Faces of Leeds

Alex Dahm (Fin’26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:37:01 +0000

Alex Dahm (Fin’26) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/24/2025 - 07:37

Grace Garfoot

Alex Dahm (Fin’26) has spent the last three years at Leeds taking advantage of everything the school has to offer. In addition to pursuing the personal financial planning track and a certificate in global business, Dahm has served as a Dean’s Fellow and a Newton Fellow. She has focused on making connections, getting involved with the Burridge Center for Finance and becoming a mentor for younger Leeds students.

“Throughout my three years at ��, I’ve come to know a lot of mentors through programs and networking, and that’s been one of the most valuable things that I’ve gotten from ��,” she said. It has prompted her to also want to give back to the broader community.

Originally from New Jersey, Dahm was drawn to �� for both the Leeds program and its location in Boulder. She felt like Leeds was a place where she could make an impact and it could make an impact on her.

“I love this school so much. Coming from the East Coast was a big change, but I used to go skiing here with my family, and I felt like I needed to come to Colorado.”

Mentee turned mentor and leader

Returning to Leeds for her senior year after a semester abroad in Barcelona, Dahm became a Newton Fellow. Hosted by the Center for Leadership, the fellowship provides workshops and networking opportunities with influential leaders across campus and in the community. Dahm is especially excited about an event with the chancellor coming up in February 2026.

“The fellowship is interesting because it’s awarded to people who have had an impact on campus and in the broader Boulder community. It’s not Leeds-specific—it’s all leaders around campus, which makes it unique. I’ve enjoyed getting to know people from opposite sides of the school,” she said.

“One of my qualities that makes me me is my persistence. I tend not to take ‘no’ for an answer.”

Alex Dahm (Fin’26)

As Scholars of Finance president in fall 2024, Dahm drove a 91% membership increase—experience that helped her secure the Newton fellowship. She also mentors two students through Leeds’ Peer2Peer Mentoring, sharing candid, practical advice.

“I think mentoring is really valuable. My mentors have helped me so much, and being able to advise younger students is extremely important,” Dahm said. “One of the things I really value is honesty, so I think being honest about my experience at ��—things I would change and what I recommend that they do—is also really important.”

One story Dahm has shared with her mentees is how she didn’t get into the Peer2Peer program on her first attempt. Instead of giving up, she sought feedback, reapplied and earned the role. It's a reminder to keep trying even after a setback.

“One of my qualities that makes me me is my persistence. I tend not to take ‘no’ for an answer.”

Dahm admits that not everything she has been involved in through Leeds has been for her. Last summer, she interned with Pathstone in Boston—an experience that helped her realize what wasn’t her “cup of tea.”

She was a rotational wealth management intern, which provided exposure to trusts, investments and wills. “It was a good experience. I was definitely able to learn a lot from it, but what was also valuable was learning what I didn’t like, too," she said "I didn’t love the internship, but I was happy that I experienced it. I learned a lot about working as part of a team. I had never worked in a corporate environment, so that was a first.”

Dahm and seven other interns completed a culture project, in which they interviewed members of the firm to create a “value presentation." They also created educational presentations for ultra-high-net-worth kids, teaching them about wealth management. Dahm gave a presentation about credit scores.

Though her internship wasn’t a perfect fit, she turned it into an opportunity—initiating coffee chats and building connections. Her semester abroad had boosted her confidence in engaging with diverse people. Looking ahead, she plans to prioritize travel and new experiences, continuing to expand that foundation.

"Networking and job hunting can come second to well-being. Enjoying where you are in life should come first."

Alex Dahm (Fin’26)

Though she sometimes feels consumed by the pressure to make connections, land internships and apply for jobs, being at �� has helped her reframe what matters most. “Having fun and living is the most important aspect of my life,” she reminds herself and her mentees. "Networking and job hunting can come second to well-being. Enjoying where you are in life should come first."

That may be one reason she loves scrapbooking. “I didn’t know that much about my parents’ lives before they were my parents, so I’m making a scrapbook of my college years,” she said. “I started to do it in high school because I wanted a memento for my kids and for when I get older.”

Some of Dahm’s favorite memories include road-tripping with her father from Pennsylvania to Colorado, her semester abroad that was “the best experience of her life,” and visiting 16 countries. As a finance major, she knew she was spending “way too much money” while traveling, but in the end, it didn’t matter—because it was all amazing.

Leadership roles, mentoring and global experiences have helped Alex Dahm (Fin’26) discover what she values most: persistence, honesty and seizing opportunities.

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Joshua Mace (MBA’26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:37:22 +0000

Joshua Mace (MBA’26) Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:37

Georgia Horan

When Joshua Mace (MBA’26) first sat down at his Leeds orientation, he didn’t know a single person at his table. After 23 years in the Air Force, he was stepping into a brand-new world with classmates half his age and unfamiliar academic pressures—but he was excited about a promising future unfolding. As he looked around the room, he was struck by a feeling of certainty. “I remember thinking, the four of us at this table—we’re going to stick together until the end.”

Now, as Mace approaches the halfway point of his second year, his prediction has proven true. “And sure enough,” he said, “the connection we formed that very first day has carried us all the way through.”

Questioning family tradition

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Oregon, Mace initially was unsure of the military life he had grown up around. Although his father served in the Army National Guard, Mace wanted to try college first. He found that going to school, however, only left him searching for direction. “I got to the point where I wasn’t going anywhere,” he said.

Unsure of what to do, Mace’s father suggested that he speak to a military recruiter. That conversation changed his path. The recruiter “laid it all out as far as going to school, being able to go overseas and many other details.” The opportunity to leave Oregon sealed the deal, as Mace felt ready for a change.

Then 9/11 happened. At that point, Mace had been serving in the military for a couple of months. Seeing the military in action “opened my eyes,” he said. He realized he had the chance to make a real difference. “This is real stuff we do in the Air Force," he said.

For the next 23 years, Mace served as a weather forecaster. A crucial role for the safety of pilots around him, he integrated meteorology and weather pattern recognition for military decision making. He was deployed multiple times to Southwest Asia while also being stationed in Germany and Korea, getting the chance to visit more than 30 countries during the course of his career. His crowning achievement was being named the senior enlisted leader for one of his deployed units and working together with the Qatari Air Force. His favorite memory during that time? During the World Cup 2022, Mace was able to “Get a spot on Fox NFL Sunday, and get my guys into the shot when they came out there in November."

Building a sense of community is something Mace appreciates, and he knows it doesn’t happen by chance. But after two decades, he sensed something was missing. “I knew it was coming to an end. I did not want to be on active duty or in the military past the age of 45. It was time to make a change.”

I think the mind is a horrible thing to waste. That's why here I am in my mid-40s, still wanting to get another degree, and to still learn more.

Joshua Mace (MBA’26)

With encouragement from his wife, who at the time worked in the military Transition Assistance Program, Mace decided it was time to go back to school. “I had already earned my undergrad degree through tuition assistance in the military, so I thought an MBA seemed like an interesting path to pursue.” He chose Leeds for the same reason he joined the Air Force years ago: the drive for something new and different. Having already traveled extensively, he was eager to try someplace new. Acceptance letter in hand, he was happy to declare: “Sweet, we’re moving to Boulder!”

Beyond the classroom

Now in his second year of the MBA program, Mace is as active a member of the Leeds community as he was in the Air Force. He strives to lead by example as president of both the MBA Marketing Club and the MBA Veterans Group. He is also the chapter co-leader of the Adam Smith Society, a group that brings students and professionals together to discuss and debate the free market’s contributions to human flourishing.

“I really enjoy learning other people’s stories, why they’re here, and then getting to work with them,” said Mace. Each club offers him a unique perspective and valuable benefits. The marketing club fulfills his love of ideas and people coming together to brainstorm concepts that make them come alive. In the Veterans Group, he gets to relive old stories and connect with people who share his military experience. Within the Adam Smith Society, he gets to do what he “loves to do most, which is get out there, travel, meet new people and hear what they have to say."

Leading by example

Mace admitted that the transition from active service to academia wasn’t easy. “It certainly was a whirlwind,” he said. “We have to do 18-and-a-half credits, and especially for me, coming out of the military and not being in a school environment for over a decade, it has been a lot,” he laughed. But through his community, Mace has found a strategy for coping, helping him create clear goals.

What he has enjoyed the most is seeing that he can make friends with anyone. This past September, he met with the first-year MBA students at their post-ceremony orientation. He told them: “Look to your left; look to your right. These are the people that you are going to meet in the coming days and weeks, and they’re going to be with you throughout everything.”

Building on his personal experience, Mace advised his peers: “You are going to build friendships, and some of these people are going to be a part of your life forever. It is staggering, it is scary, it is exciting all at the same time. But it is true.”

After 23 years in the Air Force, Joshua Mace (MBA’26) traded in flight lines and weather forecasting for graduate school. After arriving at Leeds, he found his footing as a leader and community builder, proving that starting over can be another success story.

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Matthew Brady

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:19:58 +0000

Matthew Brady Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:19

Matthew Brady, assistant teaching professor in Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics, arrived at Leeds in 2020. In just five years, he’s made a remarkable impact—designing three HumanCentered Technology courses, launching the Sustainability Hackathon (now the Colorado Sustainability Challenge), and co-founding the Boulder Founder Summit. He also manages to run a startup and balances it with family life as a devoted husband and father of three.

Tech and teaching the thoughtful way

Walk into Brady’s office and it feels like an oasis—clean, organized and lined with sound panels that look like a painting evoking impressionistic skies. That blend of form and function mirrors his teaching, bringing a sense of beauty to technology—something that on the surface may seem contradictory. His courses—Customer Success with Salesforce CRM, Low-Code for Citizen Developers, and AI & Automation for Tomorrow’s Societies—are built around the concept of embedding ethics and empathy into innovation—and Brady demonstrates that it's not only a goal—it's possible.

His passion lies in using tech to address real-world challenges like healthcare access, energy overuse and even loneliness. One example: He built a custom AI chatbot trained on his course materials to serve as a teaching assistant. “Students learn how to use the tool to elevate their work, not have it do the work for them,” he said.

His innovative approach earned him the David B. Balkin and Rosalind & Chester Barnow Endowed Innovation Teaching Award—presented at Commencement as his daughter, Alexandra Brady (MBusAn’25, Ebio’24), received her diploma. It was a milestone moment he’ll never forget, especially after their extended family missed being together for her earlier graduations due to the pandemic and other obligations.

“My goal is to push students to prepare for leadership,” he said. “Tech will play a major role, but we have to train both the hands and the heart.”

In the age of AI, that means asking: “How do you empathize with people whose jobs will be replaced? How do we upscale those members of our communities to do work that matters?”

“My goal is to push students to prepare for leadership. Tech will play a major role, but we have to train both the hands and the heart.”

Matthew Brady, assistant teaching professor

He encourages students to see themselves as changemakers. “I tell them the AI headlines shouldn't instill undue fear—because they’ll be the ones driving that AI and modernization.”

Brady sees Leeds students as uniquely prepared. “They’re entering internships or full-time roles with skills they can immediately apply,” he said. “And part of that maturity is knowing what you don’t know—and how to seek guidance and direction.”

“These are elite students,” he said, saying that Leeds brings in the country’s most talented students bar none. “They genuinely want to know how business can affect real problems in our society.”

Real-world lessons from a startup veteran

Brady brings teaching passion to the classroom, inspired in part by his mother, a teacher. He also brings deep entrepreneurial experience from five successful ventures. In 2020, after selling a company to private equity, Brady chose to "bet on himself" and founded Volley Solutions, a platform that helps companies optimize performance.

“My goal with Volley is to help organizations make better decisions using data and align people around maximizing outcomes,” he said. His startup launch was followed by a call for someone to teach a course on Salesforce at Leeds, and Brady knew he could share his insights in the classroom.

At Leeds, Brady helps students marry data science—finding patterns in large datasets—with decision science, which he emphasizes goes far beyond analytics.

He stresses that good decisions also rely on the intangible: gut feelings, emotional cues and human instincts. “You only have the information you have at the time,” he said. “Later, you gain more. So, how do you prove a decision was the best—even if it didn’t work out?”

That’s the kind of thinking he instills in students, encouraging them to bet on themselves, too. One team that did—FoodWise—started at the Sustainability Hackathon, won the New Venture Challenge and became a real business.

Brady also works to dispel the myth that business students aren’t technical. “Students think if they’re not in computer science or engineering, they must not be technical. No way,” he said. “Business school doesn’t mean you’re not technical—it means you use strategic business frameworks and playbooks to accelerate the impact of technology.”

Fail faster, learn faster

Brady’s own path wasn’t linear. He began at Purdue University intending to become an engineer but struggled through two years before switching majors. That pivot, he said, shaped his future.

“What I learned was that I’d rather fail quickly and get feedback early.” It’s a philosophy he brings to teaching, mirroring the iterative pace of the software development world—what he calls “plan, do, check, act.”

“You find out how things are going and course correct. That’s the ethos of Agile software development,” he said. Conversely, “you could spend six months building something only to learn the customer didn’t like your original design.”

“We have to think through the implications of any tool—whether it’s a hammer or AI. How can it be used to advance human flourishing?”

Matthew Brady, assistant teaching professor

He also wants students to understand their value. “I want them to know their capabilities, value and earning potential—not just salary-wise, but the hourly rate they should charge for things like building a website or app or AI agent.” That awareness helps them balance paid work with pro bono efforts, he said.

Brady regularly brings guest speakers into class to expand students’ perspectives and reinforce the importance of ethical tech. “We have to think through the implications of any tool—whether it’s a hammer or AI. How can it be used to advance human flourishing?”

Despite being an AI advocate, he challenges students to question the urgency around it. “It’s been in development for decades, but there are cautionary tales. We can’t let technology displace humans in leading decisions, organizations or even mentoring or counseling.”

To Brady, the goal is clear: “Let AI do the jobs we don’t want—like a robotic vacuum—so we can focus on being the creative human beings that we are—doing the things we’re uniquely capable of.”

In just five years, Matthew Brady has become a standout at Leeds. As an award-winning assistant teaching professor, he’s not only showing students how to use tech for good—he’s also helping them turn big ideas into real, innovative ventures.

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Steffie Ungphakorn

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:28:23 +0000

Steffie Ungphakorn Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 10/16/2025 - 13:28

Grace Garfoot

As the PhD program manager at Leeds, Steffie Ungphakorn has been a one-woman force for the past 10 years. From overseeing up to 50 students across seven program areas to working closely with the Doctoral Curriculum and Policy Committee (DCPC)—along with her new role as generative AI trainer—she has a lot of balls in the air. Yet, she still finds the time to support and advocate for each student.

A decade of dedication

Although Steffie Ungphakorn has been in her role as PhD program manager at Leeds for a decade, to many her job is still a mystery. “Outside of [Faculty Director] Diego García and the DCPC, I am the PhD program office. Short of curricular, research and admission decisions, I would say 95% of the program’s operations come from me,” she said. “So, that’s a lot of responsibility and weight on my shoulders—and being able to do that successfully is something that I love.”

A Colorado native who loves summer, paddle-boarding and being active, Ungphakorn came to �� Boulder from the University of Denver. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from Regis University and a master’s in higher education from the University of Denver, her previous employment experience was working in student services at DU’s Center for Multicultural Excellence. Her position at Leeds was her first academic placement, and she has been committed to building relationships ever since.

Student advocacy at the core

Looking out for and taking care of students is what she considers one of her highest priorities. “We definitely advocate for the students. It’s expensive to live in Boulder, so we make sure that we are attracting excellent candidates by offering a competitive stipend,” she said.

“We treat our PhD students well because of the importance of the work they will do when they leave here.”

Steffie Unphakorn, PhD program manager

PhD students are in the program for five or six years, during which time their tuition is fully funded by the school, and they are given a subsidy for health insurance as part of their funded graduate assistantship. Students also receive funding for research and travel, and they are eligible for various awards and fellowships from the university and other sources.

“Trying to make sure that students aren’t struggling financially is important, and it’s something I feel strongly about,” she said. “We treat our PhD students well because of the importance of the work they will do when they leave here.”

Throughout her tenure, Ungphakorn has advocated for many aspects of student support, such as more funding for students who require six years instead of five. Since funding for six years is not guaranteed, she worked with the DCPC to provide options for it. “While the DCPC still makes decisions on how that six-year funding gets awarded, it became more equitable for the students that really need it.”

She speaks about her work achievements with the same passion and care that she talks about her 8-year-old dog, Oliver, whom she refers to as her “snuggle buddy” and “COVID foster fail.” She extends that same kind of attention to her students.

“I’m really involved in every aspect of the students’ journey here and it is hands-down the best part of my job.”

Steffie Unphakorn, PhD program manager

Collaborating with faculty

In addition to working with students, Ungphakorn also serves as a non-voting member on the DCPC, which is a seven-member faculty committee that governs and oversees the PhD program. This rotating position is part of the service requirements for faculty on the tenure track.

The committee oversees the program’s curriculum and research, while Ungphakorn focuses on administration and operations. She credits the committee for enabling her to build close working relationships with Leeds faculty during their two-to-three-year terms.

Advancing AI at Leeds

As an early AI adopter, Ungphakorn took on the role of generative AI trainer at Leeds, educating staff and the public about how to embrace AI rather than fear it. Her interest surfaced in 2022 with the advent of ChatGPT. She was immediately intrigued by the technology’s benefits (and it aligned with her love of sci-fi). Mostly, she wanted to equip staff to use AI proactively, gaining value from it as she learned more about how to use it responsibly.

“Once I understood how AI worked, I wanted to share that with others,” she said. “I wanted people to understand how AI could positively impact their job.”

Last spring, Ungphakorn—along with another faculty colleague and a PhD student—was invited by �� Boulder’s Office of Information Technology to be a part of its spring AI symposium. They gave a presentation to 100 people, demonstrating the growing interest in AI. As Leeds’ generative AI trainer, she has already trained 200 people (mainly staff) on using the technology.

She sees the value of AI training for the entire Leeds community. “For all our students at every level, I think there will be a new level of expectation that they know, understand and can speak the language of AI,” she said. “For PhD students, when they become faculty, they will need to understand how AI works in order to model and craft a curriculum in which AI can be an assistant and an aid.”

Here to stay

What has kept Ungphakorn coming to work for the last decade? For her, the answer is simple: the students.

“The work I do with the students is truly what has made me stay for so long," she reflected.

“I have the ultimate pleasure of introducing the students during graduation and calling their names.” Seeing them succeed and wishing them well is the ultimate reward. “I’m really involved in every aspect of the students’ five-to-six-year journey here and it is hands-down the best part of my job.”

Steffie Ungphakorn, Leeds’ PhD Program Manager, is a powerhouse of progress and advocacy. Over 10 years, she’s championed students, expanded the program, fostered faculty ties, and helped advance AI at Leeds.

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Dalton Ford-McGee (CompSci’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:53:46 +0000

Dalton Ford-McGee (CompSci’27) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/03/2025 - 08:53

Jane Majkiewicz

Photos by Lilian Wright

Most of Dalton Ford-McGee’s classes take place in the College of Engineering, but you’re more likely to find him in the Koelbel Building or the Olson Atrium. That’s partly because he’s pursuing a business minor, but also because he’s worked for Leeds since the end of his first year.

Ford-McGee’s quiet, studious and friendly demeanor makes him a natural fit for his role as a welcome desk specialist at Leeds. The job allows him to study—something he does “24/7.”

His warm smile and easygoing nature serve him well as he rotates through various stations in the Koelbel and Rustandy buildings, greeting students, staff and visitors. It’s a skill he’s honed and one he believes will serve him well in any future workplace. Fostering a sense of community is one reason he loves spending time at Leeds—and he’s come to learn it’s something he deeply values.

�� Boulder bound

For Ford-McGee, a Denver native, coming to �� Boulder made practical sense. He credits his mom, Leeds alumna Ashika Ford (Mgmt’98), for helping him understand the cost of college.

“My mom loves finance and has invested many hours in showing me how important it is to not be in debt. She had me read financial books and make a whole college plan,” he said.

That early financial literacy has already paid off—Ford-McGee is confident he’ll graduate without being buried in debt. But affordability wasn’t the only factor in his decision. �� Boulder’s academic reputation and his mom’s glowing memories as a Buff sealed the deal. It helped that Ford-McGee’s impressive high school GPA helped him get in. And these days, he and his mom bond over Colorado Buffaloes football and their shared enthusiasm for Coach Prime.

A budding programmer

Ford-McGee took programming classes throughout high school and quickly developed a passion for coding. He liked designing video games when he was younger, and his mom noticed his interest early on, signing him up for classes.

He was hooked. That sense of creative freedom continues to drive his interest in software development. “It's not like something that's repetitive,” he said. “It's something unique each and every day.”

“[Software development] is not like something that's repetitive. It's something unique each and every day.”

Dalton Ford-McGee

His current software development course is a favorite, and he’s leaning toward a career in the field. “I can do web apps or phone apps,” he said. “That’s my favorite aspect of computer science."

His job at Leeds has also shaped his vision for the kind of work environment he wants. “My dream—and this has changed since my freshman year—is that I don’t want to work in a big corporate office. I don’t want to work remotely, by myself. I want to work with a smaller group of people, know them well, and build something together.”

Finding community

Ford-McGee found that sense of community in Kappa Theta Pi, a coed professional fraternity focused on information technology. He has enjoyed seeing the group grow while intentionally keeping its size manageable.

“I liked the idea of having a smaller club where I could get to know everybody on a deeper level and become friends with them.”

He saw the immediate benefits of joining the organization, gaining practical skills in writing a resume, networking and talking to recruiters. And it was a fellow KTP member and a welcome desk student assistant manager, Wesley Allen (CompSci’25, MCompSci’26), who encouraged Ford-McGee to apply for the welcome desk position.

Business minor, big impact

Ford-McGee chose the BA track for his computer science degree, requiring a minor. Business was a natural fit.

“Challenging.” “Rigorous.” “Fun.” That’s how he describes the Business Minor program at Leeds.

“It’s been a completely different experience than my computer science classes,” he said. He appreciates the exposure to the same foundational “mods” that business majors receive. “Last year, I did marketing for the first half of the semester, then management. In the spring, I did accounting and then finance.”

Next up: a class in his emphasis area—finance and data analytics—and a capstone project. The value proposition? He’s confident the minor will help him stand out to employers and better prepare him for the workplace.

“I want to work with a smaller group of people, know them well, and build something together.”

Dalton Ford-McGee

A day in the life at Leeds

When other students went to far-flung destinations over the summer, Ford-McGee was a fixture at Leeds, working full-time. “I lived in Leeds over the summer,” he joked. During the school year he scales back his hours but still appreciates his time in Koelbel. “I love being in Leeds. That’s where I spend 90 percent of my time outside of class.”

The job has its busy moments—especially at the beginning and end of each semester—but it also offers time to study. “For the most part, I get a lot of homework done. Honestly, it’s the perfect work-life balance.”

As Ford-McGee considers that work-life balance for his future—including a possible move out of state for the right career opportunity—he knows that close-knit bonds with family and friends are something he wants to maintain. And even if he lands an internship or study abroad opportunity this summer, he wants to return to Leeds.

“I would love to work at the welcome desk until I graduate. Hopefully, I’ll be there for at least another two years.”

For the Leeds community, that’s good news. Ford-McGee’s steady presence and genuine care for others have made him a familiar and valued face—one whose impact doesn’t go unnoticed.

Dalton Ford-McGee is coding his future—and building community at Leeds. As a business minor, welcome desk specialist and computer science student, he’s learning what it means to know the people around you and to build something together.

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Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:04:04 +0000

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 09/12/2025 - 16:04

Jane Majkiewicz

Photo credit: Lilian Wright

“Volunteer for America.” That’s what Royer Lopez’s wife, Angie Chavez-Lopez (Econ’17, MEd’21), affectionately calls him. The nickname fits.

“If I am asked to do something, especially if it's something where I feel like I could provide value, I'm more than likely going to do it. And I'm going to make it work somehow.”

Spend a few minutes with Lopez and your own energy kicks up a notch. He speaks in a fast cadence, radiating contagious enthusiasm and a can-do spirit.

From a young age, Lopez made it a priority to give back. That commitment has taken many forms, but recently, it’s evolved—thanks to one very important reason: his son, Luca.

Becoming a father

Luca, who turned one in August 2025, brought a shift in priorities, including five months away from his full-time job as an account supervisor and DEI marketing specialist for Amélie Company, a Denver-based advertising agency.

“I’ve had a lot of support, starting with my workplace, which offered an incredible paternity leave,” said Lopez. “That time allowed me to be truly present during Luca’s first year—something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Lopez also began documenting his journey through Papileave, his personal chronicle of fatherhood on Instagram.

“I wanted it to show other dads what’s possible as society embraces more involved fatherhood, and to give myself something to look back on with pride—a reminder of the role I’ve stepped into and the example I hope to set.”

But fatherhood hasn’t slowed Lopez down. He and Angie continue to build their nonprofit foundation, Mi Leyenda ("my legend"). As if that, parenthood and full-time work weren't enough, he also began his hybrid MBA at Leeds.

In addition, Lopez still finds the time to remain deeply involved with �� Boulder and Leeds. He serves in an advisory capacity to the Leeds GOLD Board, sits on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, lectures for ��’s precollege program, and mentors through the Leeds Professional Mentoring Program.

“I’ve loved every moment of being a dad—it’s fulfilling and exciting. At the same time, I’m constantly aware that there’s always a pair of little eyes watching every move I make. That awareness adds an extra layer of motivation to everything I do.”

“Not only did �� provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) with his son, Luca.

Building a legacy

Both first-generation college students, Royer and Angie launched Mi Leyenda in 2022 to promote academic achievement and legacy-building through education. Inspired by Kobe Bryant, the foundation began with a basketball tournament honoring Bryant’s legacy.

“We co-founded Mi Leyenda, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, to promote the pursuit of higher education for students looking to write their own stories. Over the past three years, we’ve proudly awarded scholarships to Colorado high school graduates.”

To support the foundation, they launched Leyenda Clothing, a lifestyle brand that celebrates the idea of being a legend in whatever you do. All proceeds go directly to the foundation.

“Not only did �� provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family,” said Lopez. As the oldest of three in a Mexican immigrant household, his college journey paved the way for his two younger brothers, who also graduated from Leeds.

Why an MBA?

“Coming into this program with more than eight years of professional experience makes the learning feel different,” said Lopez. “I can apply what I know and really feel like I’m ‘mastering’ it.” Watching Angie earn her master’s in education policy also inspired him to grow as a leader.

“I want to be able to not only speak to my expertise in marketing and advertising, but also better understand the other functions of business, so I can lead in a more strategic, well-rounded way.”

Starting Mi Leyenda and Leyenda Clothing sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, and he’s eager to make informed decisions to grow both ventures.

“It feels very different from undergrad because my classmates all have full lives—kids, work, travel, family, obligations—and they also bring such diverse perspectives from their careers and industries.”

It all began at Folsom Field: Royer Lopez and Angie Chavez-Lopez's memorable marriage proposal.

Carving out a purpose-driven career

Lopez’s career break came during his final semester at Leeds, when Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) was seeking someone with deep knowledge of Mexican culture to help grow its audience for California Almonds, its largest client.

While an undergrad, Lopez worked full-time at Wells Fargo, advancing from teller to small business specialist over five years. “I think that gave me a lot of perspective, but also client management experience,” he said.

He joined SRG his last semester and quickly made up for missed internship and study abroad experiences due to his full-time work schedule. During spring break that year, he traveled to Mexico City for a commercial shoot—his first exciting taste of business travel.

“Talk about an aha moment. It was great feeling like that, even before I graduated. And I’ve been in advertising ever since.”

Throughout his career, Lopez has worked on campaigns ranging from traffic safety to the fentanyl crisis, all rooted in what he loves most: “authentic storytelling.”

A diverse network

“One of the advantages of my MBA program is that everybody comes from a diverse background, and the majority of people don't come from business. I've already learned so much from my classmates.”

Managing it all isn’t without challenges, Lopez admits. But after completing his first semester, he’s confident the rewards are worth it.

“I think for me, especially coming from Mexican immigrant parents and being first-gen, I hope in 18 years, Luca will be able to have that lifeline like I did at Leeds. And he can look back and say, ‘Hey, my dad made these strides.’”

“I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Donating his time and talent just feels natural to Lopez. “I think it all comes full circle really nicely—to know that how I show up matters. And for Luca to be able to see that is very powerful.”

Aiming for a specific title or the C-suite isn’t how Lopez would define his leadership dream. “I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value. I just want to be passionate and excited in whatever role I am in.”

If you could go back and advise your 18-year-old self about college, what would you say?

“I’d say it’s OK to make mistakes. Too often we focus so much on the destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. It’s the ups and downs along the way that make the destination meaningful.

"Looking back, I’m not sure I’d do anything differently, because every high and low shaped the experience. But if there’s one thing I’d remind myself, it would be to trust that little voice in my head more often.”

From first-gen student to nonprofit founder, advertising professional, dedicated alumnus, current Leeds hybrid MBA student and new dad, Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) somehow finds the time to do it all, building a legacy shaped by passion and purpose. What's his secret?

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Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:56:20 +0000

Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 08/22/2025 - 14:56

Jane Majkiewicz

Photo credit: Lilian Wright

As a young teen, Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28) battled shyness—but talking with her now, you’d never know it. An engaging, articulate conversationalist with a bright smile and maturity beyond her years, she emanates warmth and confidence. Her ease stems from a deliberate journey of self-growth, one that began with a bold decision to confront her fears head-on.

In high school, Tran joined the speech and debate team, pushing herself to speak publicly. She also discovered her voice through creative writing—a practice she began her freshman year, just as the world was grappling with the challenges of COVID-19.

Unexpected literary success

For Tran, writing fiction on difficult topics like anxiety, eating disorders and PTSD opened up healing—not just for her, but for a world of others. Her online stories have reached more than 100,000 people in 117 countries. What began at age 14 as weekly chapter releases evolved into a full-length book.

“It was a love story, of course,” Tran said. “I put all of my struggles and trauma into this character. The main character is really just a reflection of me.” The story follows two enemies who fall in love, with the protagonist learning to seek support through relationships. “People really liked this. It’s been shocking how much support I’ve received.”

Encouraged by the response, Tran began a second book. Just five chapters in, she has already attracted 25,000 readers. Though she received offers from publishers, she chose to decline them, preferring to maintain creative control and a direct connection with her audience. Writing under a pen name allows her to explore intimate topics while preserving her privacy.

Landing at Leeds

Growing up in Colorado, Tran initially considered attending college out of state. But being admitted to the Leeds Scholars Program changed her trajectory. Her speech and debate experience sparked an interest in business, and a positive internship at a credit union ignited her passion for finance.

“Leeds is ranked really high in the nation, and it’s in-state, so it checked all my boxes,” she said.

Tran’s college experience has already included eye-opening global opportunities. She participated in an FGX trip to Tokyo and interned for a logistics company in Vietnam. Her research supported the company’s expansion into new ports across Asia and Eurasia, deepening her interest in international business.

"Comparison truly is the thief of joy—especially among scholars, who are very smart and charismatic people.”

Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28)

She also interned with the U.S. Senate last semester, commuting every other day to Denver. With no prior political experience, she found the role illuminating—especially during a time of controversial executive orders. Being on the front lines in a political office meant Tran witnessed people’s struggles and concerns firsthand, understanding the harsh realities that many people face.

The experience of directly connecting with constituents and casework solidified her desire to change her career path to focus on public service consulting. How that specifically unfolds remains to be seen, but no matter what, Tran said, “It made me realize that I want to help people.”

Advocating for wellness

Tran admits her first year at Leeds wasn’t without challenges. She focused intensely on academics, often at the expense of her well-being. In her second semester, she made a conscious effort to prioritize wellness—joining a volleyball group, spending more time with friends and seeking support from Leeds advisors.

“Physical wellness is so important,” she said. “Although I was spending half the time studying compared to my first semester, I was so much happier—and my grades were actually better.”

She developed a personal strategy for managing stress: allowing herself one hour to feel sad after a setback, then shifting her focus to improvement.

“I think it’s hard for college students to find the balance between studying and socializing,” she said. “I’ve also learned that comparison truly is the thief of joy—especially among scholars, who are very smart and charismatic people.”

Instead of measuring herself against others, Tran strives for her personal best and prioritizes self-care. “That has driven me to take every opportunity I can and not compare myself to others.”

A bright future

Tran is determined to be a positive force this academic year, balancing self-care, fun and service. She is continuing her work with the �� Boulder Cultural Events Board, helping plan events that foster inclusivity and cultural awareness.

“I think a big part of me that involves helping people is elevating underrepresented groups,” she said. In high school, she gave a speech about Asian American racism, and last year, she was especially moved by an African Student Alliance event featuring powerful performances.

"A big part of me that involves helping people is elevating underrepresented groups."

Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28)

Now at the start of her sophomore year, Tran is actively lining up a summer internship during this recruiting season. Reflecting on her first year, she’s proud of what she’s accomplished and grateful for the support she’s received—especially from Meghan Van Portfliet, her World of Business professor.

“She’s an amazing woman. We get coffee every semester. She was there during my very tough transition into college … She was a game changer for my first semester.”

On LinkedIn, Tran wrote: “I’m passionate about financial literacy, cultural inclusion, and using business as a tool for positive change. Through roles in numerous organizations, I’m continuing to build both my analytical and people-first skills to become a thoughtful and impactful leader.”

And that’s exactly what she’s doing with courage, compassion and curiosity—one story, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.

From shy teen to global storyteller, Breeana Tran (Fin, Acct’28) began writing fiction at 14 and her stories have reached more than 100,000 readers in 117 countries. Now at Leeds, she’s developing her skills to carve out a career that will help give others a voice.

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Michelle Grabau (MBA’25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:00:27 +0000

Michelle Grabau (MBA’25) Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 08/12/2025 - 13:00

After more than 10 years of working in early-stage companies and a brief stint in venture capital, Michelle Grabau (MBA’25) knows that, to be successful, startup founders must understand their customer base. So, when devising her business, R Place, which combines drop-in childcare with socializing and working spaces for adults, Grabau drew on her knowledge as a parent of two.

“I live this experience on a daily basis,” she said.

“I'm surrounded by people that have similar experiences, and so I very deeply understand and can empathize. I'm constantly getting bombarded with the pain points of my customers.”

Entrepreneurial aspirations

Grabau realized she wanted to start her own company early on in her career, when she was working as a general manager at a fitness franchise in the Bay Area of California. She went on to work in operations and strategy for several more fitness companies and spent a year at a venture capital firm, where she evaluated pitches for startups innovating new fitness technology. Through it all, she never lost sight of her entrepreneurial goals. Because she had spent so much of her career working for fitness companies, she imagined that her own company would also be related to home fitness. “But then I had children. And that changed my purpose or my calling.”

As a parent, Grabau was frustrated by the lack of public spaces enjoyable for both children and parents. Places aimed at adults, like breweries, don’t offer enough to entertain children, while kid-friendly spaces, like playgrounds, can be unengaging for parents. She envisioned R Place providing something for all members of the family—social and work opportunities for parents and childcare to entertain the little ones.

“We have a place for us, the adults,” she said. “We have a place for them, the children, but there's nothing that's ours. And so that's where the concept of R Place came to me. It's just as much for the children as it is for the adults, and just as much for the adults as it is for the children.”

Taking the mic

Grabau and her husband relocated from San Francisco to Denver, attracted to Colorado’s abundant outdoor activities and booming startup scene. Given Leeds’ stellar reputation in entrepreneurship and its ties to the Colorado startup community, Grabau decided to apply to the hybrid MBA program, hoping to gain key knowledge and to use the program’s capstone project to officially launch her idea.

“There were big gaps that I felt were missing in my skillset,” she remembered. “Finance, for example, was the big one. Although I knew that some people just go for it, I decided to get my MBA to fill those gaps, and to accelerate the startup.

In the fall of 2023, with a 2-year-old at home and another child on the way, Grabau entered the MBA program. While at Leeds, she participated in Assistant Teaching Professor Brad Werner’s New Venture Launch course, where she developed and refined her pitch for R Place. She then went on to pitch R Place in the New Venture Challenge (NVC).

In her time working for a venture capital firm, Grabau had heard pitches before, but the NVC was her first time on the other side of the table. Luckily, her past as a fitness instructor helped her feel at home onstage.

“I love having a microphone, so that environment was very comfortable in terms of doing it in front of an audience,” she said. “And I'm also quite a competitive person. That played into a lot of my strengths and the things that I like to do.”

Grabau’s idea was a hit. She ranked among the top five finalists in the 2025 Women Founders New Venture Challenge and as a semifinalist in the general NVC.

“R Place is ultimately about being a parent. But it's about being more than that.”

Michelle Grabau (MBA’25)

A founder and a parent

Since graduating last May, Grabau has been working on getting R Place off the ground. She is building a waitlist of interested families and finding the company’s flagship location. In late July, she hosted a happy hour focus group with complimentary childcare, which she said “sparked real conversations about what modern parents need and reinforced the value of building alongside your future members.” Through it all, she continues to be a startup founder who is also a parent, taking calls while her daughter plays in the other room.

In a recent post on LinkedIn, Grabau shared two photos—one of her cradling her baby bump on the first day of the program, and the second of her and her two children on graduation day. Working and getting her MBA while parenting a toddler and a newborn required sacrifices, but Grabau feels that it has made her a better mother to pursue her goals. In her words, motherhood is “a very important core piece of my identity, but it’s not my whole identity.”

“My MBA journey is a perfect example of that,” she said. “Yes, R Place is ultimately about being a parent. But it's about being more than that. It’s about being a parent and ... fill in the blank.”

Michelle Grabau built her career helping early-stage companies thrive. Now, she’s applying this experience and her firsthand knowledge of parenting to a new venture—a purpose-driven business designed to help families build community.

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Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:20:17 +0000

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 07/18/2025 - 11:20

Anna Sheffer

Growing up, Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09) didn’t envision working for his parents’ honey company, Z Specialty Food. But in 2010, dissatisfied with the jobs he had held in real estate and financial planning, Zeldner learned his parents were thinking of selling the business, so he decided to move home to Davis, California.

“They were tired, and [the business] wasn’t profitable,” he remembered. “It really broke my heart to see how much they put into it and how little they would get out of it. That was what made me realize the most fulfilling thing I could do for myself would be to move back to Davis and start to learn the family business.”

Family beginnings

Zeldner’s father, Ishai, fell in love with beekeeping while working on Kibbutz Beit Hashita in Israel. Upon his return to the United States, Ishai started studying bees at the University of California, Davis. He founded Z Specialty Food (then called Moon Shine Trading Company) in 1979 to share one of his favorite local honey varietals, California Yellow Star Thistle. Despite Ishai’s passion for honey, Zeldner never felt pressured to work for the family business.

“That was, I think, essential,” he said. “I probably would not have [taken over] if I felt a lot of pressure to do it.”

When Zeldner moved back home in 2010, only his parents and one other employee worked for Z Specialty Food. He quickly gave himself the title “nectar director.”

“I had seen how hard my parents were working,” he said. “I inherently work that hard also, but I wanted to make sure that I'm always keeping joy in my life. Choosing the title of nectar director was just one of those things.”

“I wanted to make sure that I'm always keeping joy in my life. Choosing the title of nectar director was just one of those things.”

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09)

Z Specialty Food had one 4,000-square-foot warehouse and focused on business-to-business honey sales. But Zeldner had an idea to reach consumers directly: a warehouse sale open to the public. �� 50 customers attended, and the warehouse sale became an annual event, now known as the Anniversary Party @ The HIVE. More than 1,000 people attended the 2024 anniversary party.

“When I think back on it, I think, 'Wow! I joined the business in September, and by December already had this new concept going,’” Zeldner said.

In 2012, Zeldner’s mother, Amina, decided to concentrate on her work as founding director of UC Davis’s Honey & Pollination Center, meaning Zeldner and his father took on more work at Z Specialty Food. When his father passed away in 2018, Zeldner took over as the company’s head.

Zeldner oversaw the opening of Z Specialty Food’s 20,000-square-foot honey and mead tasting room, The HIVE at Woodland—the largest of its kind in California. The HIVE is also a full-service restaurant and event space. Most importantly, Zeldner sees The HIVE as a community hub, a place where the public can attend bouquet-making workshops, concerts or parties for Woodland’s Sister City program with La Piedad, Mexico.

“The community aspect of The HIVE is a big theme that has carried me through as I’ve been making improvements and changes,” he said.

Breaking new ground

Building The HIVE brought new growth—and new challenges. Z Specialty Food was renting its warehouse at the time, so Zeldner initially considered renting or purchasing a pre-existing space. When he found the property that would become The HIVE, he took the leap and asked to buy it, despite never having purchased or developed land before.

“In the moment, looking back, I had this kind of tunnel vision,” he said. “I was like, ‘I know where I'm trying to go and I need to just take it one day at a time and keep doing certain things, and eventually we'll get there.’”

Zeldner prioritized sustainability when building The HIVE, adding large windows and solar panels to make the building a Zero Net Energy facility. In addition, The HIVE’s two-acre pollinator garden grows produce used in the restaurant, such as fava beans incorporated into a dip. Zeldner designed and installed much of the garden’s landscape with his wife, Rowan Boswell, who is the garden educator and pollen steward.

“We have a crew that comes through and helps [with the garden], but I do a lot of the pruning and weeding,” Zeldner said. “It's kind of my happy place.”

Continuing a legacy

Both Zeldner’s time at Leeds and his father informed his leadership style. In one of his first lecture classes at Leeds, for example, visits from the CEOs of companies like Starbucks and Quicksilver helped him recognize the importance of a people-centric approach.

“I could see that the attitude that a leader has really does impact the culture of the organization in a big way,” he said. “That's something that has stuck with me.”

Although he has changed some of his father’s approaches, running the company has helped him appreciate his father’s original vision.

“It was really a passion project where he followed his love for bees and honey and just said ‘I'm going to start a honey company,’” he said.

While Zeldner didn’t always dream of owning Z Specialty Food, he now recognizes how special and unique the company is.

“I knew there was some opportunity there,” he said. “Not just financial opportunity, but especially this opportunity to grow into being a bigger part of the community.”

After an unexpected return to his roots, Josh Zeldner brought new energy and vision to his family’s honey business. His efforts have created a real buzz—transforming the company into a vibrant community hub focused on sustainability and connection.

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John G. Lynch Jr.

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:52:33 +0000

John G. Lynch Jr. Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 06/24/2025 - 09:52

Jane Majkiewicz

Distinguished Professor, Inaugural Director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact and Citizen Well-Being

A conversation with John Lynch is a delightful glimpse into the inner workings of an active, curious mind. You might expect someone with his curriculum vitae—filled with prestigious awards and honors—to regularly be found in a suit and tie. But more often than not, you’ll find him in jeans and a button-down shirt, exuding a relaxed intellect and a warm humility.

Lynch is the quintessential scholar, dedicated to asking the big “why” and “how” questions, even when the answers might challenge prevailing views. Talking with him, it’s almost as if you can see the wheels turning, and a discussion can take lively detours. Ask him a question, and he’s likely to ask a couple of his own, eager to explore deeper layers of understanding.

Take, for example, his influential work at Duke University between 1996 and 2009, where he laid out a roadmap for understanding why consumers, retailers and manufacturers might choose online versus brick-and-mortar retail channels. At a time when the dominant belief was that e-commerce would eliminate intermediaries, Lynch predicted a more complex evolution—much of which has since been validated.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Lynch has received numerous accolades, including being listed as the most admired active consumer researcher in the world in the Journal of Consumer Research (JCR) in 2024. In 2015, JCR named him one of the 10 most-published authors in the journal’s history and honored him with its Outstanding Reviewer Award for the second time.

Most recently, Lynch earned the American Marketing Association’s 2025 McGraw-Hill Irwin Distinguished Marketing Educator Award—the highest honor in the field of academic marketing—recognizing a career of remarkable teaching, research and mentorship.

Catalyzing a new field

Lynch joined Leeds in 2009 to start the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making (CFDM), which launched in 2010. Under his guidance, the center has become a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of psychology, marketing, economics and finance.

Having witnessed his former colleagues at the University of Florida shape the field of consumer behavior, Lynch was confident he could take that example to help Leeds follow suit, building upon �� Boulder’s well-established reputation in the topic of decision-making. Lynch and his �� colleagues sought to bring meaningful insights to questions with real-world impact in consumer financial decision-making—studying how and why people make important decisions about things like buying cars or homes, saving for retirement, financing college, managing debt and more.

“We began with two major efforts. First, we launched the Boulder Summer Conference on Consumer Financial Decision Making, which was unique in bringing together dozens of academic disciplines with government and industry leaders," he said. And then Leeds brought in strong talent.

”Today, we’re one of the world’s leaders in this field [of consumer financial decision-making]. .... Some of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

John G. Lynch Jr.

“When we started, we didn’t have many people who had published significantly in this area. But today, we’re one of the world’s leaders in this field.”

He’s especially proud of his colleagues: “Some of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

Lynch pointed to the center’s focus on topics that resonate with people the world over. In spring 2025, for example, Lynch delivered the keynote address at the 20th Anniversary Conference of Netspar—the Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement in the Netherlands—attended by the country’s Queen Máxima.

“The Netherlands has the best retirement system in the world,” he noted. “It’s fascinating to see how different countries tackle similar challenges like retirement, debt or funding education. Everyone’s trying to solve the same problems, but their approaches vary widely—and we can learn a lot by comparing them.”

Leading with a global perspective

Building on this ethos, Lynch was appointed the inaugural director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact and Citizen Well-Being, which will launch in fall 2025, made possible by an anonymous gift.

Consumer finance and sustainability are the center’s first two priorities—global topics of concern that resonate with everyone and that cross multiple academic disciplines.

“We’re especially interested in cases where interventions aimed at improving well-being are implemented through business,” Lynch said.

One early priority is strengthening ties with researchers in the Netherlands, particularly in retirement policy, where that country is a leader. But the scope is broad. “Water management is another area with enormous global relevance,” explained Lynch. “That’s the level of impact we would like to have.”

“Our role is to offer scientific insights grounded in rigorous research that policymakers and practitioners can trust.”

John G. Lynch Jr.

At the core of the initiative is a belief in evidence-based, apolitical research. “We’re not pushing an agenda or trying to make policy. Our role is to offer scientific insights grounded in rigorous research that policymakers and practitioners can trust.”

A lasting legacy

In addition to his scholarly impact, Lynch’s legacy includes mentoring more than 100 PhD students—many of whom now hold faculty positions at top business schools and who serve as department chairs, journal editors and industry leaders.

“Many of them have gone on to extraordinary careers,” Lynch said. “What’s most gratifying is the ongoing relationships. Anyone who’s had me as a dissertation chair gets what I call the ‘lifetime guarantee’—I’ll always be there for advice or collaboration.”

Reflecting on his full career of teaching and working with exceptional colleagues, Lynch is deeply grateful.

“I have worked only at amazing places. And I've had amazing students.”

Distinguished Professor John Lynch has shaped Leeds' success through award-winning teaching, research and mentorship—and he’s not done. He will lead a new global initiative launching this fall, further elevating Leeds’ reputation for research excellence.

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