Consultant Spotlight - January 2023

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I have been involved with miLEAD for over just a year.

What is the focus of your research?

Investigating the cellular mechanisms through which sleep regulates memory consolidation and recall.

What are your career goals? 

I am uncertain, but I am relatively confident that I do not wish to continue in academia.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have worked as a consultant on three projects, and recently completed my first project as a Project Manager.

What led you to seek out milead?

During my undergraduate and graduate studies, it seemed that everything was geared towards preparing me for a career in academia. However, even after realizing that academia is not the path I wish to pursue, all of my mentors at the University of Michigan held academic positions. I viewed working with miLEAD as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a field outside of my thesis research, enabling me to make a well-informed decision when entering the job market.

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

One of the most significant areas of growth for me has been in developing my soft skills. Being able to quickly establish a good working relationship and collaborate with my miLEAD team members, despite different working styles, has been crucial, especially given the tight timelines of our projects. Additionally, the ability to effectively communicate and work with clients is a crucial aspect of the project manager role.

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

As a consultant, it is always rewarding when a client expresses positive feedback on the work presented during a meeting, particularly if they put it into action. As a project manager, the most satisfying aspect of the engagement was observing consultants develop their skills and build confidence over time.