Many people launch their own businesses to follow their passions, create new opportunities and make an impact. In this Ask Alumni webcast at OSU, graduates will share how they turned ideas into ventures and built entrepreneurial careers. Panelists will highlight the realities of starting a business, from building networks and finding resources to overcoming early challenges. Join us online to gain practical insights, inspiration and advice to help you start your journey. 

Ginny Katz

2022 | PhD, Human Geography and MPH, Global Health & International Health

Title:CEO, Head of Innovation

Company:HazAdapt

Hazard adaptation researcher and public interest technologist focused on people-centered resilience. I explore where hazards, technology, and human behavior meet to create tools that help communities prepare and stay safe. As CEO of HazAdapt, I lead development of next-gen resilience tech and advocate for Humanity-Friendly innovation in public safety.

Akash Kannegulla

2018 | Ph.D., Nanotechnology

Title:Founder and CEO

Company:Wisedoc, Inc.

Daydreamer turned builder. I founded Wisedoc AI to reimagine how students explore careers. I’m fascinated by psychology and wrote the thriller *Buried in Her Mind*, born from one unexpected idea. I also hold a PhD in semiconductors and nano-photonics—because the future of tech matters. If you’re into AI, books, mental health, or big ideas, let’s connect.

Sydney Forbes

2017 | B.S., Bioengineering

Title:Founder and CEO

Company:Tonsil Tech

Frustrated with a lack of options for people dealing with tonsil stones, I co-founded Tonsil Tech to engineer products for safe and easy tonsil stone removal. Passionate about advocating for this wellness issue and working to create a new category within oral care. As the CEO of Tonsil Tech, I lead a team dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their bad breath and improve their self-esteem.

Jenifer Trivelli

2009 | M.S., Counseling and B.S., Human Development & Family Sciences

Title:Chief Executive Officer

Company:Wisemind Educational Services

Educational Innovator and founder/CEO of WiseMind Educational Services, helps students and educators build emotional resilience to thrive. Her WiseMind® Emotion Coaching Intervention Curriculum has reached 400+ students in Salem‑Keizer and Silver Falls schools. A keynote and global conference presenter and author of 12+ print articles, Jenifer turns neuroscience and resilience-informed practices into real-world impact.