In 2014, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s (UMCES) Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) made a commitment to bring science out of the lab and into the surrounding community via education, on-the-job training and mentorship. One aspect of that pledge involved the establishment of an entrepreneurship program geared towards encouraging students to explore the potential business aspects of their research; and thus, the Ratcliffe Environmental Entrepreneur Fellow (REEF) program was born.
This program is available to all IMET and UMCES graduate students, FRAs and post-docs who would like to learn how to integrate entrepreneurship and science. The program recruits each year, May-June, and the cohort meets on a predetermined Friday and Saturday each month, from September to April. Recent topics explored by students have included cultured (i.e., lab grown) meat and related products, aquaculture concerns, bio-batteries and the range of industrial processes algae can support. Over the years, IMET has organized a plethora of meet-and-greets with local entrepreneurs; offered lessons on vital topics, such as intellectual property regulations, and hosted a final pitch competition enabling students to cultivate their leadership and business skills as a means of transitioning their ideas from the lab, or field, into commercial markets.
"Taking science exploration beyond the bench requires a significant level of vision and passion; this endeavor is complex and requires a different set of skills," said Nina Lamba, Director of the REEF program. "Even if you never want to leave the laboratory bench, understanding science through an entrepreneurial framework will be essential. The good news is that much of these skills can be learned, including different ways of thinking, evaluating and communicating. As each participant goes through the REEF program, they begin to understand these principles and apply them to current research, a life-skill that will be applicable across a range of professions. Scientists need to be adaptable and creative in different ways, now more than ever, so REEF helps our students bolster their professional development, no matter which career path they choose."
Indeed, REEF introduces student participants to a broader range of possible career tracts. Program alumni have used their skills to start businesses, lead within established companies, develop environmental policy in federal agencies, and advance research in an academic setting. Fellowships, internships and seed grants for start-ups are available for select students. Co-instructors and subject matter experts are recruited from the Baltimore region to help lay the groundwork for intellectual property protection, market assessment, pitching/communicating and understanding of related finances.
"Whatever your major, it's important to have a range of career options and skills after graduation and to think outside of the box," said Russell Hill, professor and IMET Director. "The REEF Program was formed to give our students the business and leadership skills necessary to consider applying their scientific research outside of academia, perhaps with an existing company, or, for some, to start their own business, as well as equipping them with the skills and leadership ability necessary for outstanding careers in academia, government, or industry. Generous funding from the Ratcliffe Foundation has been crucial in lowering the barriers for all the UMCES labs to participate in the program. Not only has it helped our students after graduation, but it has also helped forge new connections between the labs, particularly at the student level."
The REEF program is supported by the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, which operates as a charitable organization designed to expand economic opportunity, entrepreneurship and job creation. Based in Annapolis, the Ratcliffe Foundation provides funds to colleges and other non-profit organizations that support job creation with a focus on filling gaps in the labor market through skilled-trades training or entrepreneurship.
"The Ratcliffe Foundation continues to fund IMET’s REEF program because of its growth and success," said Carlene Cassidy, Ratcliffe Foundation CEO. "Dr. Lamba, Dr. Hill and the subject matter experts are providing the fellows with an extraordinary experience where students learn about design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and fundamental business practices; skills and knowledge that can be applied in any role, in any industry. We know from talking with graduates that this program is inspiring research and new product development, in addition to giving its fellows a competitive advantage. The students are applying what they have learned at IMET to make the world a better place and we admire their dedication and contributions."
For more information, contact Nina Lamba (nlamba@umces.edu).
