In pursuit of advancing my leadership skills, I chose to participate in the Business and Management Principles for Scientists module facilitated by the Vanderbilt University Graduate School BRET office. This semester-long initiative comprised a series of weekly educational sessions, curated to delve into business facets such as operational strategies, personnel dynamics, and program administration, under the guidance of Joseph Rando.
This endeavor involved a practical assignment, wherein participants were tasked with identifying, rigorously evaluating, and providing solutions for a business challenge posed by Dr. Jenny Schafer of The Vanderbilt Core Exchange. Through this hands-on exercise, I was exposed to important concepts for managing a team and navigating organizational complexities.
Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with my cohort members, Melanie Gil and Tierney Baum, and making new connections within my project team including Zhengyi Chen, Shane Watson, Margret Fye, and Abdulmusawwir Alli-oluwafuyi PhD. To conclude the workshop, Melanie, Shane, and Lucy gave a commendable presentation of our project solutions to a panel of judges and the rest of the module participants.
Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate harnessing the knowledge and competencies acquired through this program in my forthcoming professional endeavors.