What was your path/journey after you graduated from Cornell?
From high above Cayuga's waters to the global stage, my journey has been a whirlwind of unexpected turns and exciting adventures. Trading diplomatic aspirations for a role in Big Pharma, I found myself on a mission to help patients worldwide. My career began with a focus on bone diseases, then shifted to infectious diseases, and eventually led me to the forefront of HIV treatments. This path took me to medical conferences across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.
Those Cornell Japanese and Mandarin classes proved more valuable than I could have imagined. They became my passport to living as an expatriate in Japan, China and Singapore.
Returning to the US, Kim and I met while working at the same biotech company, a serendipitous encounter that led to our wedding in Boston. Our shared passion for science and improving global health has kept us in the biotech world.
Shortly after our wedding, I pursued an MBA at Georgetown University, settling into the vibrant DC area for 11 years. Our family grew, welcoming our son Alex into the world.
Like father, like son - Alex has inherited my wanderlust. He has already become a seasoned traveler, joining us on adventures to Hong Kong, London, Saigon, Tokyo, and Berlin.
Today, our work in biotech continues to push boundaries. We are at the cutting edge of cancer research, exploring the potential of cell therapy and mRNA technology to find new cures. It is a far cry from the diplomatic career I once envisioned, but every day brings the thrill of potential breakthroughs and the satisfaction of knowing our teams' work could change lives.
What extracurricular activity or hobby at Cornell was most meaningful to you?
Since leaving Cornell, I have had the joy of encountering alumni in the most unexpected places: from Boston to San Juan, Hong Kong to Honolulu, Ho Chi Minh City to Seattle. These Cornellians have eagerly shared career advice, become workout partners, given surprise room upgrades, and even provided surfing lessons. These random encounters have consistently reinforced the strength and warmth of the Cornell network.
What random or surprising encounters with Cornell, or Cornellians, have you experienced since you left?
Three extracurricular activities profoundly shaped me: Rowing, Taekwondo, and the Orientation Steering Committee. Crew instilled endurance and perseverance, teaching me to push past pain and visualize my goals. Taekwondo fostered respect and responsibility, showing that true leadership means ensuring others' success. The Orientation Steering Committee taught me to work for a greater cause, dedicating a year to welcome new Cornellians and set them up for success. These experiences have been invaluable, guiding both my personal and professional life long after graduation.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2025?
I'm eager to explore the changes on The Hill since my student days and curious to see how the campus has evolved while still maintaining its timeless charm. However, what I am looking forward to most is reuniting with old friends. There is an indescribable joy in reconnecting with those who shared this transformative chapter of life. Above all, I am excited to step back onto campus and reignite that incredible feeling from what now seems like a lifetime ago - a chance to relive memories, create new ones, and once again be part of the vibrant Cornell community.