EDGE Fellows Biographies
Class of 2014
Punkaj Ahuja is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Case
Western Reserve University (CWRU). In addition to completing his B.S. and M.S. at
CWRU in Biomedical Engineering, he also participated in FUSION, an
interdisciplinary program in design, innovation, and intellectual property
management. During his graduate studies, he has also worked as an independent
consultant to a large diagnostic laboratory. He recently co-founded a company that
is developing methods for improved stent delivery and lifecycle. Punkaj plans to
pursue a career where he can work with businesses to develop and support
effective, innovative solutions for emerging issues in a technology sector (e.g. healthcare, environmental,
civil, computer science).
Michaela Bailey is currently attending the University of Akron where she is
completing her Juris Doctorate. Specializing in Human Resources and
Entrepreneurship, she earned her BSBA in Business at The Ohio State University and
has work experience on the corporate level with Jo-Ann Stores, Target Corporation
and FedEx Custom Critical. Michaela's career aspirations include working with
emerging and developing companies to advise them on legal and general business
concerns, as well as starting her own company. In her free time, Michaela enjoys
reading, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Catalina Briola is a 2015 Global MBA candidate at Case Western Reserve University’s
Weatherhead School of Management with a concentration in Marketing. Prior to
her graduate education, she earned her BSBA in Marketing and International
Business from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her career goals include working
in the marketing field as a brand or product manager for a global company in which
she can combine her love of travel and different cultures with her passion for
consumer behavior and product development. In her free time she enjoys singing
and performing any chance she can.
Luis Cousin currently attends Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western
Reserve University where he is completing his MBA. He earned a B.S. in Industrial
Engineering with a minor in Systems Engineering at Tecnologico de Monterrey,
Mexico. He spent two years working in the shrimp industry in Honduras where he
was able to work in many stages of the organization like production, processing,
packaging, and accounting/management. Luis's career aspirations include being an
entrepreneur in order to have his own business and make a social impact through
education, which he thinks is essential in the development of any country. Luis
enjoys sports, especially soccer, and he enjoys attending sporting events with his friends and family.
Craig Dicht is a 2015 MBA Candidate at Case Western Reserve University’s
Weatherhead School of Management. At CWRU’s Fowler Center for Sustainable
Value, Craig authors case studies and serves as a member of the World Inquiry
Editorial Board. Craig’s experience includes 8 years of progressive responsibility in
conservation and non-profit management, including leading crews of AmeriCorps
members on desert wilderness projects and co-founding a cooperative school in
Joshua Tree, CA. Craig wants to use his MBA to help small and mid-size businesses
and non-profits become anchors of strong communities. His passions include biking,
reading, cooking, camping, and spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.
Learn more by connecting with EDGE Fellows on LinkedIn.
EDGE Fellows Biographies
Class of 2014
Adil Haider is currently a Master of Science in Finance candidate from Case Western
Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management. He obtained a Bachelor
of Arts in Economics with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign. He enjoys understanding all aspects of businesses from
different perspectives. His business acumen and curiosity coupled with his extensive
financial background will hopefully enable him to have a successful career as a
strategy consultant. For leisure, Adil enjoys traveling when he can and he loves to
watch and play all kinds of sports, currently delving into golf.
Keisha Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Prairie
View A&M University and received a Masters in City Planning and Master of Science
in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is currently pursuing
a Global MBA degree from Case Western Reserve University. She has 15 years of
experience in project and construction management and strategic planning. In her
previous position, she served as the Manager of the Strategic Business Plan (SBP)
and Project Management Office for the Cleveland Division of Water. She currently
sits on the Board of the Famicos Community Development Corporation and serves
as treasurer for the National Society of Black Engineers Northeast Ohio Alumni chapter. In 2003, she
started the Black Singles Network that organizes events and activities that bring single people together
while introducing them to the attractions of northeast Ohio. Keshia’s career aspirations include working
in an innovative organization and assisting them with growth strategy and business development, and
her hobbies include traveling, reading, skiing, cooking and hosting parties for her friends.
Tatiana Mordvinova (Granger) is an MBA candidate at the University of Akron with
a concentration in International Business. Passionate about foreign languages and
cultures, Tatiana received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics, specializing in
English and French. Following graduation, Tatiana worked as a public school teacher
for several years and received a Fulbright scholarship to teach at the University of
Evansville. Tatiana aspires to work as an analyst for a start-up or a large firm, where
she can apply her communication and analytical skills.
Shyam Natarajan is currently completing his Masters of Science in Biomedical
Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He also earned his Bachelors of
Science in Biomedical Engineering from Case. In the future, Shyam sees himself in a
business management position, working for an engineering firm conducting
groundbreaking research in the Biomedical/Biochemical field. Shyam enjoys
watching and playing sports, exercising, reading sci-fi novels, and music. He has
been heavily involved in his a cappella group Dhamakapella, who is now working on
producing their second studio album.
Morgan Neiss is currently attending the University of Akron. She is working on
completing her Master’s degree in Economics. She earned her undergraduate
degree from Ohio Northern University, where she majored in International Business
& Economics and minored in German. Morgan’s career goal is to be a data analyst
after graduation. In her spare time, Morgan enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and
playing the piano.
Learn more by connecting with EDGE Fellows on LinkedIn.
EDGE Fellows Biographies
Class of 2014
Linisha Patel received her Master’s in Engineering and Management from the Case
Western Reserve University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer
Engineering from the University of Mumbai, India, and her career aspiration is to
work with a company that blends creativity with analytical thinking to solve
complex business problems. She enjoys performing arts and has a passion for
mentoring. Her dream is to start an organization that provides a platform for
promoting women entrepreneurs.
Jyoti Sharma is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing and International business
at Kent State University. She has eight years of experience working with different
leading companies and enjoys working in sales and marketing. She received her
undergraduate from Delhi University, majoring in Commerce and Accounting. After
obtaining her MBA, she wants to work with a global marketing firm, designing
marketing strategies for its international business clients.
Jeffrey Stefanov is a 2014 MBA candidate at the University of Akron with a
concentration in Finance. His undergraduate studies consisted of a BSBA in
Marketing as well as Management Information Systems from Ohio University. In
between his MBA and undergraduate degree, Jeffrey worked in the logistics
industry specializing in account management, business development, and customer
satisfaction. Jeffrey has an interest in pursuing a career in consulting and business
development as well as one day owning his own business. Jeffrey is very involved in
sports, enjoys the outdoors, and has a passion for travel.
Xiao (Mark) Sun currently attends the University of Akron where he is completing
his Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain
Management. He earned his Undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at The
Ohio State University. His career aspirations include using his drive for process
analysis and continuous improvement. While outside of academia, Mark enjoys
reading, watching sports with his friends, and enjoying the fine arts with his family.
Learn more by connecting with EDGE Fellows on LinkedIn.