Education

• MIT, SB – Bachelor Of Science, 17 – Political Science
• MIT, PD – Post Doctoral, GSL – Global Studies and Languages
• MIT, PHD – Doctor Of Philosophy, STS – Science, Technology, and Society

Bio

Amah Edoh has been: an MIT professor (of African Studies and Anthropology), co-founder of a racial justice nonprofit, associate dean for a global gap year program, a coaching curriculum writer for first-generation college students, an arts festival producer, manager of a community-based health program, and more. Amah has long favored the scenic route: As an undergraduate at MIT, she changed majors five times, ultimately majoring in Course 17 with a minor in African Studies. Amah finally felt at home in the social sciences and humanities, though, and went on to be a Fulbright Scholar to Zambia after college, before returning to the US to pursue an MSc in Global Health at Harvard, and after that, a PhD in History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS) at MIT. Along the way, Amah has lived, studied, and/or worked in Belgium, Brazil, France, The Netherlands, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. She is a runner and a quilter, a meditator and a sometime procrastinator, and she’s eager to remind you that it’s OK not to know exactly what you want to be when you grow up.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to study. Ultimately, it was taking an anthropology class and feeling like, for the first time, I was in the right place – the kinds of questions we were addressing in class were the kinds of questions I was interested in. I didn’t major in anthropology in college (I got a PhD in it later), but that class marked my official shift into the social sciences and humanities, and my practice has unfolded across these disciplines since then.  

What influenced your choice of graduate program/programs? How has it/have they shaped your career choices and professional ability?

I pursued a Masters in Global Health because right after college, I did research as a Fulbright scholar on the response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zambia and I thought a graduate degree would give me the tools to do this type of work better. But I realized after the Masters that I was less interested in doing global health programming myself, than I was in the people and institutions that implemented these programs. And so I decided to pursue a PhD so that I could do research on my former field of practice. Having direct experience of the field I intended to research helped me articulate questions that were grounded in lived experience (rather than theory) first, and for me that was important. 

Is there anything you wish you had done differently or more of while you were at MIT?

I took advantage of the many travel opportunities and traveled every break, and studied abroad for a semester. I would highly recommend that every MIT student do the same!

Last edited: March 2026

Education

• MIT, SB – Bachelor Of Science, 8 – Physics
• MIT, SB – Bachelor Of Science, 14 – Economics

Bio

Ada Glover is co-founder and chief product officer at Zus Health, a healthcare data platform offers providers a real-time, comprehensive view of each patient’s care history. As Chief Product Officer, Ada leads Zus’s product, design, and clinical teams in creating care team experiences that are simple and relevant.  Ada has nearly 10 years of product development experience, having previously led teams at athenahealth and Zearn. Passionate about mission-driven work, she enjoys setting strategy, digging into data, and helping longitudinal care organizations solve operational problems with technology.  Ada studied economics and physics at MIT and started her career at Bain & Company. She lives outside Boston with her husband and two children.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

It’s not often you see someone combine a double major in physics and economics. I always knew I was interested in the business world and having a hands on experience building a product and organization, but also had a passion for the elegance of physics in understanding and modeling the world that stemmed from my high school experience studying the subject.  In the end, my physics degree challenged me mathematically, stretched my ability to abstract and solve problems, and gave me experience collaborating with others in the lab or working side-by-side on a challenging problem set.  I think it gave me the confidence to navigate the challenging and unfamiliar in my career.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

There are a few things that motivate me.  First, the work that I do has an impact on real people in this world.  Allowing physicians to have a more complete picture of their patients gives them the tools to offer more proactive care and impact lives.  Hearing those stories is so powerful.  I felt similarly earlier in my career working in the education space and seeing impact on student learning.  Second, I have the opportunity to engage in really interesting intellectual problems and learn every day.  Last, and perhaps most important, I am motivated by forming relationships with those I work with, whether it’s someone I mentor, partner with, or am guided by.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently or more of while you were at MIT?

I wish I more fully engaged in some of the research opportunities MIT offers, including developing stronger relationships with some of the faculty and staff.  I poured my time and effort into many student activities and trying to navigate the professional world beyond MIT, but could have more effectively engaged with the brilliant research happening around me.

Making decisions, especially important-feeling career decisions, is really challenging for people at all stages of their career. What strategies have you used to make career decisions? 

The thing I’d offer is to have a clear narrative for who you are and what you want.  Even if you’re not 100% clear on these statements, taking the time to articulate what is important to you makes it that much more likely that you will focus your search, successfully solicit support from others, and negotiate for what matters to you.  Moreover, having a draft of such perspectives can help unearth where you lack conviction in your priorities and can guide towards intentional informational interviews, self reflection, and other means of hypothesis testing.  

Last edited: March 2026

Education

• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 8B – Physics
• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 12 – Earth Atmos Planetary
• MIT – Master Of Science, 12 – Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
• Observatoire de Paris. France – Doctor Of Philosophy, Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• MIT – Post Doctoral, 12 – Earth Atmos Planetary

Bio

I’ve lived two professional lives: one as an academic scientist, and one as an entrepreneur. I’ve made most of my big career decisions by resisting default paths, and by paying attention to when the expected choice didn’t feel like the right one. I’m a research scientist at MIT, where my work focuses on asteroid surface compositions and what they reveal about the formation and evolution of the solar system. My research helped establish the asteroid classification system used widely in the field, and my work has been central to linking asteroid observations to planetary origins. In parallel with my academic career, I co-founded Cambridge Select, an e-commerce footwear company where I served as CIO from 2011 to 2021. The company scaled to over $30M in annual revenue and became one of the largest footwear sellers on Amazon. I led the team that built the software and data systems used to manage product discovery, pricing, purchasing, and logistics at scale. Today, I continue my research at MIT while building early-stage, data-driven products in local food discovery, finance, and space science.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

I loved space as a kid, almost every science project I did growing up was about space or astronomy. I came to MIT knowing I wanted to study astronomy and was highly focused on that path as an undergraduate. As I learned more about different career trajectories and thought about the long term, I realized I didn’t want my professional life to be confined to one narrow role. That realization pushed me to seek opportunities beyond traditional research and ultimately shaped the way I’ve built my career.

What influenced your choice of graduate program/programs? How has it/have they shaped your career choices and professional ability?

I knew I wanted to live abroad and decided early on that I would pursue my PhD outside the U.S., even though that was an unconventional choice in my field. Through my advisor at MIT, I connected with a strong research group at the Paris Observatory, which allowed me to do cutting-edge research while training in a different academic and cultural environment. That experience shaped how I collaborate and gave me lasting ties to both the American and European scientific communities.

Making decisions, especially important-feeling career decisions, is really challenging for people at all stages of their career. What strategies have you used to make career decisions? 

I’ve relied on two strategies throughout my career. First, I ask how I will feel about a decision when I look back decades later, which has helped me avoid paths that looked successful on paper but didn’t align with what I wanted long-term. Second, I try to make decisions for myself rather than for external expectations, whether those come from family, peers, or prevailing career norms. Those principles have guided choices ranging from doing my PhD abroad to stepping outside traditional academic trajectories.

What professional development experiences or opportunities shaped your early career?

A UROP during my junior and senior years at MIT was career-defining. I began working with my undergraduate advisor in asteroid spectroscopy and quickly became immersed in hands-on research, from telescope observations and data reduction to conference presentations and international travel. That experience focused me on planetary science and asteroids. Without it, I likely would have taken a very different path within astronomy.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?

I train gymnastics on the MIT gymnastics team, returning to the sport I competed in as an undergraduate. I love traveling. I also enjoy hiking, especially in the summer.

Last edited: February 2025

Education

• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 10ENG – Chemical and Environmental Engineering
• MIT – Master Of Science, IDS – Technology and Policy Program (Concentration in Energy and Environmental Policy)

Bio

Kali Benavides is a Senior Analyst at National Grid, where she focuses on crafting strategies for energy-efficiency programs for commercial and industrial customers. She has more than 10 years of experience working on environmental issues in the energy sector and is passionate about advancing solutions that drive positive environmental impact, especially at the intersection of policy, technology, and strategy.

Prior to joining National Grid, Kali worked at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she helped to ensure compliance with grants delivered under the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. She also worked at Charles River Associates as a project manager and held multiple roles at Chevron in environmental compliance.

Kali has an MS in Energy Policy from MIT (2023) and a BS in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (2015).

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

My interests in chemistry and environmental issues led me to the 10ENG degree path. The program was being accredited when I started and luckily was approved prior to me graduating.

What influenced your choice of graduate program/programs? How has it/have they shaped your career choices and professional ability?

After working for six years in environmental compliance, I was eager to learn more about how policy and regulation are shaped. The MIT Technology and Policy program was a perfect blend of technical analysis and policy instruction. The degree allowed me to pivot into energy policy roles and continue on a technical path.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

Seeing that my work has a positive impact on the environment has motivated me to continue to work on solving complex issues.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Everyone’s career path is unique to them and what makes sense for one person may not align with what you want.

Do you have any tips for networking or job searching for current students and recent graduates?

Utilize all of your networks. The MIT network has been so helpful in helping me find new opportunities. Industry organizations are also helpful and allow you to form relationships with people who are working in the same areas.

Last edited: November 2025

Education

• Yale University – Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
• MIT – Master Of Science, MAS – Media Arts & Science
• Boston University – Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical/Medical Engineering & Informatics

Bio

Dr. Clark Freifeld’s research focuses on applications of computing and artificial intelligence to the improvement of population health. His work has been supported by agencies including CDC, WHO, DHS, DOD, HHS, and FDA, as well as being recognized by the Smithsonian and Library of Congress. Past projects include: HealthMap, a global disease surveillance platform, and MedWatcher, a medical product safety monitoring system.

Freifeld is currently a Senior Software Engineer at NewGrid, a climate-tech startup, and Founder/Principal of LexiGraph, a software and data science consulting firm. Previously, he served on the faculty in Computer Science at Northeastern University from 2016 to 2022. Before joining the faculty at Northeastern, Freifeld was co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Epidemico, a health informatics spinout from Boston Children’s and MIT, now a division of Booz Allen Hamilton. He holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Mathematics from Yale University, a Master’s from the MIT Media Lab, and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

In high school, I was interested in pursuing a career in medicine—I liked science, and I wanted to do something practical and helpful. But around the end of high school, two things happened: first, I started discovering the field of public health; second, I got back into computers and programming, thanks to a teacher who was ahead of his time. This was 1995, when the World Wide Web was just starting to come into broader use. I helped create the first version of my high school’s website. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to study computer science. As computers have only become cheaper, faster, and smaller, the field has only grown, and career opportunities have broadened. I ended up doing extensive work at the intersection of computing and public health.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with people all over the world, on projects that I’m passionate about, in health, education, and climate. I love the process of building and debugging software tools, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to practice it every day. I’ve also worked on many software projects that never made it into any user’s hands—it happens more often than you’d think—so I don’t take for granted any time I can deliver value to a user as well as get feedback on my work.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

I’ve been fortunate to work on some of the challenges of our time: health, education, and climate change—“wicked problems,” as they’re called. Working on projects that have an impact is tremendously motivating for me. Moreover, working in interdisciplinary teams with coworkers who not only share the mission but also are thoughtful, caring, and hardworking helps motivate me.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?

For exercise, I love long-distance cycling and running. I find it helps me maintain mental health as much as physical health. I also play acoustic guitar and sing, take weekly guitar lessons, and play occasional open mic events.

How have your career experiences been shaped by intersections of your identity, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, and veteran status?

I’m a white guy, but I made my second major career pivot in part because I felt strongly about the diversity problem in computer science, and wanted to work to address it. I became a teaching professor at Northeastern and the first faculty sponsor of MULTI, Northeastern’s student-run group focused on broadening participation and inclusion in computing. At the beginning of every semester, I would always speak about the challenges of diversity in computer science, and encourage students to join the mission.

Do you participate in any volunteer/community service activities? If so, how do you balance your professional and personal responsibilities?

For several years, I’ve been involved with Beacon Academy, a school that offers a one-year eighth-grade program to prepare disadvantaged Boston-area students for elite private high schools in New England. I’ve served as a math tutor as well as a mentor through the program. I’ve found the work highly rewarding; I’ve kept in touch with a few of the students over the years and observed their personal evolution and career journeys.

Last edited: September 2025

Education

• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 18C – Math With Computer Science

Bio

I’m an MIT graduate and software developer with experience at McKinsey & Company, startups, and large enterprises. I combine technical expertise with business strategy to turn ideas into products.

I’m passionate about education equity and believe technology should expand opportunity, not concentrate it. I’m a Prosci Change Management Advanced Instructor and work with teams on organizational transformation.

Outside of work, I travel frequently, exploring food and literature from different cultures. I practice Kathak, a classical Indian dance form. I live in Boston with my partner and four children.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

I had a software developer internship and loved it!

Is there anything you wish you had done differently or more of while you were at MIT?

I would have studied harder, and been more confident in my abilities.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Making an impact.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

Change how people view technology.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How have you managed or overcome it?

Working with executive authority

Making decisions, especially important-feeling career decisions, is really challenging for people at all stages of their career. What strategies have you used to make career decisions? 

Combine what you love, what you’re good at, and what the market needs.

What professional development experiences or opportunities shaped your early career?

Feedback!

What professional development activities do you find really useful these days?

Networking

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Oh, so many, happy to discuss

What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?

Network!

Do you have any tips for networking or job searching for current students and recent graduates?

Be structured in your networking.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?

Travel, cook/hospitality, and read.

Do you participate in any volunteer/community service activities? If so, how do you balance your professional and personal responsibilities?

United South End Settlements, Soccer Unity Project, Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance

Last edited: October 2025

Education

• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 8 – Physics 
• MIT – Bachelor Of Science, 22 – Nuclear Engineering 
• MIT – Doctor Of Philosophy, HST – Health Science & Technology

Bio

Dr. Agata Wiśniowska is Senior Director of Global Market Access & Pricing at Sanofi, where she leads strategy for Dupixent across multiple dermatology indications. She’s passionate about bringing innovative therapies to patients with high unmet needs—especially those with serious conditions lacking approved treatments.

Agata holds a PhD in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics from the Harvard-MIT HST program and dual BSs in Physics and Nuclear Science & Engineering from MIT. Her career spans life sciences consulting, pharmaceutical strategy, and translational research, with publications in Nature Communications, PNAS, and eLife. She’s also deeply committed to mentorship and has contributed to admissions and research review processes across academic and industry settings.

Agata looks forward to connecting with students to share insights on navigating interdisciplinary careers and making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?

I was drawn to Physics and Nuclear Science & Engineering because I wanted to understand the world at its most fundamental level. MIT’s emphasis on problem-solving and interdisciplinary thinking helped me build a strong analytical foundation. That training has shaped how I approach complex challenges in healthcare—breaking them down, identifying patterns, and designing strategic solutions that can scale.

What influenced your choice of graduate program/programs? How has it/have they shaped your career choices and professional ability?

The Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program offered a rare blend of engineering, medicine, and translational science. It taught me to think across disciplines and always ask: “How does this help patients?” That mindset continues to guide my work in market access, where I help bring innovative therapies to people with serious conditions and few treatment options.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Helping deliver therapies to patients who previously had no approved treatment options. One moment that stands out was hearing a mother describe how a new therapy transformed her child’s life with severe atopic dermatitis. Knowing that our work can restore a sense of normalcy and hope to families is deeply fulfilling.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

I’m driven by the opportunity to bridge science and strategy to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. I’m especially passionate about expanding access to therapies for underserved populations and conditions with high unmet need. Every time I hear a patient story, it reinforces why this work matters.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How have you managed or overcome it?

Navigating ambiguity—whether in scientific research or commercial strategy—has been a recurring challenge. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty by staying curious, asking the right questions, and building diverse teams that bring different perspectives. It’s not about having all the answers, but about creating clarity together.

What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?

Don’t be afraid to take a nonlinear path. The skills you build at MIT—critical thinking, resilience, and curiosity—are incredibly transferable. Whether you pursue academia, industry, or something in between, stay open to evolving your definition of success and seek out roles that align with your values.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?

Ballroom dancing—a passion I pursued competitively during undergrad and grad school, and now cherish as a hobby. My most memorable competition was in New York, sharing the dance floor with the best U.S. couples. Dancing gives me a profound sense of flow, grounding and connection to the “now”.

Last edited: October 2025