Advisors and staff of the Tech Commercialization Center.
Nadia Sheikh
Nadia’s bio to be provided.
Elias Gonzalez-Tale
Elias’s bio to be provided.
Lizeth Marroquin
Lizeth is a dynamic and experienced Project Coordinator at the UTSA SBDC Technology Commercialization Center. With a passion for driving the success of small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, Lizeth has spent her career as a project manager and business consultant, facilitating and executing operations and strategies that drive growth and success.
Lizeth’s experience extends beyond the Technology Commercialization Center, having previously worked as a researcher at the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas (UTRGV) for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. With an academic background in Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS ISyE) from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from the University of Texas (UTRGV), and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Monterrey Tec (ITESM), Lizeth is uniquely qualified to provide exceptional service and support to businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.
As a proud member of the UTSA community, Lizeth appreciates the opportunity to support the university’s mission of becoming a thriving Hispanic institution. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping businesses, Lizeth is an integral member of the Technology Commercialization Center team, dedicated to driving innovation and growth in the region.
Dana Fisher
Dana Fisher is the driving force behind the Technology Commercialization Center’s success as the Project Manager for the South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lead Network at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Dana is dedicated to helping small businesses bring their innovative products and processes to market, guiding them through the commercialization process with her extensive knowledge of market and industry research, business analysis, strategic planning, and financing connections. She has worked with small businesses in the U.S. and abroad, bringing a unique and global perspective to her work. Before joining UTSA, Dana was the Founding Director of the Center for Technology Commercialization SBDC and Associate Director of the New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University. As a Certified Technology Commercialization Consultant, Dana is well-equipped to help businesses reach their full potential. She holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University, and her expertise and experience make her an invaluable asset to the Technology Commercialization Center team.
Bijo Mathew
Bijo Mathew is the visionary Founding Director of the Technology Commercialization Center at the South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lead Network, located at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). As a seasoned scientific program director, innovative researcher, and Principal Investigator (PI), Mr. Mathew brings a wealth of expertise to his role. With over 20 years of experience in academia, basic and applied R&D, strategy and business development, technology commercialization, innovation, and public-private partnerships, Mr. Mathew is the driving force behind developing regional strategies and providing executive direction to enhance innovation.
At the SBDC Technology Commercialization Center, Mr. Mathew oversees programs that provide access to groundbreaking, high-impact, and high-risk funding for applied and translational research opportunities. In collaboration with regional SBDC partners and universities, Mr. Mathew offers technical assistance to increase awareness about proof of concept and early-stage funding opportunities to advance the commercialization of technological and scientific innovations, discoveries, and technology transfer opportunities.
Mr. Mathew’s expertise in acquiring Federal (SBIR & STTR), Corporate & State grant funding for applied interdisciplinary research and development is unparalleled. He has a demonstrated track record of success in the multidisciplinary applications of material science and engineering in subject areas of nanotechnology, photocatalysis, metamaterials, nanomaterials, surfactant applications, high surface area materials, polymer nanocomposites, carbon nanotubes (SWNT & MWNT), nanowires, energy storage materials, synthetic biology, medical diagnostics, and biomedical projects.
Mr. Mathew received his MBA and Master of Science in Chemical, Biological & Material Science Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. As the Principal Investigator (PI) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award to support R&D and Small Business Innovation across the State of Texas, Mr. Mathew is committed to the development of the region and its growth potential. His corporate executive roles have included V.P. of Strategy & Business Development and Executive Director of Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships.
As the Technology Commercialization Center’s Founding Director, Mr. Mathew leads the charge to advance regional innovation and entrepreneurship. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable member of the UTSA community and the perfect person to lead the charge in developing the region’s potential for growth and development.