The Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program is an exciting opportunity composed of carefully designated courses, programs, and activities that will train STEM graduate students in bold leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This program consists of educational and experiential modules that are meant to guide graduate students in their fellowship journey as they learn, practice, and refine entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, and competencies that ultimately reinforce and complement their STEM disciplines while enhancing their skillsets for an array of STEM careers.
The selected Entrepreneurship Fellows will be trained in multifaceted and diverse aspects of entrepreneurship while acquiring entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, and competencies. Fellows will begin their program journey (module 1) with an introductory experiential learning course in entrepreneurship and innovation, which is followed by a low-stakes university-wide pitch competition that is meant to bridge classroom learnings to the real world. Participants will be introduced and exposed to preparatory concepts to establish baseline foundation skills (e.g., creative and strategic thinking, teamwork, presentation skills, resilience and adaptability). Fellows will continue the program (module 2) by choosing one of two existing courses that are based on technology innovation and entrepreneurship and focus on different facets of entrepreneurship through experiential learning techniques. Fellows will also be required to participate in a university-wide educational entrepreneurial program and to pitch at a state-level competition that introduces new skills such as curiosity, big picture thinking, and financial literacy. Lastly, fellows will reflect upon their experiences in modules 1 and 2 by participating in a summer internship that focuses on experiential learning (module 3).
To foster relationships and sense of belonging within the program community, fellows will meet as a group at two mid-points during each module to socialize, interact, and engage with one another. The program is meant to be flexible and customizable for participants, which is why there is a network of support composed of diverse mentors, advisors, professional experts, and partners to provide guidance and comprehensive perspectives. Additionally, fellows will be provided travel funds to attend up to two entrepreneurship conferences, events, or external pitch competitions to enhance their entrepreneurial learning.
Program Requirements:
- UConn doctoral or master’s Student in any STEM disciplinary field
- Student CV
- Academic Transcript
- Essay
Research Team:
Dr. Leila Daneshmandi – Assistant Professor in Residence, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut
Dr. Zheni Wang – Associate Professor, Business Department, Southern Connecticut State University
Dr. Andri Christodoulidou – Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Engineering, University of Connecticut
Leslie Shor – Associate Dean, College of Engineering; Associate Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Shiri Dori-Hacohen – Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering Department