Ryan Anderson

Contact Ryan

What appealed to you about the M.S. in Commerce Program?

As an Engineering major, I have always had an interest in business and desired to obtain a formal business education at some point in my career. Therefore, when I learned about the M.S. in Commerce Program at McIntire, specifically the Biotechnology Track, it felt like a natural next step and the perfect opportunity to combine my background in biomedical engineering with my professional goal of working at the intersection of biotechnology and business.

What are you looking forward to or have you enjoyed most so far in the M.S. in Commerce Program?

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work in different groups throughout my classes and meet everyone in the program. I also enjoy the weekly speaker series events, where we listen to interesting business leaders and learn from their perspectives. Looking ahead, I am extremely excited to attend GIE. It seems like an amazing experience and the perfect culmination of everything we will learn in the program.

What are your academic interests?

While at NC State, I studied biomedical engineering with a concentration in regenerative medicine and pharmacoengineering. I also worked in a lab, researching how different fermentation techniques affected the production of recombinant protein. At McIntire, we have been studying strategy, accounting, and finance principles, which has been an exciting change of pace. In the coming months, I am extremely excited to continue developing my understanding of business and start learning about how these principles relate to the biotechnology industry.

What clubs and organizations were you involved with during undergrad?

During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of NC State’s chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society, serving as the Executive Treasurer in my senior year. In this role, I helped plan informational sessions and professional networking events for biomedical engineering students, while also serving as a mentor for prospective students and underclassmen in the major.

What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I love to exercise (running and lifting weights), listen to alternative rock music, and binge-watch TV shows.

What is your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or place to visit in Charlottesville?

My favorite coffee shop in Charlottesville is the Mudhouse on Tenth Street. It is right next to my apartment building, so I go there almost every weekend morning.

Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.

I really want to travel to Rome, mainly because it is a popular destination that I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Additionally, I am eager to visit Tokyo and New Zealand, as they both seem amazing and I would love to engage with their diverse cultures and unique geographies.