Aly Silver | Master’s in Technology Leadership

Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Aly Silver spent much of her academic and professional career in Pittsburgh before relocating to Providence in 2023 to be closer to family and begin a new role in Boston. While exploring opportunities to grow her career, she discovered Brown’s master’s in technology leadership (MTL) program in the summer of 2024.

“After almost 10 years into my career, I wanted an opportunity to expand my leadership skills, my network and intentionally consider the direction of my career,” Silver said. “After discovering the MTL program at Brown, I knew it was a good fit. Being local, I could fully take advantage of the opportunity to return to school.”

Looking ahead, Silver aspires to pursue a career in strategic program management, ideally with a company committed to making a meaningful social impact.

One highlight of her Brown experience so far has been the Leadership Ethics course, a semester-long class that examined the consequences of failed corporate leadership and how to leverage one’s position to advocate for ethical practices. Silver also took part in a certification course at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, which closely aligns with her career goals.

Her advice to fellow graduate students? “Keep your eyes wide open to opportunities that are unique to Brown. Lean into on- and off-campus events and just show up. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.”

She also encourages students to broaden their networks: “Finding people outside of your program is a great way to expand your mind and your network. Try to talk to someone new at every event!”

Yiyu Zheng |  Master of Science in Biotechnology

Born and raised in Shenzhen, China, Yiyu Zheng later moved to the U.S. for her undergraduate studies at Bucknell University. Early in her journey, Zheng was drawn to Brown for its open curriculum, collaborative environment and the biotechnology program’s unique structure, which offers both a co-op and a thesis track.

“My interest in biotechnology — and biomedicine more broadly — began with my undergraduate and post-graduate research,” Zheng explained. Her work has spanned chemical ecology in firefly communication, neurophysiology in Drosophila and the blood-brain barrier in biomedical research. These experiences sparked a passion for translational science and biomedical innovation, leading her to Brown.

At Brown, Zheng found her most rewarding experience in the Kurtis Lab, where she researches malaria. “I’ve gained a wide range of wet lab skills and valuable experience working with animal models,” she said. She has also enjoyed seminar courses that provide opportunities to practice professional presentations and receive constructive feedback.

Post-graduation, Zheng plans to continue her journey in research and development, potentially through a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. program. Long-term, she hopes to contribute to therapeutic development in areas such as neuroscience, biotechnology or drug delivery.

Her advice to new graduate students? “Make the most of Brown’s supportive community! Reach out to professors, staff and peers early on and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Be open to exploring opportunities beyond your comfort zone.”

And for those new to campus life, she adds: “Get out there and join our amazing events! There’s so much to explore at Brown!”