Consultant Spotlight - March 2025

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

Since November of 2022 (almost 2.5 years).

What is the focus of your research?

My research explores new ways in which genetic material is transferred from DNA to proteins. I'm especially interested in understanding if alternative transcription start sites can lead to functionally diverse messenger RNAs that promote disease progression.

What are your current career goals?

I'm curious about different fields and industries, and I'm using my time in graduate school to explore and strengthen a variety of skills. I am interested in leading my own research group, exploring research within the biotechnology and biomedical industries, teaching positions at high schools or primarily undergraduate institutions, and consulting positions.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have participated in five miLEAD projects where I was a consultant, project manager, or an advisor.

What led you to seek out miLEAD?

I'm eager to make the most of my graduate school experience. miLEAD offers an invaluable chance to explore the consulting field, both in theory and practice. My participation in miLEAD will help me make better-informed decisions about my future career and what I want to pursue after graduate school.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you been able to develop?

Being in miLEAD has helped me improve my skills in conducting primary research, as well as my networking, project management, organizational, and time management abilities. I’ve also learned new techniques for slide design that differ from my usual research presentations which will be useful in various applications.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences thus far working with miLEAD? 

The most rewarding experience for me has been managing a project centered on collecting insights for a novel therapeutic. This role allowed me to merge my scientific and research expertise with the soft and technical skills I gained in consulting. Crafting a step-by-step plan for an eight-week project and ensuring our team met each deliverable was both challenging and fulfilling. I was continually impressed by my teammates' research capabilities, slide design, and presentation skills. Seeing the project gradually come together to provide valuable insights for the client, and knowing that our efforts support the advancement of new therapeutics, was deeply satisfying. I particularly enjoyed communicating with both my team and the client, as well as watching our research efforts grow each week into an impressive and client-approved body of work.