Office of Research Translation, Innovation, and Partnerships (ORTIP)
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Our Staff
David Hanson, Assistant Vice President for Research
Dr. Hanson received his Ph.D. in 1999, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and he spent 2.5 years as a post-doctoral fellow at the Australian National University. He joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico in 2002, where his research focuses on physiological, ecological, and energy-related aspects of photosynthesis in plants and algae, particularly elements of the carbon reactions and water relations.
Dr. Hanson has over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and has received multiple major grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, NASA (for research on the International Space Station), and the Economic Development Agency. He regularly collaborates with Sandia National Labs and Los Alamos National Lab, and he has co-founded a start-up (Growvera, Inc.). In addition, he helps UNM students participate in the annual NASA MINDS challenge, leading them to two national grand championships in the first four years.
His role in the Office of the Vice President for research is focused on external relations, building regional coalitions by working with local, state, federal and Tribal governments, along with regional educational and research institutions to find areas of alignment that can attract new resources and contribute to economic development. These efforts also include working to increase industry and private sector engagement with UNM through coordinated workforce training in the region, development of new internship opportunities, increasing industry sponsored research, and supporting IP/tech transfer efforts.
Jim O'Brien, Senior Director of Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Jim O'Brien is an experienced fundraising leader with over thirty years of expertise in managing corporate and foundation relations across higher education, global health, and nonprofit sectors. Recognized for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership, Jim has successfully secured multimillion-dollar grants and developed innovative fundraising programs that support institutional goals.
He previously served as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Sarah Lawrence College and at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. Jim’s global experience includes senior consulting roles in Australia, where he advised university leadership on campaign planning and advancement strategy, and leadership positions at the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney, where he helped launch Australia’s first $1 billion capital campaign.
His previous roles include positions at the University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Hawaii Foundation, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and pursued doctoral studies in Behavioral Sciences at the University of Chicago.
Anne-Laure 'Anlo' Schmitt-Olivier, Research Translation Officer
Anne-Laure “Anlo” Schmitt-Olivier helps bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. She works closely with faculty, students, and industry partners to foster innovation, support economic development, and build strategic collaborations.
Anlo connects companies with UNM’s research community—facilitating access to student talent, faculty expertise, joint research opportunities, and specialized lab facilities. Her work supports the university’s mission to translate research into solutions that benefit society and drive economic growth.
She brings over a decade of experience in intellectual property and technology transfer. Prior to joining UNM, Anlo spent nearly seven years at Florida International University, where she managed invention disclosures, trained researchers on patent protection and commercialization, and negotiated a wide range of agreements, including licenses and inter-institutional collaborations.
Anlo is a registered U.S. patent agent with a background in drafting and prosecuting patents in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry and a graduate degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Strasbourg in France.
Engagement Opportunities
Facilities, Equipment & Services
The University of New Mexico provides access to world-class shared research facilities, cutting-edge laboratories (including nanofabrication, microscopy, GIS, immersive media and isotope analysis), and comprehensive support services—enabling faculty, students, and industry partners to advance high-impact research across diverse disciplines.
Philanthropy
UNM's Corporate and Foundation Relations team is dedicated to building collaborative, dynamic relationships with corporate and foundation partners. The team provides expertise in connecting with faculty experts, organizing campus visits, facilitating campus discussions, and aligning university resources with partner goals.
Rainforest Innovations
UNM Rainforest Innovations supports technology transfer, startups, and commercialization, helping research ideas reach the marketplace.
Research Collaboration
The University of New Mexico has a long history of cooperation with industry in support of research. Industry collaboration benefits the mutual health and productivity of industry and society. Cooperative arrangements help the university to achieve its goals for research, teaching, public service, and cultural diversity.
Specialized Business Training
UNM offers specialized business training through certificate programs, executive education, and tailored workshops that equip students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with practical skills in leadership, finance, marketing, and innovation. These programs support workforce readiness and economic development across New Mexico.
Workforce Pipeline
UNM is committed to building a robust workforce pipeline by supporting students, alumni, and community members in exploring and preparing for meaningful careers. Through UNM Career Services and a wide range of academic and experiential programs, the university helps individuals develop, evaluate, and pursue education and employment opportunities aligned with New Mexico’s evolving workforce needs.
