Jeff joined TDG as an associate with the Industry Sponsored Research and Materials Transfer in 2021. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Jeff was previously in Washington, DC at Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization as an analyst and coordinator facilitating intellectual property contract intake, review, and compliance and supporting technology licensing and marketing efforts. Outside of Georgetown, Jeff has worked with startups, consultancies, and companies interested in scaling innovative technologies and initiatives. Jeff received his B.A.
Tara A. Davidoff, J.D.
Tara A. Davidoff is an active member of the California State Bar. She joined TDG in 2012 and has over 20 years of legal experience. As an Industry Research and Material Transfer Officer, Tara counsels University clinicians, faculty and researchers primarily in the life sciences with respect to industry-sponsored transactions.
Karla Zepeda, M.S.
Karla Zepeda joined UCLA TDG in 2008. As the Assistant Director, Industry Sponsored Research and Material Transfer, Karla works closely with faculty seeking to obtain funding from industry and non-profit sources. Prior to UCLA, Karla worked at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas as a Contract Specialist within the Office of Technology drafting, negotiating, and executing industry sponsored research agreements and material transfer agreements. Karla received her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from California State University, Chico and her M.S. in Biotechnology from UT Texas.
Karla Bernal
Karla joined UCLA TDG in July 2013 as an ISR-MTA Coordinator. Currently in her role as an ISR-MTA Coordinator she reviews and processes MTA agreements as well as ISR proposals and intake matters. Karla provides support to all ISR staff and reviews applicable information to complete Conflict of Interest Cases. She previously worked in the Office of Research Data Management (ORDM).
Iris Heredia
Iris Heredia joined TDG in November 2014 as an Industry Sponsored Research and Material Transfer Coordinator. In her role as ISR-MTA Coordinator, Iris reviews material transfer requests and manages intake duties for sponsored research matters. Every month, Iris collaborates with faculty and staff to prepare and submit Conflict of Interest cases. She also runs audit reports to check data entry accuracy and solves any pending issues.
Elaine Tom, J.D.
Emilio Gancayco, J.D., MBA
Emilio Gancayco is an officer with the Industry Sponsored Research group. His focus is on facilitating industry engagements with faculty. Emilio joined TDG as an associate in 2014. Previously, Emilio worked as an analyst with UCLA Corporate Financial Services. Emilio received his BA and MBA from UCLA and his JD from UC Hastings.
Darin Riggs
Darin Riggs joined UCLA TDG in 2010 as the MTA Specialist. In this role he helped transition the internal OIP MTA database to a web-based online MTA management system. Darin is also the primary contact for researchers requiring assistance with obtaining Material Transfer Agreements. Prior to UCLA, Darin worked for Mercer Human Resource Consulting in Records Management. Darin attended the University of Minnesota, and has a B.A. in Political Science.
