Courtesy of The Journal Record
Some people go with their brain and choose a career path in which they excel. Others go with their gut and take a plunge into unrealistic waters.
Elaine Hamm said she never was good at science or math. Her tests results can attest to that.
“I started out as a piano performance major in college because all the signs pointed to success in music,” Hamm said. “However, I love science. I was the geeky kid that played with a microscope and even now, I listen to science podcasts while on the treadmill.”
Hamm specializes in microbiology and earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Oklahoma. She now advises biotech and pharmaceutical startup companies.
In 2013, Hamm designed and developed i2E’s Proof of Concept Center, the nation’s first statewide university technology-based center for evaluating the commercial market for cutting-edge technologies.
“Hamm distinguished herself by taking the POCC idea from concept to successful implementation in less than six months,” said Scott Meacham, president and CEO of i2E. “She certainly fits the profile of achiever. In fact, I would classify her an overachiever.”
Hamm considers the creation of the statewide Oklahoma Proof of Concept Center as her most significant professional accomplishment.
“I designed and executed this innovative partnership that is the first of its kind in the state and in the nation,” Hamm said. “In doing so, I am proud to have been a part of uniting typically competitive entities behind a strategy for comprehensive economic growth in Oklahoma. It is also incredibly rewarding to be able to help Oklahoma’s scientists and entrepreneurs achieve success.”
Hamm’s work experience includes serving as technology and intellectual property consultant at TreMonti Consulting Services, director of OU’s Office of Technology Development and senior protein chemist at Comentis.
In addition, Hamm serves on the Board of Advocates for the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center.
“Over time, I have learned that being aspirational is a wonderful mechanism to achieve happiness both professionally and personally. I believe there are many paths to finding success and if we are too focused on specific goals and a life ‘to-do list,’ we might be less open to new and challenging opportunities,” Hamm said of her life philosophy. “Therefore, my goals are to be happy, to spread laughter and to be intellectual fulfilled.”
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