February 20, 2013
Leaders named for online learning, tech transfer
The University has appointed two associate vice presidents—one to oversee technology transfer Universitywide,
and another to lead the University’s online education efforts.
Scott Catlin
Scott Catlin has been appointed associate vice president for innovation and technology commercialization. He will oversee the Office of Technology Transfer.
“Scott Catlin’s breadth of knowledge, expertise, and corporate experience will serve us well and advance the mission of the Office of Technology Transfer,” says Robert Clark, dean of the Hajim School and interim senior vice president for research.
Catlin is currently legal section head for Abbott Medical Optics Inc. in Santa Ana, Calif., where he managed a team of 18 attorneys and support staff. Catlin earned his BS in optical engineering at Rochester in 1992, graduating summa cum laude. Three years later, he graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a member of the Licensing Executives Society and American Intellectual Property Association.
“I look forward to building bridges between the University’s researchers and the commercial world,” Catlin says. “The goal is to turn the University’s cutting-edge innovation into products and services that benefit patients, society, and the environment while also helping to create jobs in the local community.”
Catlin, who begins his new role at the University on March 1, will report directly to the senior vice president for research.
Eric Fredericksen
Eric Fredericksen has been appointed associate vice president of online learning. In the new role, Fredericksen will help lead the exploration of online learning initiatives across the University.
“Eric’s background and prior experience make him a perfect choice to serve in this newly established role at the University,” Clark says. “Effective use of technology in the classroom to facilitate online learning initiatives for residential students as well as those at a distance is an essential focus for Rochester and our peer institutions. Having leadership devoted to this endeavor is critical to providing support for faculty in this rapidly evolving domain.”
Fredericksen joined the University as the associate vice provost for University Information Technology in 2005, managing programs such as the Educational Technology Center, Classroom Technology, Web Services, the Center for Integrated Research Computing, and the University IT Center, all of which support Rochester’s academic and research missions.
“I look forward to working with our great faculty as they explore opportunities for online learning and supporting the highest quality academic experience the University is known for,” Fredericksen says. “Rochester is poised to be a part of the creative and innovative ways universities can offer courses.”
Fredericksen will recruit and lead teams that will support faculty in the curriculum development and instructional design of online courses. He also will be responsible for coordinating research initiatives that will evaluate programs, technologies, and software that support online learning.