Alan is a self-professed deep tech enthusiast and life sciences devotee, known for blending academic curiosity with a knack for finding the right people to lead the next wave of scientific breakthroughs. Based in Chicago, Alan’s career has been a fascinating experiment in cross-pollination, mixing the rigor of university technology transfer with the art (and science) of executive search.
During his two decades at the University of Chicago’s Technology Transfer office, where he served as Associate Vice President and occasional coffee-fueled brainstormer-in-chief, Alan became a fixture in the world of academic innovation. He thrived on translating complex research into real-world ventures, working alongside scientists, inventors, and the occasional Nobel laureate to launch startups in diagnostics, bio-tools, medical devices, and biodefense. Alan has a particular talent for identifying and recruiting experienced entrepreneurs, those rare leaders with the vision and operational savvy to commercialize breakthrough technologies and drive them toward successful outcomes.
Alan’s unique blend of technical knowledge, academic experience, and executive search expertise allows him to spot entrepreneurial leaders who are truly equipped to commercialize breakthrough technologies. Having spent years at the University of Chicago Technology Transfer office, Alan developed an instinct for recognizing not only scientific excellence but also the rare leadership qualities and commercial acumen needed to transform promising research into thriving businesses. He excels at translating complex science into compelling business stories, which attracts entrepreneurs with the vision and operational know-how to bring innovations to market. By guiding founders to articulate their value proposition and refine their pitch, Alan ensures that the entrepreneurs he connects with early-stage ventures are prepared to inspire investors and drive successful outcomes. His broad network and deep understanding of both the scientific and business aspects of innovation make him exceptionally skilled at matching the right talent with the right technology for maximum impact.
Alan’s devotion to early-stage innovation extends beyond matchmaking talent. He has an uncanny ability to help entrepreneurs distill their scientific vision into a compelling story, sharpening their value proposition and ensuring their message resonates with both themselves and early-stage investors. Whether it’s refining a pitch or pulling together a PowerPoint deck that makes sense —and maybe even excites —Alan guides founders to clarity and confidence, helping them articulate not just what their technology does, but why it matters.
At Sheer Velocity, Alan has become a trusted guide for universities, startups, and government agencies (including DARPA and NSF), helping them recruit leaders who are as comfortable with a whiteboard as they are with a pitch deck. His dual perspective, rooted in both the scientific rigor of technology transfer and the strategic insight of executive recruiting, enables him to guide high-potential companies at the earliest stages of growth.
Alan approaches every search with uncompromising principles and a commitment to excellence. Detail-oriented and client-focused, he believes that finding the unique fit for each role is paramount and never rushes the process to a premature conclusion. This thoughtful, methodical approach ensures that every placement is a true partnership built to last.
With a BSc(Eng) in Chemical Engineering from University College London and an MBA from the University of Chicago, Alan brings both analytical rigor and an irrepressible curiosity to every search. Outside the office, he’s likely to be found running, cycling, sailing, kayaking, practicing yoga, or attempting to master the blues harmonica (with mixed results, but plenty of enthusiasm).
If you’re looking for someone who can navigate the worlds of academia, entrepreneurship, and executive search, with a dash of quirky charm, a talent for turning science into story, and a proven record of connecting technologies with the right entrepreneurial leaders, Alan is your go-to collaborator.
