QuickTakes Q&A
What are you doing now as UP Alumnus?
I am the Co-Founder and President of the Raiden Science Foundation, where our goal is to accelerate research and development for therapies targeting debilitating rare diseases, beginning with a condition called UBA5 disorder.
Additionally, I am also the the Partnerships Lead for Nike Global Membership.
Why did you choose UP and the Pamplin School of Business?
I attended UP as an undergraduate because of its reputation for quality education and strong community. I also wanted to attend a smaller university to have better interactions with professors and build closer relationships with classmates, plus the bonus of being close to home.
I returned to UP for graduate studies because I gained valuable experience and knowledge from the E-Scholars program and wanted to further my education in entrepreneurship and business.
Advice for someone considering graduate education?
If you have the time, can manage the financial burden of graduate education, and it’s the right time in your career, I definitely recommend pursuing a graduate program. It provides real-life experience and valuable connections with industry professionals, who might be future employers or mentors in your career. There’s really no downside to obtaining a graduate education as long as you can take it on.
Connect
To connect with Tommy, please email – tommy@raidenscience.org
(E-scholar trip to China, circa ~2009)