Brian Sullivan, adjunct professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST), has been awarded the University of Pittsburgh Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) 2025 James “Chip” Hanlon Volunteer Mentor of the Year.
The award recognizes Sullivan for his willingness to share his time and expertise to help numerous Pitt innovators navigate the uneven terrain of innovation and entrepreneurship.
At RST, Sullivan focuses on teaching commercial translation of lab discoveries. As a volunteer mentor with OIE, he is paired with Pitt innovation teams needing specific guidance in areas from operations to marketing to product development and more. His mentees credit him with providing not only confidence in implementing their projects, but also providing much-needed humanness and kindness.
“One of the reasons I mentor is to democratize the idea of entrepreneurship and the ability for people to start and grow businesses,” he said. “I try to provide that helpful, in-your-corner perspective,” he said.
Learn more about Sullivan’s impact on Pitt innovators and the importance of mentoring in the full article on the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship website.
