After working as an interrogator for the US Army and running a scuba shop (among other things), Trina spent 15 years working in technology transfer departments at educational institutions before moving to the Portland VA Medical Center, where she is currently a Technology Transfer Specialist (and the only VA technology transfer professional in the state of Oregon). 

Although her title contains the word specialist, her very diverse educational and career background makes her more of a generalist and, as you will hear today, has benefited her enormously in her career.

During this episode, Trina shares why she chose to move from educational institutions to the federal government, the similarities and differences between the two spheres, and her advice for anyone considering making the transition.  

In This Episode:

[00:40] Introducing Trina Voss, a Technology Transfer Specialist at the Portland VA Medical Center

[02:04] An overview of Trina’s diverse educational and career background. 

[03:53] The email that came at just the right moment in Trina’s life. 

[04:50] Why Trina thinks of herself as a generalist and how this has benefited her as a technology transfer professional. 

[06:30] Trina shares what motivated her to advance her career through technology transfer certifications and what she learned from them.

[08:10] Why, after 15 years working in technology transfer in educational institutions, Trina moved to the federal government (and some of the biggest differences between the two). 

[09:59] The primary goal of VA Medical Centers. 

[10:56] Challenges that VA Medical Centers face.  

[11:58] How Trina’s time working in university technology transfer offices prepared her for her current role.

[14:41] Trina’s biggest challenge and biggest success at the Portland VA Medical Center.

[16:54] What Trina is most proud of. 

[17:52] Advice for any technology transfer professionals thinking about transitioning move from an academic institution to a government one. 

Resources:

Trina Voss on LinkedIn