Gerald O. Wilson

Gerald O. Wilson is the inaugural Director of Entrepreneurship at EnterpriseWorks and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Technology Entrepreneur Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He leads strategic development of cross-campus entrepreneurship programs, business incubation, and technology commercialization initiatives.

Education: B.A. in Chemistry from Macalester College; Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering and M.B.A. from UIUC.

Research focuses on self-healing materials, advanced coatings, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. His work has produced over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 30 patents, emphasizing environmentally responsible materials and corrosion protection innovations.

Awards highlight his contributions to materials science and sustainable technology. As a leadership coach, he supports ventures through Illinois Leadership Center workshops. His prior role as CEO of Autonomic Materials Inc. involved developing self-healing protective coatings recognized globally.