UTRF is thrilled to welcome four talented interns this summer: three Commercialization Analyst Interns in our Knoxville office and one Legal Extern in our Memphis office. Representing diverse academic backgrounds—from law and engineering to biomedical science—each student brings a unique perspective to the intersection of research, innovation, and intellectual property. Learn more about Alan, Demi, Trenton, and Jonathan, and how their expertise is already making an impact.
Alan Alford
Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Tennessee College of Law
B.A., Political Science and Information Systems, Catawba College
Alan is a rising 3L law student with a strong focus on intellectual property law and a passion for the space where innovation meets regulation. His academic path began with a degree in Political Science and Information Systems from Catawba College and has led to hands-on legal experiences, including working with top IP attorneys at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP.
A first-generation law student, he’s especially interested in how legal frameworks can support innovation, empower creators, and guide ethical development in fast-moving industries.
“This is a unique chance to connect the dots between legal analysis and real-world impact,” he says.
Alan is particularly interested in AI-related algorithms and software, and he’s eager to deepen his skills in patentability analysis, licensing, and prior art searches. He brings a strategic legal mindset to evaluating innovation and is excited to help inventors navigate the road from idea to impact.
If he could commercialize any fictional invention, Alan would bring Power Rangers morphers to life—compact devices that transform ordinary people into heroes. “I’ve always loved the idea that anyone can rise to the moment with the right tools, mindset, and purpose.”
Fun fact: He’s also a painter and hopes to one day exhibit a piece in a local art show.
Demi Poulos
Ph.D. Candidate, Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee
B.S., Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Tech
Demi blends technical expertise with a natural curiosity for commercialization. With a background in biomedical engineering and hands-on experience filing provisional patents at both Virginia Tech and UT, she’s excited to explore the full life cycle of innovation through her internship at UTRF.
“This internship exposes me to a world where technology, business, and law meet,” she says. “It’s challenging but exciting.”
Her current research evaluates the performance of medical devices, and she brings an engineer’s mindset to every project—balancing design specifications, usability, and safety while always keeping the end user in mind. Demi is especially eager to build her skills in prior art searches and gain a deeper understanding of regulatory pathways, particularly in the context of medical devices.
She’s also fascinated by the way a single innovation can lead to multiple applications across different fields—a realization that’s expanded her thinking and encouraged creative problem-solving in her approach to tech evaluation.
Demi previously collaborated with UTRF as an inventor and was inspired by the support and strategy her tech manager provided. That experience motivated her to apply for the internship and dive deeper into the commercialization process.
Fun fact: She’s a morning person who starts busy days with a stop at her favorite coffee shop for a good breakfast—something that helps her stay focused and productive.
Trenton Banks
Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Tennessee College of Law
M.S., Biomedical Science, Mercer University
B.S., Biology, Emory & Henry College
With a strong foundation in biomedical science and prior experience at a tech startup, Trenton brings a valuable blend of research, business, and legal insight to the UTRF team. Now a rising 2L at UT Law and the IP Chair on the Privacy, IP, & Technology Board, he’s eager to apply his training to real-world innovation.
“I can speak both languages—understand technical complexity while evaluating patentability and commercial viability,” he says.
Trenton is especially interested in life sciences, medical devices, and artificial intelligence, and he’s excited to deepen his skills in IP due diligence, patent landscape analysis, technology valuation, and licensing negotiations. Having authored and published scientific research himself, he’s adept at working closely with inventors and understanding their perspective.
He views this internship as the ideal opportunity to build on his scientific roots while sharpening the legal and commercial evaluation skills he’ll need for a future in intellectual property law. He enjoys the challenge of assessing how innovation can move from concept to impact—while identifying potential legal or regulatory barriers along the way.
Productivity tip: One word—Quimbee.
Fictional tech wish: The stillsuit from Dune, for its environmental and humanitarian potential.
Jonathan Stout
Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
B.S., Economics and Finance, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Jonathan joins the UTRF Memphis office as a legal extern through mid-July as part of a field placement from the University of Memphis School of Law. A rising 2L, Jonathan brings with him a unique combination of financial acumen and legal curiosity, shaped by years of experience as a financial analyst before entering law school.
“I was drawn to law after working closely with the in-house legal team at my previous company,” he says. “That experience helped me realize how interesting and impactful the legal field could be.”
Though new to research commercialization, Jonathan has prior experience conducting STEM research during his undergraduate studies. He was drawn to this externship because it offered a different perspective from more traditional legal internships and opened the door to the intersection of law, science, and innovation. During his time with UTRF, he looks forward to learning more about patent law and gaining hands-on experience drafting licensing agreements—skills he believes will benefit him no matter which legal path he ultimately pursues.
Fictional tech wish: The “De-clutterinator” from Phineas and Ferb—a tool he’d love to commercialize for its ability to keep both life and law school neatly organized.
Fun fact: In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys playing guitar, watching sports, and going for runs.
Each intern brings unique skills, goals, and perspectives to UTRF. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll have over the course of their internships—and how their experience here shapes their future careers in law, science, and technology.
Welcome to the team, Alan, Demi, Trenton, and Jonathan!