Professor David Putnam has been named the inaugural Associate Dean for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Cornell Engineering - the first dean-level position at Cornell University dedicated solely to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The following announcement was made on Feb. 12 by Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering:
I am excited to announce that Professor David Putnam will serve as the inaugural Associate Dean for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Cornell Engineering, effective February 15, 2021.
This is a new, three-year position that will oversee all activities in the college related to technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and will be responsible for defining and implementing a bold, new direction that will elevate our stature as a nationally-recognized college for innovation and commercialization.
David is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and brings a strong business background to the job. As a serial entrepreneur, David has founded or cofounded numerous biotech startups, including TransForm Pharmaceuticals, Versatope Therapeutics, and ProVis Medical. He served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for PureTech Ventures, is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, and has informally advised many faculty and students as they considered translation of their research.
David is charged with leading the college in collaboration with stakeholders around campus to develop a vision and action plan that will influence how Cornell Engineering educates students, enables new business development, and increases engagement with industry. This will include a critical assessment of existing college activities as well as developing new strategies for communication and fundraising in partnership with Alumni Affairs and Development.
Please join me in congratulating David on his critical new role and supporting him as he leads Cornell Engineering into a new era for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Best regards,
Lynden A. Archer
Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering
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