OTRADI fills the gap between research and commercialization by providing resources and expertise found nowhere else in Oregon. OTRADI operates Oregon’s only nonprofit collaborative bioscience discovery laboratory, as well as the state’s first and only bioscience-specific incubator.
This Project was funded in part by the Oregon State Lottery and administered by the Oregon Business Development Department.
The Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI) was initiated in 2007 with a mission to translate scientific research developed in the state of Oregon’s research laboratories into commercial ventures. The word “translational” refers to this task: transforming research into industry.
Ms. Ellis joined the OBI in the Fall of 2017 and quickly grew to be OBI’s Assistant Director. As Assistant Director she developed entrepreneurial programs, grew OBI’s partnerships and collaborations, participated on the Portland Innovation Quadrant’s startup resources work group, acted as OBI’s digital and marketing presence, as well as developed programs, workshops and events designed to grow Oregon’s startup bioscience and digital health ecosystem.
In her current role as Interim Director, Heather manages and oversees all of OBI and OTRADI operations and spearheads OBI’s newest initiatives. Since her arrival, the OBI has grown from 18 to 31 companies. She currently serves on: the Oregon Bioscience Association Board of Directors and the Portland Innovation Quadrant Board of Directors.
Ms. Ellis graduated from Portland State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree with minors in Business and Communications.
Ms. Thompson is an administrator with years of experience providing associations and businesses with managerial support. Before joining OTRADI, Ms. Thompson was an executive assistant at a number of large organizations, including Newsweek magazine and the City Club of San Francisco.
Ms. Miller joined OBI in January 2020 as Program Coordinator, implementing and marketing community and client programs/events. Her background includes clinical laboratory experience and small business ownership. As a longtime Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce participant, she enjoys supporting and encouraging business growth and development.
Ms. Miller holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Business from Portland State University and Clinical Laboratory Science from Oregon Health & Science University/Oregon Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Nutrition from University of Western States. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Celiac Portland, a new non-profit organization.
Ms. Garcia joined OBI in March 2020 as an Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for daily operations, the main point of contact for the companies in the incubator and the office receptionist.
Ms. Garcia graduated summa cum laude in 2019 from Portland State University with a B.A. in Arts and Letters and a minor in Art History. She also has an AAS in paralegal studies and an AGS from Portland Community College. Her professional background includes general office administration and work as a legal assistant in the field of business immigration law.
The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.
The OBI has two Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), Bill Newman and Gordon Hoffman. Both have extensive entrepreneurial and venture capital backgrounds. They assist and coach OBI client companies and, through their BioMentor role, other emerging Oregon bioscience startups throughout the state of Oregon. Their areas of expertise include business formation, financing options, investor presentation reviews, business strategy, business model development, corporate development and governance, M&A, strategic partnerships, and both general and bioscience-specific business issues. The EIRs have an onsite office and work with OBI client companies regularly.
