Dr. Christine Karslake, a seasoned leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and venture capital, has joined Missouri University of Science and Technology as associate vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization.
She comes to Missouri S&T from Bunge Ventures, where she worked as the senior director, leading investments in early-stage companies in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology and food technology.
Before Bunge, Karslake led Science Ventures, a suite of initiatives designed to translate scientific research into commercial ventures at the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center. She also served as vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, in which she managed multiple incubators, an accelerator and a venture fund, and hosted several business plan competitions.
She is currently CEO of Quest Strategies, a consulting firm she founded to advise high-growth companies in life sciences, clean technology and innovation sectors on commercialization strategy, venture development and investment readiness.
“With deep experience and networks across academia, industry and economic development, Dr. Karslake brings a well-rounded and strategic perspective to her work,” says Dr. Kamal Khayat, vice chancellor for research and innovation.
As associate vice chancellor, Karslake will build and lead S&T’s strategies for translating research and innovation into impact. Her core responsibilities include innovation leadership, entrepreneurship development, research commercialization, partnerships in industry and economic development, policy and administration related to innovation and technology transfer, and raising the visibility of S&T’s innovation successes.
Karslake holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Purdue University, an MBA in finance, strategy and operations from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biomedical sciences from Western Michigan University.
