Previous academic degrees: BSBA in Marketing with Certificates in Leadership and Ethics and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh School of Business; Master of Arts in Corporate Communication from Duquesne University
What motivated you to pursue a PhD in business?
A few reasons! I spent years working in marketing, where much of my focus was on the “what” of strategies, such as what campaigns to run, what messages to use, but I was always drawn to the deeper “why.” Why do consumers think and behave the way they do? Why do some strategies resonate while others fall flat? Pursuing a PhD gave me the chance to explore those questions alongside others who are equally motivated by curiosity and discovery.
Beyond that, I’ve always believed deeply in the power of higher education, a belief that stems from my own transformative experience as a Pitt Business alumnus. The chance to, one day, make the kind of impact on students that my professors made on me is incredibly motivating. And, since I’ve always loved learning, writing, and mentoring, the PhD felt like the perfect way to bring those passions together with my professional background in a way that is both personally meaningful and impactful.
Why did you choose the program at Pitt Business?
Pitt Business was truly transformational for me as an undergraduate student. The faculty here genuinely cared about my growth and invested in my success both inside and outside of the classroom.
Through Pitt Business, I gained access to experiential opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, deep connections with the Pittsburgh business community, and the kind of global perspective that shaped how I think about organizations and consumers. That combination of academic rigor and real-world engagement gave me the confidence and curiosity to continue.
So, when I considered pursuing a PhD, Pitt Business felt like the perfect place to continue that journey. I already knew the culture of support and the incredible resources that Pitt Business provides, and I trusted the people here to challenge me while also cheering me on. I vividly remember the day I was accepted into the PhD program, and just like when I got my Pitt undergrad acceptance, there was lots of cheering, celebrating, and of course, hailing to Pitt!
Beyond the business school itself, Oakland is such a vibrant, collaborative place. With all the universities nearby, there’s an energy and excitement that comes from being surrounded by so much innovation. While I do miss some of the old restaurants from my undergrad days (RIP to The O and Fuel & Fuddle), it’s still an inspiring place to be. And yes, I held onto some of my (now vintage) Pitt gear, so I was more than ready for an excuse to wear it again!
How do you like living in Pittsburgh?
Well, how much time do we have? I may be biased since I grew up here, but Pittsburgh really is an underrated gem. It’s the perfect size: large enough to have all the perks of a major city (professional sports teams, incredible museums – many of which we get free access to with our Pitt ID! – beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods with distinct character, plenty of career opportunities, and an amazing food scene), yet small enough to feel friendly, accessible, and easy to navigate.
What I love most is how Pittsburgh embraces both its history and its future. It’s a city proud of its industrial roots but equally committed to innovation in areas like AI, robotics, and healthcare. It feels like a place that’s constantly evolving, and that energy is contagious. I won’t sugarcoat it – the winters can be cold and gray. But the upside is that we get four true, beautiful seasons, and when spring finally arrives, the campus just comes to life, and everyone finds an excuse to be outside.
In what ways have faculty supported your academic and professional development?
Faculty have been incredibly supportive, both academically and personally. My advisor, Vanitha Swaminathan, has not only guided me through the research process but also offered invaluable career and professional advice, along with other faculty within and beyond the department who have shared mentorship, feedback, and encouragement. What I value most is that they truly care about our growth as scholars and as people.
How has the program challenged or shaped your thinking?
Coming from a practitioner background in marketing, I spent much of my time focused on the “what” of marketing strategy. What was often missing was the research-based understanding of why those strategies worked (or didn’t).
Entering the PhD program has really challenged me to flip that perspective. Instead of rushing to solutions, I’ve learned to dig deeper into the underlying questions, to think differently about problems, explore the research that’s been done and what we know, and to be much more rigorous and systematic in my approach.
Academic research was, and still is, relatively new to me, but the transition has been made so much smoother by the support I’ve received. The faculty are not only excellent mentors and experts in their field, but also generous with their time and guidance. They’ve helped me build the skills I need while also encouraging me to learn from others in the field through conferences, collaborations, and seminars.
What has made the biggest difference, though, is the collaborative environment at Pitt Business. There’s a genuine spirit of sharing ideas, offering feedback, and rooting for one another, and the School does an excellent job of creating opportunities for this collaboration, which makes the challenges of doctoral study feel less daunting and the process far more rewarding.
What strategies have you found most helpful for managing the demands of the program?
Taking care of yourself and both your mental and physical health are foundational—they’re the baseline that makes everything else possible. For me, that means getting enough sleep, building routines that help me stay balanced, and making time to connect with friends and family so I don’t lose sight of life outside the program, which helps me stay grounded and in a healthier mindset when life does get stressful. I also try to take intentional breaks, whether that’s going for a walk, getting outside, or doing something that resets my focus.
Another strategy that has been really helpful is building a network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective. A PhD can feel isolating at times, so having people who understand the journey, whether they’re faculty or other students, or even peers, has been incredibly grounding. At the end of the day, the program is designed to challenge you, but if you’re proactive about taking care of your well-being and surrounding yourself with the right support, those challenges become a lot more manageable.
How did you navigate the application process, and what tips would you share with prospective students?
One of the most valuable things I did was connect with faculty before applying. Not only did it give me a chance to learn about their work and ask questions, but it also showed that I was genuinely interested in engaging with the research community at Pitt. That kind of proactive outreach can really stand out, because it signals that you’re not just applying broadly, but you’re intentionally seeking to be part of this program with these faculty members. I’d also stress that Pitt is a competitive program, so demonstrating that level of thoughtfulness and engagement matters. Taking the time to read faculty publications, asking thoughtful questions, and showing how your interests intersect with theirs can go a long way toward building those early connections and signaling your commitment.
What’s the student community like, and how has it impacted your experience?
The student community has been one of the best parts of my experience. Everyone is genuinely supportive, welcoming, and invested in each other’s success. A PhD program can be uniquely challenging, so having peers who understand both the hurdles and the excitement of the ‘wins’ makes a real difference.
Pitt Business also attracts students from around the world, which has given me the opportunity to learn from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. The PhD Student Organization adds to that sense of community by organizing activities, whether it’s indoor mini golf or attending a professional soccer match, that allow us to connect outside of academics and build lasting friendships.
Can you share an example of meaningful collaboration with peers or mentors?
Where to begin! When I first started the program, my advisor, Vanitha Swaminathan, immediately brought me into a fascinating project at the intersection of business and healthcare, which is an area where Pitt is uniquely positioned to lead, given its world-class strengths in both.
What started as a single project has since expanded into several exciting potential streams of research that are not only novel in our field but also hold real potential to transform patient experiences. What I’ve valued most is learning from Vanitha’s vision, experience, and collaborating with her to shape this work into something that is both academically meaningful and practically impactful.
What do you wish you had known before starting your PhD journey?
A Pitt PhD can open doors to many different and often unexpected career paths. The most important step is to reflect on what feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. Your goals may evolve as you gain new experiences and encounter possibilities you hadn’t considered before, and that evolution is part of the journey. No two paths look alike, so resist the temptation to compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on how your PhD can serve as a foundation for the kind of career and impact you want to build, and allow yourself the freedom to adapt as your vision grows clearer over time.
PhD Program at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business: The application period for Fall 2026 has begun, and the application is open. The deadline to submit Fall 2026 applications will be January 15, 2026.