Student named WiSys ambassador

August 20, 2019 – University of Wisconsin-River Falls junior Sophie Ackerman has been selected to serve as a WiSys ambassador for 2019-20. The WiSys Ambassador Program aims to enhance the connection between WiSys and the research community on UW System campuses.

Ackerman, of Marshfield, is double majoring in neuroscience and biology. 

“I am very passionate about research and this opportunity in particular was intriguing to me because WiSys shares my passion for getting students involved in research,” said Ackerman. “WiSys provides support, both intellectually and financially, to students who have ideas that might not be fully realized otherwise.” 

As a WiSys ambassador, Ackerman will spend up to 10 hours each month raising awareness of WiSys' role across the campuses, increasing engagement with faculty and students undertaking innovative research and helping to identify potential opportunities where WiSys can provide support.

WiSys ambassadors receive training in intellectual property as well as the technology transfer process and learn how to access resources offered by WiSys and other campus organizations designed to support technology development and entrepreneurial activity.

“I would love to utilize the education I received in the area of intellectual property someday if I were to create my own technology or procedure,” said Ackerman.

Ambassadors are involved in organizing seminars, hosting educational workshops, and serving as a resource for their respective departments and campus. WiSys launched the ambassador program in August 2014 at UW-River Falls and UW-Parkside.

For more information about the program, visit www.wisys.org/about-us/ambassador-program

Photo:  UW-River Falls Provost David Travis (left) stands with WiSys Ambassador Sophie Ackerman, a junior at UW-River Falls.