HUNTINGTON -- Taking an idea from the laboratory to the boardroom isn't always an easy process.

Scientists who develop highly advanced technology often find themselves lost when it comes to obtaining patents for their discoveries and selling their ideas to industry.

For the past 20 years, Jennifer Kmiec has helped biotechnology researchers do just that. She will become Marshall University's associate vice president for economic development effective July 1.

"It's exciting," Kmiec said. "I'll be working with scientists and faculty on campus. I'll look at their new inventions and evaluate them, looking for new opportunities for patents."

The position also involves conducting market analysis to see whether business and industry might be interested in their research.

Kmiec is the wife of Eric B. Kmiec, who started in January as the first director and lead researcher for the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research. MIIR focuses on developing biotechnology research and spin-off companies.

"Actually, at Marshall, my job is much broader than MIIR," she said. "I'll work with the Rahall Transportation Insitute and the medical school. ... There are plenty of opportunities."

Kmiec most recently was vice president of business development and marketing for InB:Biotechnologies Inc. in Newark, Del. She also has served as vice president for marketing at Athena Biotechnologies Inc. and director of genomics operations for Tapestry Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Associate vice president for economic development is a new position at Marshall, and Kmiec is perfect for the job, said John Maher, vice president of research.

"The associate VP of economic development is a new position we've added in response to the greater level of commercialization activity at Marshall in the recent past," he said. "Jennifer's background in biology with an MBA in technology management, along with her extensive experience working in startup biotechnology companies, made her by far and away the best candidate to fill that position."

While in Delaware, Kmiec was chairwoman of that state's chapter of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. A steering committee now is working on putting together a BIO chapter for West Virginia, and Kmiec's help will be invaluable, said Bryan Brown of Brown Communications. His firm represents the BIO steering committee.

"Jennifer seems to be a real firebrand and is very knowledgeable about biotechnology," he said. "... It's a real positive for the efforts of our steering group."