio, creates business relationships with external organizations and plays an active role in the formation of startup companies launched to commercialize UM technology.