USM Welcomes Back Alumnus Brian Cuevas as New Director of the Office of Technology Development

The University of Southern Mississippi welcomes Dr. Brian Cuevas as its new Director of the Office of Technology Development for the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Cuevas, who began his role on May 13, works closely with the University's Vice President for Research Dr. Gordon Cannon in support of technology transfer, intellectual property, commercialization, corporate relationship development, and economic development.

This includes overseeing technology development policies and procedures at the University, such as supervising specific intellectual property management plans, directing collaborations with patent attorneys, managing the prosecution of all patents, and negotiating the licensing of USM's intellectual property and capabilities.

He will also engage with corporate partners to understand their investments, industry-driven needs, and strategic direction, offering solutions that leverage USM's strengths and add value to their businesses and the University as a whole.

“As an alumnus and former resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it is a great honor to serve as the Director of the Office of Technology Development at the University of Southern Mississippi,” Cuevas said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the distinguished faculty and staff at this University in order to establish a robust portfolio of intellectual property as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Cuevas was previously manager of research and development at Evonik Corp. in Birmingham where he identified and evaluated new business development opportunities and managed internal and external collaborations with industrial and academic sectors. He previously co-authored a research proposal from the Office of Naval Research—which coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.—for the development of an “Acute Care Cover for Severely Injured Limbs” that resulted in a four-year, $15 million award to develop an advanced tissue.

Cannon said he is very happy Cuevas is joining his team. 

“Technology development is becoming a larger part of universities' missions,” Cannon said. “We are fortunate to have someone with Brian's experience in both academic and industrial arenas to lead our efforts.”