Mentorship

UARF Senior Fellows, Project Executive and Executives-in-Residence work pro bono to connect industry, entrepreneurs, and University of Akron researchers – offering mentorship, guidance and a wealth of regional connections.


 

Art Greenberg, Project Executive

  • Experience: Industrial electrochemical and metal coatings business management, commercial development of chemicals for battery industry, and commercialization of technology from federal labs
  • Prior to UARF: Diamond Shamrock, SICO Industries, Hall Chemical, Harshaw Chemical, various startups
  • Interests: Industrial electrochemistry, batteries and energy storage, coatings, and technology startups.
  • “UARF gives me the opportunity to explore exciting new technologies and apply a lifetime of experience to help bring them to market.”

Wil Hemker, Entrepreneur Executive

  • Experience: Developing products for environmental, personal care, pharmaceutical, medical device, and food product markets
  • Prior to UARF: GOJO Industries, BF Goodrich Specialty Chemicals, Durkee Foods Division SCM Corp.
  • Credentials: M.S. in Food Science, The Ohio State University
  • Interests: controlled environmental agriculture, green technologies, nutritional food products
  • ““Engage expertise broadly, prototype fast, commercialize with performance and net return in mind.  Most important… don’t give up.” ”

Barry Rosenbaum, Senior Fellow

  • Experience: Technology Director and manager of business units in the chemicals, rubber and elastomer industries
  • Prior to UARF: Exxon Chemical, GenCorp, Advanced Elastomer Systems, OMNOVA Solutions
  • Credentials: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University
  • Interests: wealth creation, angel investment and regional innovation

Gordon Schorr, Senior Fellow

  • Experience: Strategic leadership of chemical and elastomer division; directing marketing, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, and R&D activities
  • Prior to UARF: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, University Innovation Ventures
  • Credentials: ABD in Chemical Engineering, and MBA
Max2

Max Lewis, Project Executive

  • Experience: Sourcing innovations globally
  • Prior to UARF: The Sherwin-Williams Company
  • Credentials: BS and Masters in Chemical engineering and Masters in Business Administration
  • “Where there is an open mind there will always be a frontier.”

Contact University of Akron Research Foundation

Phone: 330-972-7840 • Fax: 330-972-2368 • Email: uarf@uakron.eduŸŸ

170 University Circle, Suite 312, Akron, Ohio 44325-2103


Courtney Gras and business partner Tom Vo

Engineer and entrepreneur, all in one

Since childhood, Courtney Gras has loved roller coasters — so much so that she dreamed of designing them someday. She figured out, pretty early on, that the best way to do that would be to become an engineer. Roller coasters twist and turn and so do even the best-laid career plans.

More News

Entrepreneur coaches give inventions market-ready push

UA mechanical engineering team receives $50,000 to increase entrepreneurial acumen

UA startup wins $10,000 in pitch competition