Director of Administration

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I have been a member of miLEAD since September 2018, and have served on the Board of Directors as the Director of Administration since April 2020.

What is the focus of your research?

I am a PhD candidate in the Molecular and Integrative Physiology Department, and I study the intersection of heritable cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle mitochondrial metabolism. Individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness experience decreased rates of obesity and cardiometabolic disease and show a significantly lower mortality rate. Although there is a significant genetic component to cardiorespiratory fitness, it is not well known how these inherited factors contribute to "healthy" mitochondria. Using a rat model of high and low cardiorespiratory fitness, I study how mitochondrial character contributes to the health and longevity observed in enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness.

What led you so seek out milead?

I joined miLEAD early in my PhD career because I wanted to develop my ability to research and visualize data, present these data to varied audiences, lead project teams, and understand business acumen.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you developed in your respective roles?

As a consultant and project manager, I learned how to conduct and manage research projects aimed at understanding the business case for various markets by using published market reports and evaluating market competitors. In addition, I have helped to devise solutions and establish contacts for companies using primary data collected through surveys and interviews. As the Director of Administration, I have been a major contributor in the implementation of digital signage processes, independent cloud storage, an internal consultant grant application, funding quotes, pro-bono services, and website restructuring for miLEAD.

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

In miLEAD, I have been exposed to real-life business solving both on client projects as a consultant and manager, and within the miLEAD as the Director of Administration. The most rewarding aspects so far have been (1) connecting start-up companies with potential clients, and (2) performing internal research for a proposed miLEAD board restructure to improve workflow.