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Awards to faculty, students and staff

Dr. Pantalone receives B. Otto and Kathleen Wheeley Award for Excellence In Technology Transfer

September 2006

The B. Otto and Kathleen Wheeley Award is given annually to a University of Tennessee faculty member who excels in the commercialization of university-based research results.  The B. Otto and Kathleen Wheeley Foundation Fund has provided the stipend since the award was established in 1989.  The award is specifically intended to recognize faculty who take a direct and active role in the commercialization process.  Criteria for the award include:

• The technological and/or scientific significance of the invention or creative work being commercialized;
•       The market success of the product or process;
•       The degree of active involvement of the faculty member in the
•       commercialization process; and
•       The faculty members overall contribution to the University
•       missions of teaching, research and service.

Otto Wheeley, a University of Tennessee graduate, was deputy chair of Koppers Company and president of Kopvenco, a venture capital subsidiary of Koppers in the early 1980s.  Eager to promote technological entrepreneurs in Tennessee , he returned to the state and founded Venture First Associations, Inc., and formed a close alliance with his alma mater to promote the commercialization of university-developed research.