Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Technology Transfer with Megan Aanstoos, Anji Miller, and Ed Ergenzinger

In the fast-paced world of Tech Transfer, we work to close the gap between great research and real-world impact. But behind the scenes, many of us face high pressure, high expectations, and a profession that’s often misunderstood. Today we’re breaking the silence on a critical but often overlooked issue—mental health in tech transfer.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the unique challenges we face, from imposter syndrome and burnout to the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Most importantly we’ll discuss how to create a culture of well-being in Tech Transfer offices (TTOs) and what leadership can do to drive real change.

Three amazing guests are joining us, and they bring diverse expertise and personal experience to this important conversation. Megan Aanstoos is the Senior Program Officer for VentureWell where she supports teams in the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) programs, an initiative at the intersection of science and social impact. Megan is also on the Board of AUTM and has led the charge on diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) education in the knowledge transfer community.

Anji Miller is the Senior Academic Engagement Partner and Director of the LifeArc Fellowship Programmes. A seasoned Tech Transfer professional, Anji leads initiatives on gene therapy innovation and STEM outreach programs and is on the boards of AUTM and ASTP. As an EDI advocate, she is involved in policy engagement and skills development in tech transfer.

Dr. Ed Ergenzinger, JD, PhD is a patent lawyer, neuroscientist, and adjunct professor whose personal experience with bipolar disorder has shaped his work as a mental health advocate. With over 20 years of patent law experience, Ed writes and speaks about mental health issues in the legal and tech transfer professions and has even developed a law school course on mental health and wellness.

Together we’ll discuss how mental health affects productivity, what Tech Transfer can learn from other high-pressure professions like law, and why leadership matters in creating a workplace that prioritizes well-being. We’ll also talk about how the pandemic changed the conversation around mental health—and why we need to keep talking.

It’s time to move beyond silence and stigma and take real steps towards a healthier tech transfer community.

In This Episode:

[03:46] Why mental health in Tech Transfer has received less attention than it has in other fields includes lack of infrastructure and stigma, because of the requirement to survive in a high-pressure environment.

[05:25] The unique nature of tech transfer work. We talked about imposter syndrome and putting your own health at risk to excel in the profession.

[07:22] We discuss parallels between mental health in tech transfer and legal professions. There are initiatives that Tech Transfer could draw from.

[10:19] We discuss how poor mental health has negative effects on productivity.

[13:25] Pressure is increased because there's no one to cover for the tech transfer professional. The work is so individual and specialized.

[14:13] We talk about how the pandemic affected people in Tech Transfer and how it continues to affect them.

[17:57] How diversity inclusion efforts can inform our approach to mental health and TTOs.

[20:28] Inclusivity and making people feel valued for who they are creates a safe environment.

[21:02] How TTOs can better support the mental health of their staff and people around them.

[25:28] Things that TTO leaders can do to create a culture that prioritizes mental health include leading by example.

[30:58] Practical strategies that TTOs can implement to promote better mental health for their employees in this current political environment.

[33:01] Health and wellness programs need to be geared toward particular employees. Leaders need to listen and understand what they're going through.

[43:39] It's important to remain flexible and not to put together cookie-cutter policies.

[44:05] Things to look out for that might indicate a mental health challenge.

[46:11] Creating an environment where someone feels safe enough to speak out about their concerns without fear of stigma or retaliation.

[49:25] Megan would like to see the breaking down of the stigma that mental health isn't real health.

[51:23] Ed would like to see something similar to the mindful business charter with smart meetings, respecting rest periods, and openness and respect.

[52:14] Anji talks about the importance of respecting individuality to keep the best people on the team and advocate for continuous Improvement.

Resources: 

Megan Aanstoos - VentureWell

Megan Aanstoos - LinkedIn

Anji Miller - LifeArc

Anji Miller - LinkedIn

Dr. Ed Ergenzinger

Dr. Ed Ergenzinger - LinkedIn

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Technology Transfer

Recommended reading:

Books

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• Cham J. & Godwin D. “Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain,” Pantheon, (January 28, 2025)

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• ASTP Webinar on Mental Health:  https://www.astp4kt.eu/webinars/edi-sig-mental-health-in-knowledge-transfer.html