Consultant Spotlight - November 2022

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

Since Fall 2021.

What is the focus of your research?

Peripheral Axonal Regeneration in the context of immune system metabolomics: how we can manipulate the neurons (cells that make up the nervous system) and the immune system in your arms and legs to favor an energetic balance that promotes neuronal regeneration after an injury.

What are your career goals? 

After joining miLEAD and interacting with a plethora of speakers from various non-academia fields like venture capital, consulting, investment banking etc. that the Dept of Professional Development brings in, I feel like strategic consulting or biotech venture capital is where I want to end up.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I have been a consultant on two very exciting projects, and I am currently serving as a Project Manager on an amazing project!

What led you so seek out milead?

Many of my friends from undergraduate went into consulting and I initially became curious when hearing about their experiences during their internships and early careers. When I joined the University of Michigan, during the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) information session, I learned about miLEAD and talked extensively to miLEAD alumni and leaders like Veronica Beck, Lucas Huffman, and Ishtiaq Mawla (all of whom were coincidentally also my upperclassmen in NGP). Thrilled about the professional development, career exploration, and hands on learning opportunities that all of them mentioned, I decided to apply.. The rest is history :)

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

I think the most important skill I learned is communication. This includes breaking down information and presenting to different types of audiences. As academics, we often lack the skill to gauge the audience and frame the information accordingly to maximize audience engagement. I really developed that skill in miLEAD. Other things include professional development and confidence in my presentation skills.

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

The final dinner after my first project. My project manager for that project was Ishtiaq and my advisor was Ellie, both of whom proceeded to become presidents of miLEAD, consecutively. It was a fast-paced 8-week project and the client was in a field that I was not at all familiar with, but I learned a lot along the way. When the final client meeting was completed, and the final dinner at The Boro rolled around, the sense of achievement I felt was unparalleled.