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Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Students Gain Business and Leadership Skills Through miLEAD

By Lynn McCain | October 9

For many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, scientific training provides a strong research foundation but limited exposure to the business and consulting skills needed to bring innovations to market. A student-run organization at the University of Michigan is helping bridge that gap.

miLEAD Consulting, a nonprofit consulting organization led by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, provides members with hands-on experience solving real-world business challenges while helping startups and early-stage companies navigate commercialization.

"We partner with real clients and give graduate students and postdocs the opportunity to gain consulting experience while helping companies answer important business questions," said Max Keller, a fifth-year PhD candidate in Molecular and Cellular Pathology and current President of miLEAD.

Most of miLEAD's clients are healthcare-focused startups, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical ventures, and medical device developers. Student consultants work directly with clients on projects ranging from market analysis and customer discovery to competitive landscape assessments and commercialization strategies.

"We help clients understand what market they should enter, what competitors already exist, and what customers think about a product," Keller said. "At the same time, our members gain valuable experience working with clients and developing professional skills that can help them pursue careers outside academia."

MCP graduate students are well represented at MiLEAD.Real-World Experience for Emerging Scientists

Unlike classroom exercises or case-study competitions, miLEAD projects address real business challenges as companies work to bring new technologies to market. Consultants may conduct primary research through surveys and stakeholder interviews, or perform secondary research by analyzing published literature, market reports, and industry data.

"One of the strengths PhD students bring is our ability to analyze information," Keller said. "We're used to digging through the literature, evaluating evidence, identifying strengths and weaknesses in data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. miLEAD provides an opportunity to apply those same skills in a business environment."

Typical projects include market research, customer discovery, stakeholder analysis, market segmentation, competitive landscape assessments, regulatory research, and recommendations for market entry strategies. The experience allows trainees to see how scientific innovation and business strategy intersect.

"We work with a lot of brilliant scientists and faculty members who have developed exciting technologies," Keller said. "Often, they know their science extremely well, but commercialization requires a completely different set of skills. Understanding the business side can be just as important as understanding the science."

Professional Development Beyond Consulting

Beyond consulting projects, miLEAD offers a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to help trainees explore careers outside traditional academic pathways. The organization regularly hosts career panels, workshops, networking events, and guest speakers representing industries such as consulting, venture capital, biotechnology, business development, and medical affairs.

"We want members to understand what opportunities exist beyond academia," Keller said. "We bring in professionals to talk about their career paths, what they do day-to-day, and how they got where they are."

Programming includes résumé and CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, professional headshot opportunities, networking events, and social activities that help members build connections across disciplines. For example, Dr. Jessica Teitel, an MCP graduate, recently addressed the miLEAD team and discussed a career as a medical science liaison, while other presentations have featured professionals working in venture capital, business development, and consulting.

Pathology Representation in miLEAD

Several current and former Department of Pathology trainees have played leadership roles within the organization. Keller currently serves as president after advancing through multiple positions, including Consultant, Project Manager, Co-Director of Human Resources, and Vice President of Client Services.

"I've been involved with miLEAD for about three years," Keller said. "It's given me opportunities to work directly with clients, lead project teams, and develop management and leadership skills that I wouldn't have gained through my research training alone."

Other pathology trainees involved in miLEAD include Grace McIntyre, Co-Director of Human Resources; Madeline Sykes, Director of Professional Development; Colter Giem, a Project Manager; Consultant Madison Uyemura; and Consultant Thandiwe-Kesi Robins. Former Pathology trainees have also remained engaged with the organization after graduation, often returning as guest speakers and mentors.

"It's rewarding to see alumni come back and share their experiences and touch on how miLEAD got them to where they are today," Keller said. "People continue to support the organization long after they've graduated."

Giving Back Through Pro Bono Consulting

While miLEAD's consulting services help fund the organization's operations, the group also dedicates time to pro bono projects that support community-focused organizations and underserved entrepreneurs.

Each year, teams work with selected organizations and startups at no cost, helping them address challenges related to education, healthcare, and other community needs.

Previous projects have included initiatives focused on diabetes education and programs that support educators and improve access to mental health resources.

"We want to make sure we're also helping nonprofit organizations or companies with the potential to make a significant community impact that may not otherwise be able to access consulting services," Keller said.

Building Skills for Future Careers

For Keller, miLEAD offered a chance to explore career interests beyond academic research while continuing to leverage the analytical skills he developed during his doctoral training.

"When I started graduate school, I knew I was interested in opportunities outside academia, but I wasn't exactly sure what that looked like," he said. "miLEAD provided me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients, deepen my understanding of the business side of science and innovation, and explore career paths beyond traditional scientist roles."

Members commit to at least one consulting project each year, typically lasting six to eight weeks. Along the way, they gain experience in teamwork, project management, communication, leadership, and strategic thinking, skills that are valuable across a wide range of professions.

"As scientists, we're trained to solve complex problems," Keller said. "miLEAD provides another way to apply those skills while learning how science, business, and innovation come together."

Getting Involved

miLEAD recruits graduate students and postdoctoral fellows twice each year around the start of the fall and winter semesters. Applicants participate in a selection process and, if accepted, join project teams working with startup companies and other clients.

Students interested in learning more about miLEAD, its consulting services, or upcoming recruitment opportunities can visit the organization's website and attend recruitment events held throughout the academic year.

 
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