At Samphire Neuroscience, I delved into the multifaceted world of engineering, product management, and founder roles. In the engineering realm, I harnessed machine learning techniques to analyze survey data and develop a predictive model for user purchasing behavior. My findings were subsequently presented to the startup's co-founders and engineers. Additionally, I embarked on a deep dive into clinical trial data, employing a range of statistical methods to uncover significant patterns. My insights were then meticulously compiled into a presentation for the annual Stanford Neurotechnology Seminar.

On the product development front, I spearheaded a comprehensive user research initiative, meticulously crafting a series of questions to gauge customer perceptions of our product, the FireBand, within the context of menstrual health and biotechnology. With unwavering dedication, I executed 310 user interviews, meticulously analyzed the gathered data, and within a four-day timeframe, formulated data-driven business decisions and an actionable plan. This rapid turnaround and strategic approach underscored my ability to transform insights into tangible outcomes.

The fast-paced startup environment at Samphire Neuroscience presented me with a unique opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Unburdened by the weight of preconceived notions about my qualifications, I readily embraced the 'thrown-in-the-ring' approach, immersing myself in unfamiliar domains and learning on the fly. This baptism by fire ignited my passion for rapid learning and adaptation, equipping me with the skills to navigate complex situations and deliver results under pressure.

Moreover, witnessing the transformative impact of my work at Samphire fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. After formulating data-driven business recommendations, I had the privilege of observing how Samphire's product trajectory shifted, evolving from a trendy gadget into a patient-centric biomedical device. Inspired by the transformative power of technology, I am determined to pursue a career that harnesses the potential of data and innovation to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Immersed in Samphire's vibrant employee culture, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a team united by passion and purpose. Every individual at Samphire possessed a deep sense of dedication, and their collective drive fueled the company's remarkable success. Em, the founder and my supervisor, consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to my growth and well-being, fostering an environment where I thrived. This formative experience profoundly shaped my vision for building a team at Aunt Flo's Kitchen. Inspired by Em's unwavering passion and the collective spirit of the Samphire team, I decided to pursue my culinary dream full-time after graduation. Their unyielding determination ignited my own desire to address a problem I care deeply about, empowering me to embrace risk and pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. 

My internship at Samphire lead me to this initial realization, while my encounters with individuals from diverse backgrounds in other countries reinforced the power of risk and reward. While my internship was based in London, conferences in other countries allowed me to explore various European cultures.

One particularly inspiring encounter was with a young man from Argentina. He had fled his country seven years ago, seeking a land of opportunity and freedom. Despite the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, he remained determined to build a better life for himself. His unwavering determination and unwavering optimism left a lasting impression on me, reminding me that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can persevere and thrive.

Another encounter that fueled my passion was my meeting with Carolina, a vibrant and ambitious woman from the Canary Islands. She had boldly relocated to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations, driven by a desire to make her mark on the world. Her unwavering belief in her dreams and her courage to take action served as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

These encounters, along with countless others, ignited a spark within me, a desire to create something meaningful that would connect people and bring joy to their lives. My pursuit of Aunt Flo's Kitchen was born from this aspiration, a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative spirit of entrepreneurship.

As I stood at the crossroads between pursuing a traditional career path or diving headfirst into my entrepreneurial dreams, the stories of these individuals and my experience at Samphire, coupled with the unwavering support of the Laidlaw Scholars program, provided me with the clarity and courage to chase my entrepreneurial aspirations.

These ambitious aspirations would not have been possible without the invaluable mentorship and guidance I received from the Laidlaw Scholars program. The program's emphasis on social impact and community engagement resonated deeply with my vision for Aunt Flo's Kitchen, and the program's resources and network proved instrumental in helping me turn my dream into a reality.