People
Leadership and Staff
Leon Sandler
Executive Director
Drawing on expertise acquired in corporate, academic and entrepreneurial settings, Leon Sandler is responsible for guiding the Deshpande Center’s strategic direction and the execution of its mission. He also oversees daily operations and manages the center’s key relationships.
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Tim Swager
Faculty Director
With the Executive Director, Professor Swager defines the Deshpande Center’s strategy and plays a central role in the grant selection process. He interfaces with the MIT academic community and senior leadership.
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Karen Golmer
Innovation Manager
As Innovation Manager, Karen manages the Deshpande Center Grant and Catalyst programs and corporate relationships. She directs the grant selection process and guides project teams on their path to commercialization.
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Shirley Goh
Marketing and Communications Manager
Shirley manages communications and marketing for the Deshpande Center, and will execute the logistical coordination for all events including IdeaStream and the Innovation Showcase. She produces written and multimedia content for the website, authors the quarterly newsletter, and manages social...
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Email Steering Committee
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Charles Cooney
Charles Cooney is the Robert T. Haslam Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT.Full Bio -
Hemang Dave
Hemang Dave is an entrepeneur and investor.Full Bio -
Desh Deshpande
Desh Deshpande, a member of the MIT Corporation, is an entrepreneur-philanthropist.Full Bio -
Mark P. Gorenberg
A venture investor, Mr. Gorenberg is also a member of the MIT Corporation.Full Bio -
Lesley Millar-Nicholson
Lesley Millar-Nicholson is the Director of MIT Technology Licensing Office (TLO).Full Bio -
Paul Jansen
Paul Jansen is a medical device executive.Full Bio -
Robert S. Langer
The most cited engineer in history, Professor Langer, has helped start 25 companies.Full Bio -
Michael Cima
Dr. Michael J. Cima is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT.Full Bio