Business experience
Since the beginning of my academic career, I recognized the value created in the space between research innovation and business organization. I have studied business formally in the classroom, taken leadership positions in student government and organizations, created my own organizations, met with industry leaders from numerous tech industries, and successfully completed entrepreneurship programs and pitch competitions through the UCSD Institute for the Global Entrepreneur.
Minor of Business Entrepreneurship
With the intention of positioning myself in the space between science, engineering, and business, and leadership, my undergraduate work in applied physics was paired with a minor in business entrepreneurship. which covered a curriculum of:
- Economics
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Case studies
- New venture creation
- Management
- Law
- Finance
Project manager and laboratory manager
In both laboratories I assumed roles as a laboratory manager and project manager. Responsibilities included:
- Research pitches
- Lab inventory and ordering
- Training new lab members
- Working with dept. accounting
- Research project development
- Prototype development
- Team management
- Grant writing
NSF iCorps Program
In the final year of my PhD I successfully led a team of entrepreneurial engineers in the National Science Foundation sponsored Innovation Corps program, a high intensity product market fit and pitch deck development class with responsibilities including:
- Conducting product market fit interview with end users, software developers, founders of virtual reality game and simulation companies, google employees, the vice president of Sony PlayStation America.
- Weekly pitches to San Diego tech experts, entrepreneurs, and VCs.
- Creation of a Business Model Canvas and Pitch Deck
- Mentorship from an experienced business leader/entrepreneur
- Delegation of tasks amongst team mates to meet deadlines
A huge thank you to our esteemed mentor, Dr. Matthew Hedayat (CEO and COO of Stanford Technical Group and Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, with a proven track record in consumer electronics, medical device, and commercial products for Fortune-100 companies, such as: Motorola, Philips, Johnson & Johnson, and Hewlett-Packard), whom we learned so much from over the course of the program.
Pitch competitions
Effective commutation to a wide range of audiences is key to spreading knowledge and commercializing new technologies. I have participated in numerous scientific and business pitch competitions with consistant success.
Founder of UCSD engineering and outreach organizations
USASEF: Project founder, fundraiser, developer, and manager
- Secured $5,000 corporate sponsorship
- Recruiting and organizing the outreach team
- developing demos (quantum dot rainbows, hydrophobic t-shirts, chromatic metal nanoparticle films, conductive concrete, hidden messages in hydrophobic patterned surfaces)
- Establishing and managing partnership with a local San Diego non-profit (NanoTecNexus USASEF press release)
- Managing the exhibition booth at the event, and most importantly, teaching and inspiring the attendees of the event!
Graduate Society of NanoEngineers at UCSD
Co-founder and president
- Direct and oversee the activities of the organization
- Plan and execute academic, industry, and social events for graduate community
- Work with UCSD and Department of NanoEngineering Administration
- Establish and maintain industry relations
- Delegate tasks to executive members
- Work with treasure to manage the organization budget