The Research and Business Development Center is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Spring Semester President’s, Director’s, and Project Excellence awards. These students and project managers have gone above and beyond to present their clients with excellent work and proven their skills in the workplace. Please join us in congratulating these students on their outstanding work!

 

President’s Award – Gold Medal Winner 

Client: Emerson

Student Team: Junior Analyst – Mason Taylor | Research Specialists – Elena Guido, Ismael Rohn Cardenas, Kevin Bosley, Roldo Eliason, Sara Villarroel, and Westley Cottam

Student Project Manager (coach): Bernard Seariac

RBDC Mentor: John Ward

This team excelled by completing three high priority marketing projects for the Emerson Helix Center – a new products innovation center located on the University of Dayton campus. The three projects included (1) a competitive analysis of various products in the U.S. markets, (2) an inventory control and assessment project and (3) a study of new electronic products being introduced in some markets in the U.S.    

“Things can seem overwhelming at times. Coming together as a team isn’t easy. However, as you divide the work and rely on other’s strengths, it will all come together in the end.” -Roldo Eliason

“Teamwork and communication are key to success.” – Kevin Bosley

“Working on the Emerson Helix project allowed me to gain invaluable skills and experience that will greatly aide me in career. I learned how the business world works and was able to work closely with my team and the company executives to produce a project that I never thought I was capable of. 10 out of 10 recommend!” -Westley Cottam

“It was an eye-opening experience, not only for the great projects and the professional skills I practiced but also for the opportunity to work with my different teams’ partners who were a diamond of people. If I got this award is because of them, team partners, junior analysts, project managers and everyone contributing to the training, follow up and any other aspect of the development of the project.” – Elena Guido

Director’s Award – Silver Medal Winner

Client: Alturas

Student Team: Junior Analyst — Merridy Anderson | Research Specialists — Enedic Lopez, Igor Kiselev, Kristene Fisher, and Nate Barlow

Student Project Manager (coach): Daniella Jordan

RBDC Mentor: Will Jenson

This team did research to explore the Idaho entrepreneurial ecosystem including information about business incubators and startup funding sources like angel investors and venture capital partners. The team far exceeded the expectations of the client. Following the final presentation, the client committed to five more RBDC projects.

“I have learned the investment is important and interesting part of our life and wellbeing.” – Igor Kiselev

“Working on the Alturas Capital project both challenged me and developed my business leadership skills. To accomplish the goals required, I found it necessary to be proficient in my research, organization, flexibility, and trust.  I love the quote by Warren Buffet, “Someones sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”. My teams project was just the beginning of a much larger one. I feel privileged to work with a client and team in planting the seed for something amazing!” – Merridy Anderson 

Project Excellence Award – Bronze Medal Winner

Client: Sublette Center

Student Team: Junior Analyst — Ephraim Tripp | Research Specialists — Chaney Mobley, Andrew Peery, Cortney Helland,  David Jones, Dieunise Thermidor and Zachary Dreher

Student Project Manager (coach): Will King

RBDC Mentor: Will Jenson

This team worked with the Director of the Sublette Center in Pinedale Wyoming. The team conducted marketing surveys and made recommendations for where the Center could look to improve their internal operations and where to look for growth opportunities. They also evaluated studied the effectiveness of their website and made significant recommendations as to how to improve the reach and effectiveness of it. 

“I learned how to work in a team and contribute my portion so the work could get done. I learned a lot about marketing and the different strategies that go into play. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had to work with the Sublette Center.” – Zachary Dreher

“Working with the RBDC this past semester was a very valuable experience that taught be about the importance of good leadership. I am grateful for the network of relationships that I was able to create with great individuals while there, and I am sure that their abilities and work ethic will be of great value to society as they go through their careers.” – Ephraim Tripp

“It was such a neat opportunity doing this project for the Sublette Center. Being able to do research and understand the target market helped me a lot and I am excited to use these skills again in the future. “ – David Jones

“I learned that while our client was in the health care industry, that didn’t mean all of us working on the project had to be and really it was to our advantage that we weren’t all Healthcare Administration Majors. Our team at the RBDC was made up of people from a variety of different backgrounds, majors and specialties. What really made our team successful was our ability to see how our differences could benefit the team and our client. Having in the mindset of learning from our teammates and finding different ways to succeed in ways we didn’t think we could was an eye opening experience.” – Chaney Mobley

“I definitely appreciated the teamwork I had for my group. Everyone was working so diligently to get the top information. I definitely felt like everyone was a part of the group and that our leader didn’t place himself above us. He made all of us feel included and so it was such a great experience as a whole.” – Andrew Peery

“I enjoyed working with a client in my field.” – Cortney Helland