Melissa Acosta

Melissa Acosta has a diverse work experience in the field of research and innovation. From 2017 onwards, they have been working at JPS Health Network as the Executive Director of Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs. Prior to this, they were the Director of the Office of Clinical Research at the same organization from 2017 to 2023.

Before joining JPS Health Network, Melissa worked at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute from 2013 to 2017 as part of the Office of Technology Transfer. Here, they played a key role in managing intellectual property, developing collaborations, and increasing innovations.

In 2012 and 2013, Melissa worked as a consultant, providing contract support for law firms and individuals in the field of intellectual property, specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, gene therapy, and medical devices.

From 2007 to 2011, they worked at St. Jude Medical as a Patent Agent, leading cross-functional teams and establishing relationships with key opinion leaders to identify innovations aligned with the product pipeline.

Melissa's career began at Fulbright & Jaworski in 1999, where they worked as a Patent Agent, managing patent portfolios and assisting in innovation discovery and product portfolio development for international pharmaceutical clients.

Overall, Melissa Acosta has extensive experience in research, intellectual property management, collaboration facilitation, and innovation development across various organizations and industries.

Melissa Acosta holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physiology from UT Health San Antonio, which they obtained from 1992 to 1998. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, General from Tarleton State University, from 1988 to 1992. Additionally, Melissa has obtained certifications in "Venture Deals" from NovoEd in June 2016 and as a Registered USPTO Patent Agent in 1999.