Experienced Thought Leaders Join UCLA Technology Development Group Board of Directors
Los Angeles, CA – [Monday, October 6, 2025] – UCLA Technology Development Corp (UCLA TDC) is excited to announce the addition of three highly accomplished leaders to its Board of Directors: Michael Edelstein, Flavius Martin, and Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park. These strategic appointments significantly enhance the Board's expertise in global technology, entertainment, life sciences, and engineering solutions, ensuring robust guidance for UCLA's thriving innovation ecosystem.
“We are excited to welcome Michael, Flavius, and Alissa to the TDC Board,” said Andrei Iancu, Chairman, UCLA TDC. “Their combined experience and rich background will be a strong addition, bringing unique perspectives from the highest levels of global media, pharmaceutical research, and academic leadership. Their counsel will be vital as we expand the impact of UCLA’s research and accelerate the translation of Bruin innovations and creativity into successful products and companies.”
Introducing the New Board Members
Michael Edelstein: President, The Micheal Edelstein Company
Michael Edelstein is a seasoned strategic advisor with over two decades of leadership experience in media, technology, and intellectual property (IP). He currently advises early- and growth-stage companies in sectors including AI, health tech, gaming, and consumer platforms.
Previously, Edelstein was President of NBCUniversal International Studios, where he built the division from inception into a global production business. He was also one of the original executive producers of Desperate Housewives and instrumental in launching and overseeing CSI, which became a multi-billion-dollar global franchise. His board experience includes serving on Aurora Acquisition Corp during its merger with Better.com. Edelstein’s deep understanding of content value, monetization, and IP strategy will bring crucial commercial insight to the TDC Board.
Flavius Martin: Executive Vice President of Research, Gilead
Flavius Martin brings nearly 20 years of transformative leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry to the Board. As the Executive Vice President of Research at Gilead, he oversees the company’s innovative research and preclinical programs across all therapeutic areas, driving both internal discovery and external opportunities.
Flavius joined Gilead in 2021. Immediately prior, he served as Vice President, Research Biology at Amgen, leading Oncology, Inflammation, and Cardiometabolic Research, and was the site head for Amgen South San Francisco. His earlier career included time as a scientist and leader at Genentech. His expertise in translating basic science into clinical programs will be invaluable as UCLA’s life science portfolio expands.
Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park: Dean, UCLA Samueli School of Engineering
Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park is the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. She also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her expertise is in sustainable energy and materials conversion, with an emphasis on carbon capture, utilization and storage to address climate change.
Prior to beginning her role at UCLA on September 1, 2023, Dean Park was a faculty member at Columbia University since 2007. There, she served as the Lenfest Earth Institute Professor of Climate Change, the director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy, and the chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering. Her visionary leadership will help UCLA TDG advance the commercialization of scalable engineering and computer science technologies.
About UCLA Technology Development Group (UCLA TDG)
The UCLA Technology Development Group (UCLA TDG) is the gateway to innovation, research, and entrepreneurship at UCLA. Its mission is to advance UCLA’s inventions, creativity, and discoveries to the marketplace for the benefit of society. TDG accomplishes this by serving as a central resource for faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to translate research into products and new ventures.
Contact:
Marivi Valcourt
Asst. Director of Marketing and Communications
UCLA TDG
marivi.valcourt@tdg.ucla.edu
(310) 569-1764