Before she was a Technology Agent, Cheryl Barts was a devoted microbiologist. She researched the immunologic factors causing African Sleeping Sickness and developed experimental HIV vaccines. She received a BS in Medical Microbiology and Immunology and an MS in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One day while counting B cells, Cheryl realized she wasn’t working to her fullest potential. She needed to find a field that incorporated her broad curiosity in science with something outside the laboratory. She dreamed of a field that appreciated her scientific wanderlust. Cheryl received an internship with WARF and studied with WIPO in Mexico City, then started at NUtech Ventures in 2009. Since then, she has passed the patent bar, started a patent intern program for students and begun taking law classes. At NUtech Ventures, they view themselves as active R&D matchmakers who bring the private sector and academia together for mutually.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Communications between the scientific and business community.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Passing the Patent Bar this past year. Being a patent agent allows me to prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and trademark office. I find the strategic skill necessary for patent drafting to be challenging and rewarding.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Travel, camping, biking and cooking. This summer I will do a sprint triathlon and a century bike ride, and for this coming New Year’s I will be in Turkey. I like to set impossible goals for myself.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I fly a tiny RC helicopter and crash it quite frequently. I also help brewmaster and local entrepreneur Sam Spilker from Spilker Ales mash Hopluia beer.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Favorite Quote: There are 204 bones in the human body, surely one of them must be creative. (Apple computers)
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
Travel to all of the continents by the time I am 40. I’ve been to S. America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. Two left, Africa and Antarctica.
How would your friends describe you?
Quirky, busy and the type of person that will talk to anyone, a brick wall even.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Ease of public speaking.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I’m currently reading Packing for Mars.
What is your favorite movie?
Favorite directors, Miyazaki and Pedro Almodóvar
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Bread & Cup.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Mata Hari. I’m obsessed with spies.
What is the best way to contact you?
Call 608.334.7855 email cbarts@NUtechVentures.org or see us online at www.NUtechVentures.org