Sides named interim director of UADA Technology Commercialization Office
Oct. 15 2026
By John Lovett
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Cynthia Sides also serves as an Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station administrator
- Lisa Childs retires as head of Technology Commercialization Office this month
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Download PHOTO of Cynthia Sides
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Cynthia Sides, an administrator for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, has been named interim director of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Technology Commercialization Office.
The office, commonly known as TCO, identifies, protects and commercializes intellectual property and technology that has been developed through UADA research, including new fruit and row crop varieties and advancements in agricultural-use robotics.
“TCO helps move research beyond discovery and toward real-world impact,” Sides said. “It’s where we help translate the results of research into products, partnerships and solutions that benefit Arkansans and contribute to solving challenges throughout the nation and world.”
As interim director beginning Oct. 15, Sides will continue her role as associate director for research development and compliance for the experiment station, UADA’s research arm.
Over the past year, Sides has worked closely with TCO staff on contracting, engagement and research compliance. More recently, she has met regularly with Lisa Childs, assistant vice president for technology commercialization, to prepare for the leadership position. Childs retires this month after 20 years with UADA and the University of Arkansas, where she oversaw technology commercialization and served as a patent attorney.
“It’s impossible to fill Lisa’s shoes, but she leaves behind a strong program and an exceptionally talented team. I look forward to building on that foundation,” Sides said.
Childs joined the University of Arkansas in October 2006, initially serving as associate vice provost for economic development for the university and as patent attorney for UADA. She was named the assistant vice president for technology commercialization in 2012.
TCO’s staff includes Parker Cole, associate director of technology commercialization, Brandi Waters, intellectual property and compliance manager, and Demetra Stacey, intellectual property fiscal support analyst. John Carlin, director of the Arkansas Crop Variety Improvement Program, also works closely with the office.
Roots in entrepreneurship
Sides' background in innovation and commercialization has prepared her for the role. She joined UADA in 2025 following 13 years working for the University of Arkansas System connecting researchers with business innovation and grant-funding opportunities.
Her experience includes helping lead the National Science Foundation I-Corps program for the university and launching IGNITE, the Industry Generating New Ideas and Technology through Education initiative, to bridge the gap between STEM graduate students and corporate partners.
Outside of her job with UADA, Sides also serves as vice chair on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Science and Technology Division board and is a member of its Commercialization Committee.
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Lovett
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 763-5929
jlovett@uada.edu