Ruchi Tandon

Ruchi Tandon is University Collaboration Manager at Corning Incorporated, where she leads strategic engagement with academic institutions to advance research, innovation, and talent acquisition. An organic chemist by training, she brings more than 25 years of experience across higher education, industrial research and development, technology management, and corporate strategy. Ruchi began her career in academia, spending nearly a decade teaching and mentoring undergraduate students before transitioning to industry.

Over approximately 15 years in corporate R&D, she served as a principal inventor and developer of commercialized optical-fiber primary coatings that delivered industry-leading performance and substantial cost savings. She later moved intentionally from hands-on laboratory research into broader technology leadership and strategic, non-laboratory role. She holds 26 patents and has led cross-functional teams across the full innovation lifecycle, from early-stage research through technology transfer and commercialization.

In her current role, Ruchi directs large-scale academic collaboration strategy, managing university partnerships and high-impact programs that connect research priorities, business objectives, and talent pipelines.

Recognized for her ability to translate complex technical and organizational challenges into clear, actionable strategies, Ruchi brings a distinctive cross-sector perspective to career advising. Having built a successful career in both academic and corporate environments, she advises undergraduate and graduate students—particularly chemists—who are considering transitions between academia and industry, exploring nontraditional career paths, or seeking to grow into management and strategy roles. She advises candidates based in the United States.