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Without the great people across the university landscape who put together great events with us, let us talk to their classes, and generally support the work we do at LaunchNET to spread the message of entrepreneurial thinking, we wouldn't be able to do all the cool stuff we do!

So this month we decided to profile one of our favorite university partners, Jackie Ruller (Assistant Dean, External Affairs for College of Aeronautics and Engineering). Jackie has done so much to promote LaunchNET to the students in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering that we gave her our University Partner, Staff award in 2018! We asked her a few questions to get to know her a little better.

How have you worked with LaunchNET?

I first worked with LaunchNET on SkyHack, our aviation-themed hackathon event sponsored by Burton D. Morgan Foundation, that the College of Aeronautics and Engineering hosted in October 2017.

What have you enjoyed about working with LaunchNET?

The best part of working with LaunchNet is the people. Julie, Zach and Tabitha are the best! We couldn’t have pulled off SkyHack without them. They are all down to earth, helpful and knowledgeable in all things entrepreneurial. Being collaborative is their foundation.

What did you major in in college? Do you consider yourself “entrepreneurial”? How?

I went to a small school (at the time 2,200 total students), Alfred University for Ceramic Engineering/Glass Science, a long time ago. I wish that we had had a place like LaunchNET, because I think the earlier you are exposed to entrepreneurial ideas, the better. Even if one doesn’t decide to start their own business, being entrepreneurial is a mindset. It can be applied to anything. LaunchNet provides services in many areas from how to develop an elevator pitch to intellectual property support. They host many events that allow students to develop their skills in these areas. Everyone can benefit from their services. I would have benefitted from these ideas 35 years ago.

What has been the most satisfying moment in your career?

I have had a very diverse career—from research to project management to intellectual property to higher education. Being able to adapt is probably the most satisfying aspect of my career.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently?

Take more risks.

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?

I spend time with my family, stay active, garden.

What problem do you wish you could solve?

World peace-haha. Seriously, there is too much divisiveness, too much fear. Everything is connected. Everything affects everything. If only we all really KNEW that.