Masters in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship

1. Where did you go to undergraduate school and what was your major?
Born and raised in Canada, I moved to California to pursue my bachelor's degree at UC Santa Barbara in Biological Sciences. While at UCSB, I competed on the rowing team at a national level as a walk on, and joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority where I became the Vice President of Housing. 

2. What aspects did you enjoy while completing your undergraduate degree?
One thing I loved about completing my undergraduate degree was the ability to explore all different electives that corresponded to my interests outside of my major. Some of my interests include fashion, music history and literature. I studied abroad for a whole year, including spending a semester at the University of Sydney in Australia, and spending the other semester living on the MV World Odyssey where I traveled to 14 countries on 4 continents through the Semester at Sea program. Courses I took included World Music, Global Journalism and Oceanography. 

3. What was your first job post PRIME?
Technically, I am taking on two jobs post PRIME! I am currently working on an exciting startup in the real estate industry that I initiated during PRIME's 2160 course. I am also happy to share that I recently joined the School of Engineering Staff team as PRIME's Program Coordinator! 

4. How has your PRIME experience made a difference for you? 
I came to PRIME with a background in biological sciences and a strong desire to gain business acumen. PRIME has made a difference for me because I gained the foundation I was looking for on a variety of business topics such as management, commercialization and intellectual property analysis. I discovered that I really enjoy analyzing patents, and creatively thinking of new commercialization opportunities for technologies!  

5. What internship did you complete with the PRIME@Work initiative and what benefits did you gain from it?
I completed my internship with NYC-based real estate and investment firm WAM Partners. I worked on the Neighbors in Need team to research and analyze the homeless ecosystem in New York and other cities in the world in order to strategize unique and innovative solutions to the crisis. During the internship, WAM invited us to their offices in New York City for a conference where we brainstormed, shared and developed our ideas. It was a lot of fun! I gained a lot of knowledge about the complex issue of homelessness in New York and around the world, and made some great professional connections for the future. 

6. What advice would you have for new PRIME students and PRIME graduates?
For new students, I would encourage you to really "go for it" if you have an idea. You have nothing to lose. This is the time to take risks, get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the resources and support that Brown can offer you. For graduates, I encourage you to follow your dream and do what you love! Keep that entrepreneurial spirit no matter where you go. 

7. Tell us about your experience developing a startup idea in ENGN 2160.
I had a great experience developing a startup idea in 2160. I was nervous to pitch my idea to my classmates, but it turned out that they really liked it! I ended up being a founder and received mentorship from two successful Brown Alumni CEOs in the real estate space. My experience in 2160 served as a springboard for my startup that I am still pursuing today!