Sarah Goforth Joins NSF to Champion Regional Innovation Across the US

The year is two thousand twenty-four, and Sarah Goforth, a true mover and shaker formerly at the helm of the University of Arkansas’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI), is embarking on an exciting new chapter. She’s traded in her Razorback red for the red, white, and blue of the National Science Foundation (NSF) as a Program Director for their Regional Innovation Engines program. Talk about a glow-up!

Goforth’s Impact at the U of A

If you know anything about fostering entrepreneurship in the heartland, you know Sarah Goforth. During her time at the U of A, Goforth wasn’t just leading the charge—she was the whole marching band! Think massive entrepreneurial programs popping up left and right. We’re talking weaving entrepreneurship into every nook and cranny of the university. Departments that used to only speak in research grants were suddenly fluent in venture capital. It was a beautiful thing to see.

The NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines Program

Now, let’s talk about this Regional Innovation Engines program because it’s kind of a big deal. Imagine the government deciding, “Hey, instead of just wishing for more cool tech and a booming economy, let’s throw some serious cash at making it happen!” That’s this program in a nutshell. We’re talking nationwide, location-based research and development.

But it’s not just about throwing money at labs and hoping for the best. This program is all about building up those innovation ecosystems we keep hearing about. Think of it like this: they want to create environments where:

• Cutting-edge tech isn’t just a dream, it’s the norm.
• Big, hairy societal problems are tackled head-on with ingenuity and a touch of brilliance.
• Economic growth? They’re aiming for “through the roof” levels.

Goforth’s Motivation and Vision

So, why did Goforth jump at the chance to join the NSF? Well, for starters, have you seen the potential impact of this program? It’s like the Avengers assembling, but for innovation! She saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders (virtually, of course) with the nation’s top dogs in innovation. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to that show?

But it’s more than just the star power. Goforth is all about that collaborative life. She’s itching to both support and soak up knowledge from all these unique innovation ecosystems popping up across the country. Think of it as a giant, nationwide brainstorming session on how to make America even more awesome (because who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned dose of American exceptionalism, right?).

For Goforth, this program isn’t just about science or economics—it’s about weaving them together with communities in a way that’s groundbreaking, to say the least. Get ready for some serious synergy, folks.

Goforth’s Term and Future Plans

Don’t worry, Razorback fans, this isn’t goodbye, it’s “see you later.” Goforth’s NSF gig is a one-year detail, but with the option to renew for up to four years. Think of it as an extended vacation, but instead of lounging on a beach, she’s busy shaping the future of American innovation.

And when her NSF adventure comes to an end? Goforth is planning a triumphant return to the U of A full-time. Because you can take the girl out of Arkansas, but you can’t take the Arkansas out of the girl. Or something like that.

Goforth’s Qualifications and Expertise

Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, this Regional Innovation Engines thing sounds cool, but is Goforth really the right person for the job?” To which Ed Pohl, the big cheese over at U of A’s Graduate School and International Education, would say, “Are you kidding me? She was born for this!” (Okay, maybe not in those exact words, but you get the idea.)

Pohl sings Goforth’s praises, highlighting her knack for taking students and researchers under her wing and guiding them to transform their big ideas and even bigger tech dreams into actual, tangible products and businesses. Basically, she’s like a fairy godmother, but instead of a magic wand, she uses venture capital and a killer instinct for innovation.

Oh, and did we mention her communication skills? Let’s just say she could convince a brick wall to invest in her next big idea. And her guidance? Pure gold. Honestly, they should bottle it and sell it.

Pohl points out that the NSF is all about bridging that awkward gap between academia and industry, and Goforth’s track record at the U of A’s OEI proves she’s a master bridge builder. She’s all about taking research and tech out of the ivory tower and into the real world, where it can actually, you know, make a difference.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. Goforth’s move to the NSF isn’t just a win for her, it’s a win for innovation junkies and anyone who likes the idea of America staying ahead of the curve. She’s taking her talents to the national stage, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things she accomplishes. Get ready for a wild ride, America, because Goforth is about to take us on a journey to the future of innovation.