Joseph R. Kasper, Assistant Director of Business Development, Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). Kasper primarily manages Purdue University life science technologies. In this role, he analyzes the technologies’ commercial viability, identifies potential licensing partners and negotiates contracts with those licensing partners. Alongside development of a commercialization strategy, he works closely with OTC’s legal team to inform their intellectual property protection strategy. Throughout these activities, he serves as an advocate for inventors and as a liaison between the inventors, licensing partners and OTC’s legal team. His qualifications in the life sciences include a BS in biochemistry from Mount St. Joseph University and a PhD in medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology from Purdue University. His PhD research focused on understanding protein folding using the protein dihydrofolate reductase, and interrogating the structure and function of rare, partially unfolded forms of the protein.

• If you could take one invention back in time to show off, what would it be, and to what time period would you take it? I would take a bicycle to the time before the industrial revolution.
• If you could go back in time to have dinner with one person, who would that be? Charles Eames, of Eames Lounge Chair and “Powers of Ten” fame, because I believe he had unique insights on the power of technology and design.
• If someone promised you enough money to remodel/redecorate one room of your house, which room would that be? Workshop/project space. I enjoy the ability to make repairs and pick up new hobbies at my whim.
• If you were selected to be a contestant on a game show that requires you to taste cuisines from around the world and name the cuisine’s native country, how would you prepare for it? I would go to Chicago or New York for a crash course and search for the best ethnic neighborhood restaurants.