Elizabeth Sheckler, PhD, RTTP (Beth), is an innovation manager for UM Ventures, College Park. She specializes in copyright and trademark-protectable intellectual property management, commercialization, and broad impacts, including software and creative works. Dr. Sheckler entered technology transfer in 2018 as a Licensing Manager at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), while completing her PhD in English Literature (2019). She was part of NYU’s TTO from 2022-2026 as a senior business development manager. Her prior work experience includes 15+ years of teaching in higher education settings and administration, and development and communications roles. She is an active member of AUTM, and a proud member of the AUTM Software Committee. She received the Howard Bremer Award in 2020 as a rising star in tech transfer. While at UNH, she served as the lead I-Corps instructor for UNH’s NSF I-Corps site program, and has taught literature, women’s studies, and writing classes at various institutions, including several community colleges in Baltimore. 

At UM Ventures, Dr. Sheckler solicits innovation disclosures from the UMD community and guides those innovations toward business models for impact beyond campus, including liaising with companies. She facilitates licenses (from lead generation to negotiations), including startups; provides outreach, engagement, and education related to intellectual property and licensing; and works with community members on valuation and pathways for translation.