Erienne Olesh

Executive Director Office of Innovation and Commercialization, West Virginia University

Erienne currently serves as the Executive Director of Innovation and Commercialization. This office oversees intellectual property management for WVU, licensing and commercialization of technology, NSF I-Corps programing, the Morris L. Hayhurst Launch Lab, SBIR/STTR coaching and startup assistance, and other strategic functions related to innovation and economic development. Previously, Erienne helped establish and launch Vantage Ventures which focuses on scaling startup companies, attracting investments, and working across state agencies for economic growth. She has experience in IP strategy, funding, corporate partnerships and economic development. Erienne completed a PhD in Neuroscience, focused on neural networks, spinal and motor integration and neural reorganization, particularly relating to clinical rehabilitation and motor control. She received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute and an MBA from West Virginia University.