President

Dr. Jessica Silvaggi was appointed as the President of the UWMRF in July 2023, where she directs all aspects of technology commercialization, business development, and strategy for UWM innovations. She joined the UWMRF team in 2009 as Technology Licensing Associate, where she established the initial technology marketing program, played a major role in the evaluation of UWM intellectual property for patentability and commercialization, and aided in the drafting of licensing agreements.  In summer 2011 she continued to lead marketing and commercialization efforts as the Licensing Manager for UWMRF, and in fall of 2015 she assumed further managerial responsibilities including the entire patent portfolio and licensing negotiations as the Senior Licensing Manager. In 2018 she was appointed as Director of Technology Commercialization followed by Vice President in 2021.

Dr. Silvaggi continues to grow the commercialization program at UWMRF with the goal of increasing industry collaboration and sponsored research. She helped to create Panther Partnering to make industry partnership and licensing transparent, fair, and easy. She also supports UWM faculty and students through teaching them the basics of intellectual property and encourages entrepreneurship and the formation of new startups in Milwaukee. In 2020 she helped to recruit a group of executive mentors to form UWM ENGAGE, where budding startups can obtain feedback, guidance, and connections from seasoned experts. She also manages the UWMRF Bridge Grant, a gap fund, with a matching grant from the WEDC capital catalyst program, which provides funding to UWMRF startups to reach key milestones in their new businesses.

Dr. Silvaggi received a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Harvard University studying the model genetic organism Bacillus subtilis and was a post-doctoral research fellow at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute studying the role of antioxidants in the protection of the brain from Parkinson’s disease. In October 2014 Jessica became a certified licensing professional. She also serves on the board and executive committee of the Wisconsin Technology Council.

In her free time Jessica is a is a self-proclaimed health and fitness enthusiast and nerd. She is constantly learning new biohacking tricks through her favorite podcasters and joins her husband in tending to their home grown veggies, herbs, and fruits. She loves to unwind on the weekend with family (including her two English mastiffs) and friends enjoying home cooked meals, fun drinks, and laughs by the fire pit.

Senior Technology Commercialization Manager

Brian Walsh joined the UWMRF team in September 2022. He plays a pivotal role in translating UWM innovations into commercial impact. He collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and student inventors to guide commercialization strategy, manage agreements, and support startup formation. He provides strategic advice on pursuing federal funding (SBIR/STTR) and navigating pathways to market.

Previously, Brian was a Business Development and Technology Commercialization Consultant at the Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC), where he provided guidance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs on navigating the Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for accessing funds to research and develop early-stage technologies with commercial potential. At CTC, he also managed pre-accelerator and investor readiness programs for startups.

Brian’s technology transfer background also includes a position with WiSys Technology Foundation, where he focused on commercializing inventions from UW System comprehensive campuses in Green Bay, Oshkosh and Stevens Point. In addition, he served in the US Peace Corps as Biotechnology Commercialization Specialist for a nationally funded research center in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Brian also has 15 years of first-hand experience acquiring, turning around, and successfully operating a business that manufactured and marketed equipment and kits for molecular biology research and education. In the early days of his career, he held various management, marketing, and product development positions in Wisconsin life science companies.

Brian earned a B.S. in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.B.A. in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

When not at work, Brian has developed a nerdy enthusiasm for landscape design with a mission to sneak native plants into the yards of everyone he knows. He also enjoys biking for both recreation and transportation, and activities in or on the water – swimming, kayaking, pontooning, or just floating.

Technology Commercialization Associate

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Carli earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology while playing collegiate volleyball at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. She later relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Marquette University in Dr. Murray Blackmore’s laboratory.

Her research focused on molecular and cellular neuroscience, examining how gene expression programs in central nervous system (CNS) neurons change with aging and identifying strategies to restore pro-growth gene programs to support neuronal regeneration after injury. Through this work, she developed a strong foundation in molecular biology and gene regulation.

Alongside her doctoral training, Carli worked in Marquette’s Technology Transfer Office and completed law-level coursework in patent law. Her interests lie at the intersection of science and innovation, particularly in intellectual property and the protection of emerging technologies. She is especially motivated to help translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications that can benefit those who need them most.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, hiking, boating, and exploring with her two dogs.

Administrative & Program Coordinator

Jane Lorenzi joined the UWMRF in June 2025, bringing experience in nonprofit administration, strategic communications, and program development. Her role focuses on streamlining administrative systems, supporting innovation programs, and amplifying UWMRF’s mission through compelling communications.

Her work has consistently centered on building partnerships and driving social impact. Before joining UWMRF, Jane spent four years leading communications and hands-on programs for an educational nonprofit in Alaska. Prior to that, she served as Assistant to the President at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, working to expand academic and career opportunities for Milwaukee youth.

Jane holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Marquette University, where she participated in social innovation initiatives on campus, plus global learning programs in Chile and the Dominican Republic. She is excited to be back in Milwaukee and contribute to UWMRF’s mission.

In her free time, she enjoys walking by the lake, reading poetry, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends.

Student Intern – Administrative Assistant

Emmanuel Lopez joined the UWM Research Foundation as a student intern in Spring 2026. He supports UWMRF’s mission through research, communications, and administrative work while gaining experience in innovation and technology commercialization.

Emmanuel holds a B.A. in Theology, Educational Studies, and Spanish from Marquette University and is currently pursuing his M.A. in Theological Ethics. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, he conducted qualitative research exploring health and wellness among Milwaukee’s Latinx community, and he participated in the McNair Scholars Program. He also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, further developing his Spanish skills and global perspective.

Additionally, he has experience in education, mentorship, and community engagement through Nativity Jesuit Academy and Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is passionate about ethical leadership, education, and community-centered work.

Outside of work and academics, Emmanuel enjoys working out, writing, and spending time with family and friends.