Can you describe your IMPACT story in three words. Why those words?
Confidence, curiosity, expansion.
The IMPACT program helped me overcome a quiet but persistent self-doubt about whether I was “good enough”. Through the program and the people in it, I gained confidence in my own scientific voice. Listening to colleagues working in fields as diverse as social law, economics, archaeology, organic chemistry reignited my curiosity and showed me that my love for science extends far beyond biology. Finally, the training in entrepreneurship, communication, and other transferable skills expanded how I see my role as a researcher and what I can contribute to society.
What has been the most surprising or transformative moment during your fellowship?
The most transformative moment for me was realizing that entrepreneurship could be a meaningful and natural path for a researcher. I began the fellowship assuming it was outside my interests, but the IMPACT program showed me how entrepreneurial thinking can amplify the societal impact of research and empower researchers themselves. This shift sparked a genuine and growing inclination toward both social and traditional entrepreneurship.
How do you see your IMPACT experience influencing your next steps?
The IMPACT experience has fundamentally shaped how I think about my future. The training and exposure to entrepreneurship encouraged me to move beyond seeing impact as something abstract and academic, and instead consider concrete pathways for translating my research into societal and commercial value. As a result, I am committed to giving a genuine and sustained effort toward developing my work into a commercial or social enterprise.