Building an Ecosystem for Revolutionary Ideas

At UMass Amherst, we’re developing a culture where innovation is powered by ambitious students, transformative faculty researchers, and accomplished alumni. The Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity (IE&C) initiative connects resources across campus, creates pathways to turn ideas into action, and celebrates the achievements of the people driving impact throughout UMass, the commonwealth, and beyond.

Students posing at UMass Amherst during the 2022 Summer Philosophy Program.

Meet the team leading innovation at UMass Amherst

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Sundar Krishnamurty

Vice Provost for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity

Sundar Krishnamurty leads campus IE&C efforts as the vice provost for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity. He has served as the Ronnie and Eugene Isenberg Distinguished Professor in Engineering since 2020.

Shira Epstein

Director of Campus Makerspaces

Shira Epstein is the director of campus makerspaces and a lecturer in electrical and computer engineering. She launched the UMass Amherst Makerspace in 2019 and served as iCons Teaching Fellow from 2022–2023.

Julian Lustig-Gonzalez

Director of the INNOVATE Certificate Program

Julian is the director of the INNOVATE Certificate Program, where he empowers students to explore bold ideas, develop interdisciplinary collaborations, and turn discoveries into impact.

IE&C Campus Partners

Our best-in-class campus partners contribute to the common good through forward-thinking research.

Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship

The Institute for Applied Life Sciences

Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation

Technology Transfer Office

Patent and Trademark Resource Center

I-Corps @ UMass Amherst

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center

Riccio College of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Riccio College of Engineering Entrepreneur in Residence Program

Arts Extension Service

IE&C Advisory Council

Dee Boyle-Clapp

Director, Arts Extension Service

Dee Boyle-Clapp is the director of the Arts Extension Service. She oversees the program’s arts management offerings as well as the National Arts Policy Archive and Library.

Laura Burnham

I-Corps Partner Director, New England Hub

Laura Burnham is an executive leader with over 20 years’ experience leading the development of early-stage science and technology programs.

Burnley Jaklevic

Director, Technology Transfer Office

Burnley Jaklevic is the director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her team works closely with UMass Amherst faculty, staff and students as they develop inventions and software that may have commercial applications.

Carl Rust

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Corporate Engagement

Carl Rust supports the university’s engagement with industry, collaborating across campus to increase sponsored research and build career opportunities for students, alumni, and faculty.

Gregory Thomas

Executive Director, Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship

Gregory Thomas develops partnerships with constituents throughout the Connecticut River Valley and the commonwealth to support the Berthiaume Center’s mission.

Karen Utgoff

Director, IALS Venture Development Program

Karen Utgoff is director of the IALS Venture Development Program. In this role, she helps pre-startups, startups, and established small businesses to focus on the “right” customer segments and markets as a foundation for growth.

Tony Maroulis

Executive Director of Economic Development

Tony Maroulis is the executive director of economic development on the government relations team. He also chairs Chancellor Reyes’s economic development task force.

Scott Auerbach

Provost Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Scott Auerbach is a provost professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department and is also affiliated with the Materials Science and Engineering interdisciplinary graduate program in the College of Engineering.

Cheryl Brooks

Associate Provost for Career and Professional Development

Cheryl Brooks leads a team of career professionals who provide skills training and employer recruitment opportunities to UMass students.

Scott Davidson

Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Programs

Scott Davidson is the associate provost for interdisciplinary programs. His work with UWW promotes student autonomy, allowing them the flexibility to choose a degree path that aligns with their personal interests and goals.

Kimberly Dumpson

Vice President of Advancement, UMass Amherst Foundation

Kimberly Dumpson is the vice president of advancement for the UMass Amherst Foundation, supporting the university’s educational, research, and outreach missions through philanthropy and engagement efforts.

Ina Ganguli

Professor, Economics and Management

Ina Ganguli is a professor in the Department of Economics. Her research areas include labor economics and the economics of science and innovation.

Denise Hersey

Associate Dean of Research and Learning

Denise Hersey has been the associate dean for research and learning at UMass Amherst Libraries since 2024. She currently leads a team of librarians and staff who directly support the research efforts of students and faculty across campus.

Ashish Kulkarni

Associate Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Ashish Kulkarni is an associate professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering, an Edward S. Price Faculty Fellow in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and an adjunct in biomedical engineering.

Beatriz Martinez-Martin

Graduate Student

Beatriz Martinez-Martin is a graduate student in the Yubing Sun and Changhui Pak Lab. Her research focuses on the impact of morphology and extracellular matrices on brain organoids using engineered devices.

Tammy Rahhal

Associate Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education

Tammy Rahhal is the associate vice provost of undergraduate education and a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.

Neena Thota

Associate Chair of Teaching Development, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences

Neena Thota is the associate chair of teaching development and senior teaching faculty in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences.

Gaurav Mitra

Institutional Effectiveness Specialist

Gaurav Mitra leads STEM-focused projects and strategic initiatives for the Office for Institutional Effectiveness, including the creation of databases and data visualizations.

Derek Allard

Director of Web Content, Marcom

Derek Allard is the director of web content in Marcom and leads the team responsible for the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity website. Prior to joining UMass, Derek owned and operated his own web design and development business, where he built websites for many non-profit and arts-related clients, including the Norman Rockwell Museum.

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Any Questions?

Our university-wide network of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity advisors and mentors is here to help you grow your ideas—whether you’re exploring a new interest or preparing to launch. Reach out to find support, guidance, and opportunities to get started.

Contact Our Team