Consultant Spotlight - February 2021

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I've been with miLEAD since March 2020, so nearly a year.

What is the focus of your research?

My lab studies the gene-regulatory functions of condensin complexes. The goal of my project is to understand how transcription factors control and regulate this complex and its function.

What are your career goals? 

I would love to have a career that lets me solve complex scientific problems with a dash of creative thinking. Right now, I plan to pursue a career as a scientist in the biotechnology and healthcare industry.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I've been a consultant on a project that focused on market analysis and competitive landscape analysis for a Michigan-based cannabis startup. I just recently started a consultant role on my second project involving market analysis and business strategy development for a company that makes medical devices.

What led you to seek out milead?

I was trying to seek out opportunities on our campus that could help hone my soft skills. When I learned about miLEAD and the fact that it would give me the chance to explore non-academic careers in science, that was the cherry on top of the cake.

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

I've developed a plethora of skills since joining miLEAD, and my experience with them has been more rewarding than I could have hoped for. I've greatly developed my presentation skills, including slide design and public speaking, along with tangible skills such as market analysis, competitive landscape analysis and the ability to develop business strategies. Academic research can be very solitary and independent. Through miLEAD I've developed my interpersonal skills and learned how to work effectively as part of a team. I've gained a lot of confidence, not just in these core areas, but also generally in my ability to think on my feet and quickly pick up new concepts and skills.

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

miLEAD's focus on leadership and mentorship has really made me think and develop my own leadership and mentorship philosophies. I was lucky to have a great project manager for my first project who exemplified a lot of qualities that I would one day hope to cultivate as a leader in my field. This has been really rewarding because it wasn't something I'd given much thought to before I joined miLEAD. I've also found that I really enjoy taking a deep dive into a topic completely separate from my core area of Ph.D. research. When I step back from a miLEAD project, I always return to the lab with a new mindset. This has helped me think more creatively within my own project and has ultimately made be a better researcher.