Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith has over 25 years of experience in scientific research, regulatory compliance, commercialization of academic innovations and business development, working with both public and private entities. For the past eight years, she has led the technology transfer/licensing process, including submission of invention disclosures; commercialization; market assessments; patent/literature searches; patent filings and related patent portfolio; federal reporting obligations; and export control policies, review and documentation. Leslie has managed an IP portfolio of innovations in various developmental and patent stages, including early stage technologies, in the fields of biotechnology, medical foods, eHealth interventions and software, women's health, and epidemiology related to chronic disease, obesity and diabetes. She helped create a biotech incubator and worked with Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Economic Development and Baton Rouge Health District to develop new business initiatives and strategic partnerships. She has served on the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) Better World Project Committee and Annual Meeting Program Committee and as a Patents for Humanity judge. Her science and regulatory experience include veterinary science research focused on equine immunology, environmental inspection and permit compliance, and hazardous waste disposal. She served as safety officer at a biomedical research facility, with responsibility for state and regulatory compliance and environmental reporting; managing chemical, radiological, biological waste stream compliance and reporting; and managing safety orientation and training for facility employees.