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Donya S

- Research Program Mentor

MBA candidate at Northwestern University

Expertise

Everything healthcare-related (e.g., medicine, biotech, science), business (go-to market, marketing, operations), dance/arts

Bio

I'm an MBA student at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where I focus on healthcare strategy and innovation. I've worked with pharmaceutical companies helping bring breakthrough treatments to patients—from evaluating cancer therapies to designing digital health platforms. I'm fascinated by how scientific discoveries become real-world solutions that actually improve people's lives. Outside of work, I'm passionate about human performance and wellness—I experiment with biohacking, make my own natural skincare products (yes, I'm that person mixing oils in my kitchen!), and dance as Co-President of Kellogg's Groupwerk dance team. I previously co-founded a contemporary dance company. When I'm not studying or dancing, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and diving into psychology and decision-making!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Strategy Consulting for Healthcare Innovation: Evaluating a Digital Health Solution for Cancer Patients

Field of Expertise: Healthcare business strategy, market analysis, digital health, and strategic communication Project Overview: Ever wondered how a health app or medical technology actually makes it to market? In this project, you'll step into the role of a strategy consultant evaluating a digital health solution for cancer patients (think: remote monitoring apps, medication reminders, or virtual support platforms). You'll explore the real business questions healthcare companies face: Who needs this product? Will insurance pay for it? What are competitors doing? What makes this solution different? We'll analyze the market opportunity, understand different stakeholders (patients, doctors, insurance companies, hospitals), and develop strategic recommendations—just like consultants do for real healthcare companies. This project is perfect if you're interested in healthcare, business, public health, or technology, and want to understand how innovation actually reaches patients.

Languages I know

Hindi - fluent, French - intermediate

Teaching experience

Previously, I have mentored Northwestern Undergraduate students as a Kellogg MBA student with recruitment and coached new students with consulting casing in preparation for interviews for 1.5 years. I have also previously taught students at Kumon (math and reading program for all ages) for 8 years. Additionally, I have taught dance lessons to students ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Credentials

Work experience

Sanofi Pasteur (2020 - 2020)
Scientific Technical Writer + Regulatory Affairs Intern
Klick Health (2021 - 2024)
Account Manager, Science & Regulatory
ClearView Healthcare Partners (2025 - 2025)
Senior Consultant

Education

McMaster University
BS Bachelor of Science (2019)
Biotech
McMaster University
MS Master of Science (2020)
Biotech
Northwestern University
MBA Master of Business Administration candidate
Finance and Healthcare

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