OCAST appoints associate director in Tulsa

December 7, 2011

To increase their outreach and the research capacity of companies in Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology has named Cornell L. Cross II associate director of OCAST programs in the agency’s Tulsa office.  

Cross previously served at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Cross earned his bachelor’s of science in government from Oral Robert’s University and master’s of science degree in biochemistry from the University of Tulsa.

“The science and technology industry has much potential for economic development in the state, and we want to make sure Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma are positioned for growth,” said Michael Carolina, executive director of OCAST. “Through our Tulsa office, we will increase our outreach to science and technology companies in the area, providing resources and training to potentially double the number of applications coming from the area.”  

Past efforts by OCAST to increase applications in Tulsa resulted in a 437 percent increase in OCAST funding to the Tulsa area in just 18 months in 2009.

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology is the state’s technology-based economic development agency and is Oklahoma’s only agency whose sole focus is technology – its development, transfer and commercialization. In laboratories, fields and offices across the state, Oklahomans are developing new technologies, products and treatments of tomorrow that will impact small business, agriculture, health, manufacturing, energy, the environment, education and daily living. For specific program requirements, funding levels, application deadlines or more information, contact OCAST at 866-265-2215 or visit www.ocast.ok.gov.