Andrew Myers, Ph.D., Executive Director of BTI and KPRC
Dr. Andrew Myers is the Executive Director of the Business and Technology Institute (BTI) and the Kansas Polymer Research Center (KPRC). Originally from Indianapolis, IN, he received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry degree from Purdue University in 1990. Masters and doctoral degrees (also in chemistry) followed from the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY). He was a post-doctoral associate at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Myers' industrial experience includes both large (Union Carbide) and small (TDA Research) research companies. Immediately before joining Pittsburg State University, he spent over ten years as a Sr. Chemist and Primary Investigator at TDA Research, a chemistry and engineering research company outside Denver, CO. At TDA, he managed a nanocomposite materials research program by securing federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. He has been recognized by EPA and NASA for his SBIR work, and has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences. He has published ten technical papers, one book chapter, and has three patents. Special interests include nanotechnology, bio-based and biodegradable polymers, smart materials, and technology transfer. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, was a past councilor and alternate councilor for the Colorado ACS local section, and belongs to the BioEnvironmental Polymer Society (BEPS).
Jitka Durman, Director, MBA
Ms. Durman has served as a research associate since May 2006 at PSU in the Mid-America CDC. She received her Masters Economics from the University of Pardubice, Czech Republic and a MBA from Pittsburg State University.
Ms. Durman primary responsibilities include processing Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loan documentation for regional area small business entrepreneurs, preparing and processing community-based loan programs such as RLF, NetWork Kansas, E-Community loans, and other microloan programs.
Ms. Durman is NADCO (National Association of Development Companies) Certified for SBA 504, Credit Analysis and 504 Closing. Ms. Durman provides Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling at Pittsburg State University.