Alumni Spotlight - March 2026

How long were you a member of miLEAD? What positions did you hold?

I was a member of miLEAD from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023. For the first ten months, I gained hands-on experience as a consultant, developing practical skills through real-world projects. Seeking new challenges, I transitioned into a project manager role, where I broadened my leadership abilities and learned to guide teams toward successful outcomes. Later, I was elected to the board and took responsibility for overseeing professional development activities, contributing to the growth of our organization and members. In spring 2023, I completed my PhD, putting a bow on my miLEAD journey. My time with miLEAD was incredibly rewarding and played a significant role in my professional and personal growth.

What was the most interesting project you were involved with while in milead?

Each miLEAD project offered something unique, but one that stands out was a secondary research engagement for a preclinical CRO based in Ann Arbor. Our goal was to evaluate the commercialization potential of their medical device pipeline. As one of my first projects with miLEAD, it was truly a formative experience — I learned the fundamentals of consulting from my project manager and collaborated with fellow consultants to explore market research tools and frameworks.

I especially enjoyed distilling complex ideas into slides and presenting them to the client, finding a real sense of excitement in both the process and the outcome. The project was particularly meaningful because it connected directly with my life science background, adding an extra layer of relevance and motivation. Knowing our research could help move technology from the bench to the market — and ultimately make a broader impact — made it even more rewarding.

How did miLEAD help you obtain your current position?

My experience with miLEAD was instrumental in securing my previous role as a Licensing Fellow at Innovation Partnerships. The market research projects I worked on significantly sharpened my analytical skills, which proved essential in evaluating new technologies and market opportunities. Additionally, miLEAD fostered a collaborative environment, helping me develop strong teamwork and effective time and task management abilities — skills that seamlessly translated to my responsibilities in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary setting. Overall, the skills I gained through miLEAD directly contributed to my success in the position.

What is your day-to-day life like in your current position?

As a Licensing Fellow: My day-to-day was centered around evaluating innovative technologies disclosed by Michigan inventors. I spent much of my time analyzing scientific articles, patent databases, and market research to assess prior art and commercialization prospects. After compiling my findings into detailed reports, I worked closely with licensing managers to strategize intellectual property protection. Presenting these conclusions internally allowed for valuable feedback before communicating next steps with inventors and patent attorneys.

As an Assistant Director of Strategic Contracting: My work now focuses on collaboration and negotiation. Part of my day-to-day work is meeting with faculty and sponsors to align on intellectual property plans, facilitate partnerships, and help teams navigate the research enterprise. I draft, review, and negotiate sponsored research agreements across a wide range of industries and company sizes — including U-M spinouts — and I regularly work with Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, and other campus units to develop and finalize contract language. In parallel, I contribute to internal process improvement initiatives to help our team operate more efficiently.

What did you learn through miLEAD that you apply to your current position?

miLEAD gave me valuable business experience beyond academia, which has proven to be incredibly useful in the tech transfer field. Through miLEAD, I learned how to analyze market landscapes and approach technology evaluation from a commercial perspective. Just as importantly, I developed confidence collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds — whether faculty, sponsors, or external partners. The ability to communicate complex ideas and find common ground with stakeholders is something I use every day in my current role.

What advice would you give to current or prospective miLEAD consultants?

My advice to current and prospective miLEAD consultants is to fully invest in the experience — take it seriously, and you’ll reap the rewards. Whether you’re aiming for a career in consulting or simply looking to broaden your perspective beyond traditional research roles, miLEAD provides valuable real-world exposure. Embrace opportunities to try new things, collaborate, and challenge yourself. The friendships and connections you build here can become a powerful professional network as your career unfolds. Most importantly, stay curious and open to learning — you’ll be amazed at where it can take you!