Dr. Sherrie Preische named new executive director of state Commission on Science and Technology.
By: Gwen McNamara
Dr. Sherrie Preische is no stranger to the benefits of scientific research.
With a doctorate in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University, Dr. Preische has conducted research on fusion energy in both Princeton and France. She has also worked to promote science and research for U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) and most recently advised Gov. James E. McGreevey on the merits of science and technology.
Now Dr. Preische will be putting her expertise to further good use as the new executive director of the state Commission on Science and Technology, where she hopes to bridge the gap between research institutions and industry to improve New Jersey’s economy.
"The commission’s mission is to build partnerships between industry and universities," Dr. Preische said. "I really want to try to find new ways to build such relationships."
In her new position, Dr. Preische expects to further several of the governor’s initiatives on the science and technology front.
"Since the governor took office, he’s had a clear vision for building up the research and high-tech sectors in New Jersey," she said. "Our goal will be to build upon that."
She hopes to build an "innovation triangle" across the state the three points representing the research universities, industry and state government.
"All three sectors have to work together for the state to be successful," Dr. Preische said. "In his state-of-the-state address, Gov. McGreevey announced that he would create Innovation Zones around research universities. These are areas where we will target universities and the high-tech industry."
To get these zones going, she believes the state must try to help universities get involved in sectors that will improve the state’s economy, such as life sciences, nanotechnology and telecommunications.
"We already have a significant industry base in these areas and want to help universities build a research base that will benefit these areas and bring in more federal dollars," Dr. Preische said. "And it’s not just supporting new initiatives, but supporting great existing programs too."
The governor’s plan for a New Jersey Stem Cell Institute will help as well.
"It’s just one way we’re looking to bring together great research institutes and the biotech industry," she said. "We believe this will create some real private-public partnerships that will be more than just the sum of their parts.
"We also want to help universities bring their ideas to market," she continued. "We call it the ‘tech transfer’ getting products out of the lab and into the market. If we can accomplish that, we’ll create new jobs and new industry in New Jersey."
Businesses should rest assured that the governor is working to improve the Business Employment Incentive Program and that the Springboard Fund Program, now operated out of the state Economic Development Authority, is doing just fine, she added.
"Gov. McGreevey has made the BEIP more accessible to high-tech industry by lowering the number of jobs a company needs to produce to get funding," Dr. Preische said. "Both the BEIP and Springboard Fund are alive and well."
Dr. Preische, a Trenton resident, became involved in government after working for the American Physical Society in Washington, D.C. During her time in Washington, she became active as a volunteer in Rep. Holt’s campaign.
"When Rush decided to run for Congress, I volunteered," she said. "I got pulled in when he won and worked for him for four and a half years."
She served as his New Jersey director and supported his focus on science and research issues.