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

Thu, Feb 12 | 2:00 PM
Fulbright Virtual Information Session (Virtual)

Wed, Feb 18 | 1:30 PM
Careers in Patent Law for PhDs & Postdocs
In-person, E19-202 (Ford Building)

Mon, Feb 23 | 12:00 PM
Physician Lunch & Learn with Dr. Lucy Shen
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Mon, Feb 23 | 5:00 PM
Legal Career Options for STEM Students
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (4)

Tue, Feb 24 | 6:00 PM
Infinite Careers: Francesca DeMeo — Research Scientist at MIT & CEO of NoStove, Inc.
In-person, location TBD

*not on flyer

Wed, Feb 25 | 1:00 PM
Explore Fulbright: Turkey (Türkiye)
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Fri, Feb 27 | 10:00 AM
How to Succeed in Your Squiggly Career
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (10)

Fri, Feb 27 | 2:00 PM
Coffee Chats with Alpha AI Engineering (For 1st & 2nd Years)
In-person

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

The program will be hosted in-person on the Florida State University campus from May 28-June 18, 2026. There is no application fee and the program is offered at no cost to participants. On-campus apartment-style housing is provided, and each participant will receive a meal card for the duration of the program.  

The application deadline is March 27, 2026, however, students are encouraged to apply early as the admissions team begins reviewing applications in January.  Interested students may find more information, including the online application at www.law.fsu.edu/slp.

We provide students with exposure to law-related opportunities beyond the classroom, offer mentorship from Black legal professionals and law schools, and create pathways for networking, internship recruitment, LSAT readiness, and law school preparation. This organization is Boston-based and welcomes all undergraduate students attending schools across Massachusetts.

General Interest Form: https://forms.gle/SK777uNQ9jpkRAGc8

Instagram: @societyofblackwomeninlaw

MIT students recently visited the MathWorks Lakeside Campus in Natick, MA, for a Women in Tech Trek—an event designed for those exploring careers in technology and engineering. The program introduced the Engineering Development Group (EDG), provided time to meet with MathWorks staff in a Q&A format, offered a tour of the workspace, and concluded with a hands-on MATLAB activity.

Takeaway 1: Explore to shape your career trajectory

The session opened with Engineering Manager Swetha Murali and a panel of women from across MathWorks, who described the varied routes that led them into technical roles. For the students—many still defining their professional direction—the visit reinforced the importance of learning, experimenting, and embracing growth.

Takeaway 2: Growth comes from tackling real-world challenges

Swetha spoke in depth about her journey, highlighting how EDG supported her growth from day one. She recalled her early years learning to code, noting, “I loved finding bugs, breaking that software, and then fixing that software.” Her guidance emphasized openness and persistence: be willing to learn, make mistakes, and keep going. She encouraged students to stay curious and engaged, adding that progress often begins with a single conversation—and that communication and a willingness to learn can open doors.

Students also heard from Ellie Stevens, MIT alum and Manager of EDG, who described how the program supports early-career hires through rotations, training, and a strong cohort model. After sharing her own path, she summed up her philosophy succinctly: “I am invested in people, and MathWorks is a very special place.”

Takeaway 3: Show up for opportunities that build momentum

Students toured the building and wrapped up the visit with a fast-paced software challenge where they used MATLAB to test ideas, troubleshoot, and refine their solutions—offering a clear view of how MathWorks tools support problem-solving in data science and engineering.

MathWorks and MIT have a longstanding partnership dating back to 1985, when MIT became the company’s first customer. For the students on the trek, it was easy to connect with the company’s hands-on and collaborative approach to engineering.

For Salma Bouzit ’27, Course 6, the trek was a chance to keep building momentum. “I knew MathWorks by name, but seeing how their engineers approach their career choices helped me imagine paths I might take,” she said. “I always try to challenge myself and build new skills, so this felt like an opportunity I certainly couldn’t miss.”

As students left the Natick Lakeside campus—where a new building is underway, reflecting the company’s continued growth—they carried a clearer sense of what people-focused, learning-driven engineering can look like in practice.

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

Undergraduates can apply for reimbursement up to $200 dollars to offset the cost of professional development. CAPD will consult with Student Financial Services to prioritize applicants with the highest financial need.

The professional development must occur within the academic year between September 1 -June 30. See timeline for application deadlines.

Need-based Undergraduate Professional Development Fund
Eligible activities include:

• Fees for DOMESTIC professional conference registration
• Programs or workshops (not already offered at MIT)
• Lodging or transportation associated with attending an in person domestic professional conference
• Legal name change
• Professional attire

Process:
Complete this online application. You will receive an acknowledgement once your application has been submitted. Please refer to the award cycle chart below for information on when to expect an update on your funding request.

Submit receipt(s) from the professional activity. If the activity occurs after the application deadline and your application was accepted, the associated receipt must be submitted to capd-undergrad-pd@mit.edu within two weeks of completing the experience in order for the approved reimbursement to occur.

Reimbursement issued for professional attire and legal name change may be subject to taxes. Reference MIT’s Office of the Vice President for Finance for guidance on how to report this income on your taxes. 

Review the chart below for award cycles and deadlines. The professional development activity must occur within September 1 – June 30.

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