Director of Professional Development

 

Allyson Munneke

Ph.D. Candidate in Cellular and Molecular Biology

 

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I joined miLEAD in the Fall of 2020.

What is the focus of your research?

I study aging, specifically focusing on the role the central nervous system plays in modulating lifespan.

What are your current career goals? 

I am currently undecided between pursuing a career in teaching or healthcare consulting. At first glance they may seem quite different, but there are more similarities than you might think! Both areas require taking huge amounts of information and synthesizing it down to the key points, then presenting those findings in an engaging way, whether it is to a client or students.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have been a consultant twice, a project manager twice, and I now serve as the Director of Professional Development.

What led you so seek out milead?

I was looking for opportunities to increase my leadership abilities in a hands-on way. miLEAD was particularly attractive to me because of the real-world, tangible experiences they offer working on and leading projects.

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

Of the five projects on which I have worked, I have had great teammates, project managers, and advisors, who have provided unique perspectives and advice. Putting into practice what I have learned from them, one of the strongest skills I have developed is the ability to manage a team and provide guidance, while also encouraging team members to contribute ideas and input.

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

One of the most rewarding feelings is taking a project from start to finish and having a crucial role in the evolution of the project. As a project manager, it has been particularly fulfilling to provide the guidance and structure for the project, then to witness all of the pieces come together for the big picture. It is a great feeling to know that you have put together a high-quality, finished product for the client.