Last year, the USC Stevens Center revamped the innovation internship program with tremendous success, and we’re thrilled to announce the second cohort of licensing interns and assistants! They join the team with expertise in life sciences and physical sciences and a passion for technology commercialization. They will work closely with the seasoned licensing team and enhance our technology licensing marketing efforts for USC inventors. In addition to creating marketing materials and executing campaigns, the interns will gain hands-on training and mentorship in three key licensing areas:

  • Patentability Analyses: Assessing the potential for patent protection.
  • Market Analysis: Investigation of market size, dynamics, and unmet needs.
  • Agreement Negotiation: Drafting and negotiating intellectual property agreements, such as Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) and Industry Investment Agreements (IIAs).

Meet our new licensing interns and assistants:

Farbod Amirghasemi: Farbod is a fifth-year PhD candidate in the Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering at USC. Currently, Farbod works in the Laboratory of Medical and Analytical Devices (MADLab) under the supervision of Dr. Mousavi, where he focuses on developing electrochemical biosensors and creating robust, cost-effective diagnostic tools that empower healthcare professionals with rapid, accurate, and actionable data. Farbod is passionate about advancing the development and implementation of translational companion diagnostics and point-of-care biomedical devices to drive personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes. He received his MS in bioengineering from San Diego State University after completing his BS in Chemical Engineering at the University of Tehran.

Oscar Alberto De La Fuente: Oscar is a PhD candidate in the Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. As a part of Dr. Scott Fraser’s lab, he develops the next generation of molecular techniques for nucleotide visualization and hopes to empower the study of enhancer-promoter interactions and their implications in development and disease. As a first-time inventor, Oscar is deeply interested in expanding his knowledge and expertise in IP regulation, marketing, and commercialization, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutics space. Oscar earned a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology and an MS in Biotechnology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Carys Layton, PhD: Carys is a Licensing Assistant at the Stevens Center, where she supports licensing, marketing, and outreach efforts. She is a multidisciplinary engineer and scientist who has collaborated on a variety of projects. To support the future development of novel biomanufacturing approaches, her dissertation work investigated phenotypic changes in bioreactor-cultivated human pluripotent stem cells because of the hydrodynamic conditions, specifically fluid shear stress, they were exposed to. Prior to USC, Carys was an executive producer for the Inside Biotech podcast, a production of the 501(c) nonprofit Biotech Connection Los Angeles. Carys was awarded an honorable mention by the National Science Foundation for the thesis work she proposed and eventually defended, earning her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Riverside. She earned her BS in Physics from Southern Oregon University, during which she also conducted research at Northwestern University, supported by the

Austin Paul-Orecchio, PhD: Austin is a Licensing Assistant at the USC Stevens Center for Innovation. He has extensive experience in energy storage materials, technology transfer, and renewable energy consulting. At the University of Texas at Austin’s technology commercialization office, Austin evaluated 250+ technologies, managed a portfolio of 52 advanced battery innovations, and created licensing bundles to advance university research. As a Senior Technical Consultant at Scharf Energy, he contributes to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), grid modernization, and renewable energy projects, leveraging AI/ML technologies for operational efficiency. By combining technical expertise with strategic insights, Austin strives to support the commercialization of transformative innovations. Austin earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Chemistry from Bethany College.

Chudi Okafor: Chudi is a second-year PharmD candidate at the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a background in clinical research and healthcare strategy. His professional experience includes oncology clinical development and patient safety, most recently through an internship at Johnson & Johnson, where he supported pharmacovigilance activities for first-in-human clinical trials in prostate cancer. Chudi earned an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of Riverside and brings a global, multidisciplinary perspective to advancing patient-centered healthcare solutions.

Evans Pope, III: Evans is a dual-degree student pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy and MS in Healthcare Decision Analysis at the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Prior to pharmacy school, Evans spent several years managing sickle cell disease, oncology, and neurodegenerative disease clinical trials at top-tier academic medical institutions. After graduation, he hopes to secure a full-time role that places him at the intersection of innovation, research and development, and business development. He earned a BS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and an MS in Biomolecular Science from Lipscomb University.