Dr. Weete received his BS and MS degrees at Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches, Texas and PhD at the University of Houston. He was formally a professor and associate dean at Auburn University before becoming the Vice President of Research and Economic Development at West Virginia University and President of the WVU Research Corporation. As Assistant Vice President, he is responsible for strategic and budgetary planning, and increasing university contacts with industry. In addition, he is the executive director of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation where he oversees development and operation of the Auburn Research Park.

Ms. Thornton holds an MBA degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law. Formerly with the Marketing Operations Department of Protective Life Corporation, Thornton came to AU in June 1994. As director, she is responsible for the leadership and management of the OTT office, its technology commercialization, industry relations, and policy development activities.

Mr. Konstant holds an MBA degree and Bachelors' degrees in Accounting and Chemistry from Auburn University. An AU employee since 1986, Konstant has served as assistant director of AU's Study Abroad/Exchange program and manager of International Projects. He also has been assistant director and a contract specialist with Contracts & Grants (now Sponsored Programs).

As associate director, he works closely with faculty, industry and other universities regarding agreements to promote Auburn-developed technologies.

Dr. Wright holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. He spent several years in the entertainment business before returning to his undergraduate alma mater in September 2002 as a technology transfer officer in Engineering.

As associate director, he works with and assists the technology transfer officers on various projects, oversees initiatives to reach out to industry and other research institutions, and markets, negotiates and licenses technologies from Auburn's research laboratories.

Mr. Gokcek holds an L.L.M. degree in Information Technology & Privacy Law from the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, a J.D. degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University in California. Formerly with Haverstock & Owens, LLP in Sunnyvale, CA, Gokcek came to AU in January 2005. His legal background is in patent protection, trademarks and licensing.

As associate director, he manages the protection of the intellectual property portfolio of the University; provides guidance on patent and copyright matters; and participates as a member of the OTT team in technology evaluation, marketing and licensing.

Dr. Scharpf holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and was in corporate industrial research until coming to Auburn in November 2000. His responsibilities include promoting Auburn University's intellectual property to the private sector, fostering a productive relationship between Auburn researchers and industry, and encouraging the creation of new technology-based intellectual property at Auburn University.

Rhea has been employed with Auburn University since 1985. Prior to joining the Office of Technology Transfer in September 2004, she worked at the Office of Development for 17 years and the Ralph Brown Draughon Library.

Rhea provides day to day administrative support to the Associate Director for Contracts Administration and interacts with faculty and industry leaders regarding agreements.

Misty holds a Specialized Associates of Science in Court Reporting. She joined the department in September 2004 and her responsibilities include providing general staff and administrative support for the office at large as well as providing direct support to the Associate Director for IP Affairs and Compliance regarding patent filings, maintenance and correspondence with outside counsel.