Where did you grow up, where did you attend college, and what led you to choose your professional path?
Seattle is home for me. I attended Saint Louis University in Missouri, where I earned my B.S. in Business. I’ve always been drawn to marketing because it’s creative, full of energy, and adds color and joy to everyday life. At the same time, I grew up loving AI thanks to all the sci-fi books and movies. That blend eventually shaped my career. While at Microsoft, I worked on AI and marketing research. Wanting to dive deeper into the science behind it all, I went on to earn my Ph.D. and became a researcher studying AI in marketing. During my time at the University of Washington, I worked with alumni on research projects and community-building initiatives, connecting with professionals from Boeing, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco and various startups. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and a great source of support for everyone. I’d love to see something similar happen here at Gatton.
How did you come to have your current position here at Gatton?
When I interviewed at Gatton, I was really impressed by the marketing department. It's well known in our field for having a friendly, collaborative and supportive culture. Gatton also showed support for my AI research and provided resources that were competitive with other schools, which ultimately led me to choose this position.
What is the most interesting and/or rewarding part of your job? Why are you drawn to this important work?
The most rewarding part of my job is the freedom to study and shape AI in ways that can impact a large number of people and matter in our daily lives. I’m especially motivated by the chance to identify risks and unintended consequences before they lead to issues for individuals or society. I enjoy exploring solutions and helping improve the rapidly evolving ways humans and machines interact as AI continues to grow.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job?
One of the most challenging parts of my job is building strong connections with businesses at the same level as some other schools. My students and I would love more opportunities to collaborate, especially with local businesses, so we can learn about real-world challenges and work together to develop practical solutions. It’s also a great way to give students valuable exposure and professional experience. I think deeper partnerships between Gatton and the business community, with support from our incredible alumni, would benefit everyone involved.
How have you seen Gatton alumni help faculty and students, and what more can they do to ensure the continued success of our graduates?
I’ve seen Gatton alumni make an impact by visiting my classes and sharing both their Gatton experiences and real-world battle stories. It’s so helpful for students to hear directly from someone who’s been in their shoes and can offer advice on how to get the most out of the Gatton experience. Alumni can also play an even bigger role by helping connect Gatton with their companies and organizations, which can open the door for opportunities such as research collaborations, guest speakers, internships, and mentorship.
