Since its inception in 2018, the Entrepreneurship Student Ambassador program (ESAP) engages the entrepreneurship community by introducing students to our Entrepreneurship Alliance partners and the greater entrepreneurship ecosystem. Members of the group serve as the student voice of NC State Entrepreneurship and are advocates for entrepreneurship programs across campus. This year, a diverse group of 12 ambassadors were selected representing undergraduate, master’s level and Ph.D. level students across six colleges.
“Year after year, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of applicants we get for the Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program. These students are natural leaders with a strong desire to dive into our entrepreneurial ecosystem, make connections and build a growth mindset,” said Monica Smith, marketing and community development manager, and program advisor, at NC State Entrepreneurship.
Meet the Cohort
Marissa Noon
Marissa is a senior at NC State studying textile engineering in the Wilson College of Textiles with a minor in Industrial Engineering in the College of Engineering. Her goal is to work on implementing electronics into clothing to focus on at-home wellness and overall optimize people’s quality of life.
As president of the Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program, Marissa is looking forward to expanding the cohort’s knowledge about entrepreneurship and connecting with other colleges on campus to create a welcoming environment in the world of entrepreneurship.
Flynn Cruse
Flynn is a senior at NC State studying mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. His goal is to maintain strong interests in computers, robots, space travel and entrepreneurship. He is currently developing heat-recycling technology to reduce the environmental impact of the computer industry.
As the new vice president of programming and treasury, Flynn is excited to enhance the day-to-day operations of the Ambassador cohort by facilitating fun, meaningful activities and experiences.
Kasey Jones
Kasey is a junior at NC State studying fashion and textile management in the Wilson College of Textiles with a concentration in product development. Her goal is to start her own bridal fashion line focusing on sustainability and affordability upon graduating from NC State.
As the new vice president of communications for the 2021-2022 academic year, Kasey is most excited about reuniting as a community and participating together at various events. She hopes that with this position she can promote the program through community outreach and encourage interested students to join in future years.
Caitlyn Dawes
Caitlyn is a sophomore at NC State studying business administration in the Poole College of Management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. She is also studying communications with a concentration in public relations in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Caitlyn’s goal is to start her own automotive company after graduation or work for a technology company.
As the new vice president of marketing, she is excited about spreading the Entrepreneurship Ambassador’s message to a wide audience and connecting with people all over the community.
Katie Lawson
Katie is a senior at NC State studying industrial and systems engineering with a concentration in human systems and a minor in cognitive science. Her goal is to advance technology and systems to increase functionality and usability for those serving our country in the Armed Forces.
As the new student advisor for the 2021 fall semester, she is excited to help aid with the transition of a new leadership team and also continue to grow the program.
Daniel Richter
Daniel is a junior at NC State majoring in industrial engineering with a minor in business entrepreneurship. His goal is to assemble a unique team for establishing a startup that helps businesses become more sustainable and profitable.
Ethan Turner
Ethan is a sophomore at NC State with an intent to major in electrical engineering in the College of Engineering with a minor in business entrepreneurship and industrial engineering. His goal is to combine electrical engineering with his interests in exercise and sports and, in doing so, he hopes to find more personal ways to benefit athletes’ technique and exercise routines.
Jared Clark
Jared is a sophomore at NC State studying electrical engineering in the College of Engineering with a concentration in renewable electric energy systems from the College of Natural Resources. He is also pursuing an undergraduate certificate in interdisciplinary entrepreneurship from NC State Entrepreneurship and University College. His goal is to build a successful tech startup and develop product management skills while furthering his entrepreneurship and engineering education at NC State.
Luis Jimenez
Luis is a second-year master’s student studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in dynamics and controls. His goal is to gain valuable work experience as a controls engineer for companies like Tesla or SpaceX and then pursue an MBA or launch his own startup.
Rachel Harris
Rachel is a senior at NC State studying industrial engineering in the College of Engineering along with a minor in vocal performance. Her goal is to connect her passions for music, engineering and entrepreneurship to impact those around her.
Sudeep Sarma
Sudeep is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate studying chemical engineering with a minor in biomanufacturing. His research is in the field of computational biophysics. Sudeep’s goal is to work in academia in India and conduct research in the field of computational biophysics and bioinformatics after a couple of years of postdoctoral experience in the United States after he completes his Ph.D.
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