Experienced Innovators Selected to Help Advance Technology and Innovation at the University of Houston

The University of Houston has announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals to key leadership roles within the Office of Technology, Transfer, and Innovation (OTTI) under the Division of Energy and Innovation. Haleh Ardebili, the Kamel Salama Endowed Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been appointed as the new assistant vice president of Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystem, while Michael Harold, Cullen Engineering Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, assumes the role of assistant vice president for Intellectual Property and Industrial Engagements.

Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president for energy and innovation at UH, praised the appointments, stating, "Drs. Ardebili and Harold are both tested leaders in their respective areas – they are already contributing to our rich academic environment with their knowledge, expertise and commitment to innovation." He added, "Having them helm our growing team will help UH continue its culture of innovation and contribution to society."

In her new position, Ardebili will oversee entrepreneurship and startup efforts at UH, directing the startup and entrepreneurship staff within the OTTI. Her responsibilities will include guiding and mentoring faculty and student startups, fostering collaborations with entities like the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, and enhancing the commercialization of technology developed at UH.

On the other hand, Harold will lead the university's technology transfer activities, focusing on directing licensing and IP management staff within the OTTI. He will work towards promoting the generation of intellectual property, managing the university's IP portfolio, and fostering industry partnerships, ensuring effective operation and stewardship of UH IP assets.

Both Ardebili and Harold will play crucial roles in increasing faculty engagement, facilitating innovations from research labs to the market, and enhancing collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. These appointments underscore UH's commitment to driving innovation, economic development, and industry partnerships.

Ardebili, who previously served as the director of the Cullen College of Engineering’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative, has a history of groundbreaking research. Her team developed a fully stretchable fabric-based lithium-ion battery with applications in various fields, including potential use in astronauts' gear, military uniforms, and underwater vehicles. Harold, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience, having worked at the DuPont Company before joining UH. His research focuses on catalytic reactions in energy and environmental applications, with notable advancements in reducing harmful vehicle emissions.

Both individuals will maintain their faculty roles alongside their new responsibilities, ensuring a seamless integration of their expertise into their leadership positions at the University of Houston.