Oklahoma Innovations - OCAST's Official Newsletter

February 2013

OCAST BOARD AWARDS $1.35 MILLION TO SEVEN APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Seven Applied Research applicants were awarded $1,353,669 by the governing board of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The award winners were chosen from a field of 39.

OCAST administers funds through the Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS) program. Proximity to commercialization and good science are the primary standards used to choose the top applicants who represent a long-term effort by the state of Oklahoma to encourage technology-based economic development.

Available funds allowed support of the seven highest ranked projects. Twelve other projects were deemed worthy of financial support.

Funded projects support growth in unique wheat genetics, thermophotovoltaics, thermoelectric energy harvesting, hydrogen production through hydrolysis, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, Crohn’s Disease and silicon substrates.

Applied research projects range from one to three years.

Successful applicants include the following:
Ardmore
Advanced Materials

• Khosrow Namjou, principal investigator, “Reflective Metals for Epitaxial Growth of Gallium Nitride on Silicon Substrates” – The goal is to commercialize gallium nitride on silicon growth templates. The firm, Lightwave Photonics, has patented grown-epitaxial metal-mirror technology that can be used to develop light emanating diodes (LED) integrated into high performance, low-cost solid-state lighting products. Benefits are far reaching; however, one benefit includes driving down cost and speeding adoption of LEDs as replacements for incandescent light bulbs. Lightwave Photonics – $300,000

Norman
Advanced Materials

• Patrick McCann, principal investigator, “High Efficiency Thermophotovoltaics” – Improved technology has made new materials more efficient than traditional materials used in developing thermophotovoltaics. New materials eliminate the need for using spectral filters, an expensive part in developing thermophotovoltaics. Benefits will be realized in the aircraft, water heater, off-line electrical generation and automobile industries. iRpowr Inc. – $183,900

Oklahoma City
Pharmaceuticals

• Gerald Koelsch, principal investigator, “Development of Clinical Candidate CTZ-026 to Treat Memory and Cognitive Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease and Schizophrenia” – The project builds upon the knowledge of a CoMentis Inc. base of research designed to develop pharmaceuticals to treat Alzheimer’s and schizophrenic patients. The product from the proposed work is an enabling package for the CoMentis alpha-7 NAChR agonist CTZ-026. CoMentis, Inc. – $300,000
• Scott Rollins, principal investigator, “Development of an Anti-PSGL-1 Antibody to Treat Crohn’s Disease.” – The objective is to develop supporting preclinical work that will lead to commercialization of a safe, more effective therapy for the treatment of Crohn’s, an inflammatory bowel disease. The research and pharmaceutical outgrowth will involve both Cytovance and Selexys, two Oklahoma biotech firms. Selexys – $300,000

Stillwater
Biotechnology

• Liuling Yan, principal investigator, “Rapid Deployment of a Unique Gene in Wheat ‘Duster’ for Resistance Against Multiple Foliar Disease Pathogens” – Through gene mapping, the researcher believes Oklahoma hard red winter wheat can be genetically improved to resist multiple foliar disease pathogens in novel wheat cultivars. If the research benefits are realized, wheat growers in Oklahoma and the southern plains could reap billions of dollars in crop production improvements. Oklahoma State University – $90,000

Tulsa
Energy

• Ranji Vaidyanathan, principal investigator, “Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Devices for Structural Components” – Thermoelectric devices will be developed using thick-film nanostructured thermoelectric materials recently developed at OSU. The development will prepare for the scale-up of devices for the commercial market. Oklahoma State University - $89,896
• Daryoosh Vashaee, principal investigator, “Scalable Rapid Solar Hydrogen Production via Photo-Bio-Chemical Hydrolysis” – Using a material system, the researchers realize they can harvest both heat and light by exposing water containing sodium chloride and a bio-compatible additive sensitive to visible light. The research proposes to develop a broader hydrogen market in a multi-state area centered by Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University – $89,873

SALMON, LAMIRAND TO LEAD OCAST BOARD

After serving as chair for one year, Dr. Terry Salmon of Oklahoma City was re-elected chair of the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development (OSTRaD) Board. The OSTRaD Board governs the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). Salmon is founder of Computer System Designers LLC and is author of several books related to marketing in the software industry.

Hershel Lamirand was chosen to serve as vice-chair. He is president and CEO of the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation. Lamirand replaces Sherri Wise who has served on the OCAST governing board since 2004.

Terms for both men began January 1, 2013.

Salmon earned a doctorate of education in applied educational studies in aviation and space education with a management option from Oklahoma State University. He holds a master of science degree from OSU and bachelor in computer science from Cameron University, Lawton. He began his career with the Oklahoma State Department of Education as a computer programmer analyst and later served as an analyst for the Federal Aviation Administration.

He and his firm have been honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Air Traffic Control Association and the Department of Commerce. Salmon has served on the board of directors and board of advisors of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Tinker Leadership Council, Air Traffic Control Association and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. He has authored “Obtaining New Customers in the Software Industry,” and co-authored “CEO Best Practices: Skills, Values & Strategies for Successful CEOs.”

Lamirand is a former investment professional, served as a consultant to the Oklahoma Legislature and worked for the Oklahoma Health Systems Agency. He joined the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1981 as the first executive director of development.

He holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University.

Lamirand is vice chairman of the Oklahoma County Finance Authority and former member of the board for the Points of Light Foundation. He is a founding board member for Leadership USA, Volunteer Center of Central Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Youth Leadership Program. Lamirand also is a founding board member of i2E and serves as a member of the executive committee and as chairman of the governance and nominating committee.

OKLAHOMA, TECHNOLOGY AND 2013
By C. Michael Carolina, Executive Director of OCAST

Each year we present our views on Oklahoma’s technology future. Here are mine.
 

Oklahoma is positioned for growth through science and technology. I see expansion in life sciences and expect announcements for new investments and technology breakthroughs. Announcements will include reports of patents and licensing, buy-outs and collaborations between and among Oklahoma companies.

Renewed university collaboration means favorable outcomes for us in general and Oklahoma research professors specifically. Since 1998, university researchers take an equity position in their research. What does that mean? Professors can profit, along with universities and private collaborators, from research conducted at institutions of higher learning. Oklahoma citizens are applauded for approving this practice beginning in 1998.

There is renewed interest in energy (fossil and renewable). Oklahoma will make progress toward becoming a national center for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research. Oklahoma will be among leaders in UAVs by the end of 2013. We should be working on UAVs far into the future under Governor Mary Fallin’s direction.

We have a strategic plan for science and technology in Oklahoma for 2013 and beyond. Governor Fallin and the Oklahoma Science and Technology Council have established the following goals for Oklahoma under the theme of OneOklahoma:

1. Science and engineering jobs: 53,000
2. Total employment in high-technology establishments: 160,000
3. Annual research and development production: $2.2 billion
4. Annual science and technology commercial business industry output: $7.2 billion
5. Science and technology economic productivity: $135,000 per science and engineering job

OneOklahoma addresses the need for more students to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to be more competitive in the knowledge economy. We also need a major federal research laboratory in Oklahoma.

Manufacturing is important to Oklahoma’s economy. With help from the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, I see a state manufacturing base on a steady rise helped in no small way by the Alliance’s manufacturing extension agents and the organization’s strong relationship with OSU’s applications engineers and New Product Development Center.

We are excited about Scott Meacham’s addition to OCAST’s strategic partner, i2E. With Meacham as the new president and CEO, he and his team will find venture capitalists, angel investors and other sources of support for Oklahoma’s companies.

• This year the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City will be firmly established as a cancer center.
• The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore will expand its findings to farmers and ranchers around the world.
• Tulsa Gas Technologies of Tulsa is the largest manufacturer of CNG dispensers in North America. Their growth will continue.
• This year Oklahoma will apply technology in support of water development and distribution.

Overall, I see collaborations between state government, industry, higher education, Native American tribes and the military to advance our state for sustainable growth.
I see 2013 as a year of opportunity and Oklahomans prepared to make the most of it.

HEALTH RESEARCH CONFERENCE

Learn about new projects and discoveries at the 2013 OCAST Health Research Conference. The one day event is March 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the new OMRF Research Tower in Oklahoma City. More than 80 OCAST-funded health research projects will be on display accompanied by project principal investigators.

Topics will range from diabetes and cancer research to infertility and mental health issues, retinopathy, eating disorders, corneal disease and autoimmune diseases. This year’s conference includes researchers from Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa.

A poster session will be held throughout the conference, and at 10 a.m., researchers will briefly highlight their work. The conference will also include remarks from Lt. Governor Todd Lamb. Dr. Stephen Prescott and Dr. Paul Kincade, both of OMRF, will address the group as will Dr. Mary Beth Humphrey of the OU Health Sciences Center. Dr. Humphrey chairs the Oklahoma Health Research Advisory Committee. Other speakers and the agenda will be announced soon.

The conference is open to the public at no cost. For more information or to register, contact Tessa North at OCAST tessa.north@ocast.ok.gov or 405-319-8410.

OCAST RECRUITS TWO FOR ACCOUNTING AND PROGRAMS DIVISIONS

OCAST executive director Michael Carolina has announced the appointments for two new staff members, one in the administration division and the other in the programs division.

Rochelle Quillman, CPA has joined OCAST as an accountant IV. She is a certified public accountant and is past finance chair of the National Grants Management Association (NGMA).  She holds a Master of Science degree in accounting and financial analysis and a Master in Business Administration both from Northeastern State University.

She comes to OCAST from the financial reporting unit of the Office of State Finance and she previously served with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in Workforce Solutions. Her other positions with state agencies include service as grants manager for the State Department of Health, auditor with the Office of Juvenile Affairs and as an auditor/inspector with the Department of Human Services.

Chad Mullen, MPA has joined OCAST as a programs officer III. He has been with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission since 2008 and managed the local and statewide unemployment statistics program.

Mullen also worked for Sitel Inc. of Norman where he was customer service and fraud manager. He ensured regulatory compliance and served as a corporate trainer. Mullen holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Political Science both from the University of Oklahoma.

UNMANNED SYSTEMS ALLIANCE OF OKLAHOMA SCHEDULES MARCH 26 SUMMIT IN NORMAN

The Unmanned Systems Alliance of Oklahoma (USA-OK) announced the next Oklahoma Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit will be held March 26 in Norman.

This event will be the fourth statewide UAS Summit. OCAST, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are sponsors.

“This is an important time for the unmanned aerial systems industry and for Oklahoma,” said James L. Grimsley, president of USA-OK. “Aerospace represents a significant portion of our state economy and UAS is expected to be the most dynamic growth sector within the aerospace industry in the next decade. Oklahoma has emerged as a leader in UAS and the Oklahoma UAS Summit will provide an opportunity for us to describe statewide plans and objectives for the industry.”

Oklahoma is committed to fostering economic development and growth for the UAS industry in the state. In 2011, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin created the Governor’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Council. This council includes representatives from the UAS industry, state government and academia. During the past few years, Oklahoma has organized an impressive list of resources, assets and existing statewide collaborations that will be important for the nation as unmanned aerial systems are allowed to safely operate within the national airspace.

The 2013 Summit will cover a diverse set of subjects and topics including the use of UAS for agriculture, advanced weather monitoring and research, along with law enforcement and military applications. The summit will also include a panel discussion that will address legal and social aspects of UAS including privacy implications. The summit will include presentations from several UAS experts and officials including Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb.

For more information about the summit, or to register, please visit: www.uasoklahoma.com.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
from Michelle Wynn, OCAST legislative liaison

The 54th Oklahoma Legislature convened February 4 and included Governor Mary Fallin’s State of the State address.  Over the course of the next four months these 149 legislative members will have the chance to review and possibly take action on more than 2,400 pieces of legislation. The Oklahoma legislature must adjourn no later than May 31.

Oklahoma’s legislative composition changed with the 2012 election. The House now stands at 72 Republicans and 29 Democrats; the previous breakdown was 69-32. The Senate is made up of 36 Republicans and 12 Democrats.

The House of Representatives has 16 freshmen members: Scott Biggs, R-Chickasha; Bobby Cleveland R-Slaughterville; Jon Echols R-Oklahoma City; Dan Fisher R-El Reno; Kay Floyd D-Oklahoma City; Katie Henke R-Tulsa;  Arthur Hulbert, R-Fort Gibson; Kevin Matthews D-Tulsa, Mark McBride, R-Moore; Chris McCall, R-Atoka; Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa; David Perryman D-Chickasha; Jason Smalley, R-Stroud; Mike Turner, R-Edmond; Ken Walker , R-Tulsa; and Justin Wood, R-Shawnee.

The Senate has eight freshmen:  Larry Boggs, R-Red Oak; Corey Brooks, R-Washington; Nathan Dam, R-Broken Arrow;  Kyle Loveless, R-Oklahoma City;  Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee;  Wayne Shaw, R-Grove; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; and Rob Standridge, R-Norman. Shumate previously served in the House.

The following links can help you access information about lawmakers and bills:
www.oksenate.gov
www.okhouse.gov
www.oklegislature.gov

RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR SCIENCE STUDENT STANDOUTS GETS UNDERWAY

Each year, OCAST sponsors Science and Technology Month in April to emphasize the importance of the fields to Oklahoma’s economy – especially STEM education in our schools while also emphasizing the importance of these fields to Oklahoma’s economy.

To promote science and technology in the classroom, OCAST encourages teachers to nominate outstanding science students for certificates of recognition. Last year nearly 1,500 middle and high school students from around the state received certificates signed by OCAST director Michael Carolina and Governor Mary Fallin.

“These students are our future engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs who will create the products, technology and treatments of tomorrow,” Carolina said. “It is so important to pique their interest in science and math at a young age to start them on the path to higher education and higher paying jobs.”

If you’d like more information about OCAST’s Science & Technology Month award program or know a teacher who might be interested in nominating students, contact Debbie Cox at OCAST debbie.cox@ocast.ok.gov or 405-319-8406.

JOURNAL RECORD INNOVATOR OF YEAR TO BE ANNOUNCED APRIL 11

The Journal Record Innovator of the Year will be announced April 11 in ceremonies that will feature all nominees including those who qualify for the “On the Brink” award which recognizes start-up companies. OCAST and i2E are among the sponsors.

The annual event and magazine recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the innovative spirit in Oklahoma. Non-profit organizations, biotechnology companies, agricultural enterprises and more are given awards and deserved attention for their creativity. Innovator of the Year honorees have taken a great idea and turned it into a functioning business.

On the Brink honorees have a concept that is just about to take off. Honorees receive a special award and recognition at the annual awards dinner event, where one overall Innovator of the Year is named.

For more information about attending the event, call Ashley Fitzpatrick at 405-278-2820 or visit http://journalrecord.com/innovator-of-the-year.

“OKLAHOMA INNOVATIONS” APPROACHES 18TH YEAR

“Oklahoma Innovations,” the state’s only science radio magazine, will enter its 18th year of production in April and OCAST staff is planning to celebrate by interviewing some of the program’s original guests from 1996.

Original team members include Gary Owen and Steve Paris as co-hosts and Debbie Cox as the show producer. Both Paris and Cox are OCAST staff members. Owen has been with the production since its beginning. He owns a production company, is a professional ventriloquist and serves Oklahoma as the voice of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority.

The program showcases Oklahoma researchers and technology businesses that are drivers in Oklahoma’s technology-based economic development. By the end of March, a total of 850 one-hour weekly shows will have been produced.
Oklahoma's only science radio magazine is aired each weekend on the OCAST Radio Network. Member stations include:

Oklahoma Innovations can be heard on these radio stations:
 

To hear the latest in science and technology developments happening in Oklahoma, listen to hosts Owen and Paris as they talk with Oklahomans who are at the forefront in developing the state's technology infrastructure. If you missed hearing “Oklahoma Innovations,” you can listen to recent broadcasts in streaming audio format on the OCAST website. For information about a specific program, contact OCAST offices at 405-319-8406 or e-mail. If you are linking to a specific show featured on “Oklahoma Innovations,” be aware that past radio programs are no longer available on the OCAST website after about six months from the date they are aired on the OCAST Radio Network. To obtain a copy of radio programming older than six months, e-mail or call 405-319-8406.

To listen to the show, you will need an audio player capable of playing .mp3 files.

Anyone interested in searching the transcribed data for “Oklahoma Innovations” is welcome to use the search window near the top of the page. Simply insert the word or phrase in the search window, click on “go” and each show that has those words in the transcripts will be presented for your continued investigation. For example: Insert the phrase “diabetic retinopathy” in the search window. At least six separate editions of Oklahoma Innovations with that term in the script will become available to you. Please be advised that your search will include the entire OCAST web site. To narrow the search to “Oklahoma Innovations” transcripts, use the search term +radio.

INNOVATIONS IN HISTORY

In February 1870, the U.S. Weather Bureau was created by Congress and signed by Ulysses S. Grant to direct the Secretary of War to maintain meteorological observations and warn about approaching storms. The Weather Bureau became the National Weather Service in 1970 as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

OKLAHOMA INNOVATIONS

Learn about the research being conducted at Langston University’s E. (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research. The facility includes a 150 goat dairy, a creamery, lab/office buildings and a field demonstration building where Oklahoma Angora Buck evaluation is conducted each year. In addition, there are special labs for milk analysis, fiber analysis and health issues found in goat populations.
www.ok.gov/ocast/multimedia/OI130127.mp3

The benefits of research are multifaceted. When researchers make discoveries and move their ideas from concept to commercialization, they create new businesses and hire new or additional employees to market, manufacture and sell their products around the world which generates increased tax revenues for Oklahoma. This program focuses on how OCAST's programs help researchers and companies succeed in the global knowledge economy.
www.ok.gov/ocast/multimedia/OI130120.mp3

Bennett Engineering provides expertise in electrical engineering and instrumentation, intellectual property support, mechanical engineering, software and firmware development and prototype manufacturing and testing. Learn how the Oklahoma-based company assists businesses in solving engineering problems.
www.ok.gov/ocast/multimedia/OI130106.mp3

CALENDAR

February 27: Intern statement of intent deadline
March 1: OARS solicitation posted
March 13: Health Research conference
March 14: Health application deadline
March 26: Oklahoma Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit
April 3: Intern application deadline
April 10: OARS application deadline
May 1: SBIR Workshop, OSU-OKC