Collat School of Business News

Collat ProEd teaches leadership skills to UAB & Southern Research scientists

July 22, 2024

The IGNITE academy recently wrapped up its final session, marking the end of an eight-month journey of growth and learning for scientists from UAB and Southern Research. Hosted by UAB Collat Professional Education, the program equipped participants with essential leadership skills, self-awareness, grant writing expertise, and organizational strategies.

IGNITE graduates celebrate at an end-of-program reception. Photo credit: Nik Layman.

The academy kicked off with a dynamic two-day experiential learning launch at the Collat School of Business, setting the stage for five monthly full-day sessions. These sessions, led by esteemed faculty and industry experts, covered a range of topics crucial for professional development. Among the highlights were the DISC Personality Assessment and Team Dynamics by Sarah Jamison, Communication & Presentation Skills by Randall Kornegay, and Innovation & Entrepreneurial Thinking by Bryan Ritchie.

Introducing Catalyst!

As IGNITE concludes, Collat Professional Education is excited to introduce Catalyst, a new academy launching in fall 2024. Designed for scientists seeking to elevate their leadership and grant writing skills, Catalyst extends beyond organizational boundaries, offering growth opportunities to scientists at UAB and beyond. For those ready to take the next step in their professional journey, Catalyst promises to be an invaluable resource.
Learn more.

Throughout the program, participants delved into The Leadership Challenge by Barry Posner and James M. Kouzes, engaging in discussions led by Joel Dobbs of the UAB Collat School of Business. After the sessions, participants noted that these discussions were particularly enriching as Dobbs intertwined real-life stories on the different topics.

As part of their journey, participants honed their skills through practical exercises, crafting 3-minute lightning pitches on the future of their scientific research and creating professional posters showcasing their work. These efforts culminated in a presentation session with UAB and Southern Research leaders, where standout projects included AI Platforms for Antibiotic Development by Dr. Nusrat Jahan and Commercialization of Automated Human Tissue Respiratory Models by Dr. Miranda Nebane-Ngwa.

The IGNITE experience was celebrated with a graduation reception at City Club, where participants were honored for their dedication and achievements. In an anonymous post-event survey, one participant shared, “I step away from this session reassured that my feelings and emotions are valid, that my experience as I grow as a leader is common to others, and there are tools to better myself. What a boost of confidence!”