Alliance Managers connect faculty and other MIT researchers with the appropriate information, resources, and connections they need to facilitate their commitments to MIT’s external partners and collaborators. Simultaneously, the Alliance Managers foster open and productive communications with internal and external colleagues to facilitate connections, coordination and engagement in and outside of MIT.
Reach out to osatt@mit.edu to start the process.
Jessica Bruns has been at MIT since 2021 and joined the alliance management team in 2023. Prior to OSATT, Jessica worked in MIT’s Office of the General Counsel and Risk Management & Compliance Services. Her role consisted of drafting and revising consortia and other university program agreements and facilitating management of MIT’s Protection of Minors program. Previously, Jessica worked at Mass General Brigham in the Office for Interactions with Industry, working with faculty on industry-sponsored educational programs, and assisting faculty in navigating their relationships with industry. Jessica holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Northeastern University.
Julie Kukharenko has been at MIT since 2015, and joined the alliance management team in 2020. Prior to OSATT, Julie served as Financial Officer to the MIT-SUTD Collaboration. Her background and involvement in administration, finance, and negotiation in art- and education-focused organizations and initiatives fuels her interest in exploring ways MIT can further faculty-driven alliances in sponsored research, education, and capacity-building from non-federal sponsors. Julie holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Michael Leskiw is responsible for the supervision of the OSATT alliance management team. His portfolio encompasses international engagements with foreign governments as well as other high-visibility major research agreements with multinational corporations. Michael has been at MIT since 2004 and previously worked in MIT’s Office of Sponsored Programs and SMART, MIT’s largest international research center, based in Singapore. He also supported a MIT program and collaborative project helping to start a new university in Moscow. Michael holds a B.A. in International Relations from Syracuse University and a J.D. from New England Law Boston.
Caroline Lowenthal has been at MIT since 2018, and became an OSATT Alliance Manager in 2022. Previously, Caroline was Managing Director of a Science and Technology Center based in MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering. Her background includes initiating sponsored research consortia with pharmaceutical industry members, working closely with faculty across MIT, including initiating a new MIT Center, and managing collaborations with other university partners. Caroline holds a BS and an MS in AeroAstro and an MS in Technology and Policy, all from MIT.