Consultant Spotlight - July 2026

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I joined October 30, 2023, so almost 3 years!

What is the focus of your research?

My research focuses on the lysosomal storage disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, where I am working to develop ways to utilize misfolded proteins for functional clearance of lipids involved in the disease. Currently, I am working on testing proteo-static therapies in a newly characterized murine model!

What are your current career goals?

Through miLEAD, the Graduate Teaching Certificate, and mentoring undergraduates in my lab, I realized how much I enjoy teaching and mentorship. I find it especially rewarding to help students navigate the many directions their scientific training can take them and to support their growth as independent thinkers. As a result, my current goal is to move toward a role where I can stay connected to science while advising early-career scientists.

What roles have you played on projects? 

Since starting miLEAD, I have had the opportunity to work as both a consultant and a project manager. Each role has taught me different skills and given me a new perspective on consulting. As a consultant, I focused on my individual tasks and learned how to best integrate my work into the larger project. As a project manager, I gained a greater appreciation for the project as a whole and learned how to better delegate tasks and keep the work moving forward. Now, as a board member, I have the opportunity to step into an advisory role on projects, which I am excited to try!

What led you to seek out miLEAD?

I wanted to explore different career paths before deciding what direction to take after graduate school. miLEAD was a great way to learn the ins and outs of consulting in a supportive environment while building practical and transferrable skills along the way.

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

I think the skill I have developed most through miLEAD is the ability to think more like a manager and a teammate. In a PhD program, it can be easy to focus mainly on your own project and look to your advisor as the main person guiding the overall direction of the work. miLEAD pushed me to think beyond my individual responsibilities and take a more active role in moving a project forward. Working on shared projects as a consultant, and later helping manage a project, helped me develop skills that are more transferable to the workforce!

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

One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing newer consultants grow more confident throughout a project. I really enjoy helping people find their footing, contribute their ideas, and realize that their scientific training is valuable in a lot of different spaces!