To advance GU’s innovations through strategic alliances and new venture creation, to facilitate the translation of research breakthroughs into tangible solutions, and to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment for entrepreneurship. We advance this mission in support of the GU community and for the benefit of society.
Our Vision
To be effective partners in innovation and research translation through continuous engagement, knowledgeable and accessible staff and support network.
Our Team
Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak, Ph.D. Vice President
Email: tl883@georgetown.edu In February 2023, Dr. Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak assumed the role of Vice President for the Office of Technology Commercialization at Georgetown University, where she spearheads technology transfer initiatives to foster innovation and faculty entrepreneurship. With more than 18 years of expertise in intellectual property protection, business development, and licensing, she previously held the position of Associate Vice President of Innovation Ventures at Rutgers University. During her tenure at Rutgers, Tatiana achieved remarkable milestones, including overhauling patent policies, establishing a highly successful fellowship program, and making pivotal contributions to the launch of the TechAdvance funding initiative. Tatiana holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and is a duly Registered Patent Agent. She actively engages in professional organizations, frequently delivering intellectual property and technology licensing talks. Beyond her illustrious career, Tatiana is an avid sailor who ardently supports sailing endeavors within her family at their local club.
Sharon E. Pula, J.D., M.S. Associate Senior Director, Licensing and Intellectual Property
Email: sep39@georgetown.edu Phone: (202) 299-6961 As Associate Senior Director, Licensing and Intellectual Property, Sharon assesses the patentability and commercial potential of new inventions, prepares and prosecutes patent applications, facilitates new company formation, drafts and negotiates research related contracts and license agreements, manages intellectual property assets owned by the University and provides counsel to the Office of Technology Commercialization and other University offices on intellectual property and contract matters. Sharon is a registered patent attorney and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Prior to joining the University in 2008, Sharon worked in private practice in a large law firm and specialized in intellectual property law.
Tracy L. Bruehs, J.D., M.S. Director, Licensing & Contracts
Email: tlb23@georgetown.edu Phone: (202) 687-7629 Tracy serves as the Director for Licensing & Contracts in Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization and has worked in OTC since 2002. Tracy’s focus involves handling and negotiating of a wide variety of intellectual property-related agreements as well as the management of a small patent portfolio. Prior to coming to Georgetown, Tracy worked as an Associate Attorney for Nixon Peabody’s Business Department, and prior to that, as an Associate Attorney in the Syracuse Litigation Department of Hiscock and Barclay LLP. Tracy graduated cum laud from Albany Law School of Union University in 1998, earning her J.D. with concentrations in Environmental Law and Government Regulation, as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Toxicology from the University of Rochester after completing her Bachelor of Science from The State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Tracy is admitted and licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and the District Courts for the Western and Northern Districts of New York.
Zeinab Abouissa, M.S. Assistant Director, Licensing
Email: zaa9@georgetown.edu Phone: (202) 313-1615 Zeinab Abouissa is dedicated to helping advance innovations by navigating the complex realm of technology transfer. She is currently an Assistant Director of Licensing at the Georgetown University Office of Technology Commercialization, where she manages a portfolio of technologies, including computer science, chemistry, physics, medical device, and life science innovations. She is responsible for all phases of invention management, corporate engagement, and licensing of intellectual property to industry partners. Before joining Georgetown, Zeinab held various technology transfer roles at Washington State University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Her background is in biotechnology, and she is a patent agent registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Email: rk1238@georgetown.edu Dr. Robert Koenig joined the Georgetown University Office of Technology Commercialization in October of 2023. He brings extensive knowledge of technology transfer and collaboration potential with the federal government. Prior to joining the Georgetown family, he was a Technology Transfer Associate at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., in support of innovations arising from the Department of Defense medical school, the Uniformed Services University where he managed the innovation review group, a panel of faculty and leadership that provided advice on arising intellectual property. Robert holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Texas A&M University and an undergraduate degree in the same from the University of Houston. When not in the office, he can be found in a local Aikido dojo, continuing his 15 years of practicing martial arts.
Email: ma2254@georgetown.edu Dr. Monita Tarazi joined Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization in May 2022. She is a passionate Ph.D. and STEM MBA professional with marketing and project management expertise, with 15 years of professional experience in molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, and biotechnology. As the marketing specialist at OTC, she is responsible for connecting stakeholders, leading marketing strategies, and conveying innovative technologies to the marketplace. Prior to coming to Georgetown, Monita worked as a Life Science Researcher at GW’s Technology Commercialization Office. Monita holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Plant Biochemistry and Physiology), a Master’s degree in Plant Genetic Resources, and an MBA from George Washington School of Business focusing on Marketing and Project Management.
Silvana T Alcocer, CP Intellectual Property Manager
Email: alcocers@georgetown.edu Silvana joined the University in September 1998. She manages the University’s intellectual property portfolio. Silvana is a liaison between licensing managers, attorneys, inventors, and other University offices. She undertakes reporting on federally funded inventions and patents through iEdison, NIST for the University. Silvana received her undergraduate degree in Biology and a Paralegal Certificate from the University of Maryland with a minor in Liberal Arts. Silvana is a District of Columbia Public Notary.
Ermina Mujan, M.S. Agreement Compliance and Database Manager
Email: em1369@georgetown.edu Phone: (832) 876-6302 Ermina joined the University in July 2018. She currently serves as the Agreement Compliance and Database Manager for the Office of Technology Commercialization. Before joining the University, Ermina worked as an Expert Associate for Technical Documentation of Telecommunication Infrastructure for the city of Sarajevo. She received her Master’s degree in Communication Technology Engineering from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In June 2021, she obtained her Professional Certificate in Data Science from the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University.
Whether you’re a part of the Georgetown University community, represent a company interested in supporting research, licensing available inventions, or are an investor, please feel free to contact us with your questions. You can contact us at techlicensing@georgetown.edu or call us at 202-687-7424.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
