The Office for Innovation & Commercialization’s Student Internship Program provides participants with real-world exposure to and experience in the technology transfer process of university-based research in multiple fields.
As interns, participants will assist licensing professionals in activities such as intellectual property protection, commercialization of innovations, business development, and transactional law. Interns will be exposed to up-and-coming technologies, participate in extensive training, and gain experience in technology, licensing, marketing, and industry research and assessment activities.
Interns selected for this year-long program start full-time during the summer and continue their part-time positions in the following fall and spring semesters.
If you have questions about the program or application process, please contact Jeff Capili, assistant technology manager, at jccapili@ua.edu or (205) 348-0621.
Position Description and Application
The Student Internship at the Office for Innovation & Commercialization (OIC) allows the participant to learn about the field of Technology/Knowledge Transfer. The intern will have the opportunity to work with OIC staff, attend high-level meetings, and interact with researchers/innovators, start-ups/business leaders and administrators, and other interns. The ideal candidate is someone who would like to get a better understanding of how business, law, and high-level scientific research interact. The position reports to the OIC Director and staff.
This intern will learn about and support intellectual property protection and commercialization activities for new technologies. The intern may be able to gain a combination of experiences, including
- Prior Art Research and patentability assessments for new technologies
- Preparation of confidential/non-confidential summaries of new technologies
- Conduct market research and analysis, identifying potential licensees, and develop marketing strategies for new technologies
- Build industry contact lists and implement direct & social media marketing campaigns (email engagement, media posts, digital & print design, filming/editing video)
- Participate in internal speaking engagements
- Other special projects as assigned
Preferred candidates should have a background, or combination of, the following: engineering, biology/life-sciences, chemistry, physics, computer science, business, information systems, technology, marketing, law, or public administration. Candidates should be a graduate student or accepted/enrolled in a graduate program. Experience working in a professional office is preferred. Candidates should be responsible, reliable, have computer skills, organization skills, and have attention to detail.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled graduate students in STEM, Law, Business, Information Sciences, and 4th year undergraduate students in the STEM/CREATE Path to the MBA program.
Selection
Interest in technology transfer, research and innovation, business development, and entrepreneurship. Commitment and availability full-time during the summer semester and 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Approval of an advisor may be required.
Compensation
This is a paid internship program. Law externships are available. Administration approval is required.
Application Process
Complete the online application form. Attach a resume and cover letter. The application period will close on January 15, 2025. Screened applicants will be invited to an interview session the first week of February 2025, and selected applicants will be notified after that point.
Selected applicants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The anticipated start date is May 19, 2025.
Meet Our Internship Alumni
Skyler Ellis, 2022-2023 Cohort
Skyler Ellis, a University of Alabama law student from Hemlock, New York, was a member of the 2022-2023 program cohort. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, and a Minor in Spanish from the University of Alabama.
During her time at UA’s School of Law, Ellis has been a member of several law societies and groups, holding leadership positions as a president and a treasurer. Ellis has many choices with her career plans, and she may possibly pursue intellectual property or environmental law.
“I’ve loved this opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes process from invention to widely utilized marketable product,” commented Ellis. “I have a great respect and admiration for the wildly intelligent inventors at UA and their incredible innovations.”
Megan McNab, 2022-2023 Cohort
Megan McNab, hailing from Dothan, Alabama, is a JD and LLM-Taxation graduate from the University of Alabama School of Law and was a member of the 2022-2023 program cohort. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, and a master’s degree in accountancy, both from the University of Alabama.
During law school, she was a member of the Law and Psychology Review and Intellectual Property Society. And while mixing the pleasures of reading, going to the beach, and completing her degree, McNab was able to welcome her new son. McNab plans to work within the area of intellectual property or tax.
“OIC is such a unique department, and it has been so exciting learning all that they do for the University.”
Mallory Harper, 2023-2024 Cohort
Ms. Mallory Harper, a University of Alabama law student from Cullman, Alabama, was a member of the 2023-2024 program cohort. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Alabama, double majoring in political science and criminology.
During her time at UA’s School of Law, Mallory was the executive editor for The Journal of the Legal Profession and an active member in various societies. Mallory commented, “I had absolutely no idea the many ways you could use a law degree coming into law school. When I heard about this program and how I could gain a background in intellectual property while also developing my legal skills, I knew I had to apply.”
Reflecting on her internship, Mallory emphasizes the invaluable lessons in patience, effective communication, and collaboration with diverse teams. She credits the internship program for preparing her, opening new doors, and creating additional internship opportunities. Her advice to future interns reflects the dynamic role of the position…“Never expect two days to look alike.”
Claudia Bonney Amamoo, 2023-2024 Cohort
Claudia Bonney Amamoo, from Adamsville, Alabama, is pursuing her JD at the University of Alabama School of Law and is a member of the 2023-2024 program cohort. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish. She has been a member of several law school organizations, holding key leadership positions, and has been a member of numerous honor societies throughout her academics.
Originally from Accra, Ghana, Claudia has always been passionate about advocacy, language learning, and international affairs. While in Law school, Claudia’s interest for intellectual property grew during her property law coursework. Intrigued, she seized the opportunity to apply for internship program, recognizing it as a step to advancing a culture of innovation across disciplines, helping researchers commercialize their research, and marketing intellectual property that can potentially change people’s lives.
Interacting with inventors has enhanced her interpersonal skills and has equipped her with valuable new abilities. Her plans include working in the technology transfer industry and practice intellectual property law.
“Enjoy the journey of learning. Do not be afraid to ask questions and lean on the staff for help.”