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The Entrepreneurial Institute is thrilled to introduce our new Innovation Ecosystem Fellows and returning Venture Fellow! These talented PhD students are helping to cultivate a vibrant startup community at NYU and enhance our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you're a researcher looking to commercialize your work or simply curious about making an impact beyond the lab, don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with our fellows and discover the exciting initiatives they're spearheading on campus. Read their stories and find out how they're making waves in university entrepreneurship:
Seda Sarp, Venture Fellow
NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Bio: Seda is a Venture Fellow at the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute, where she helps to source deals and conduct due diligence for investment opportunities on behalf of the NYU Innovation Venture Fund. She is also a PhD Candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at NYU Tandon School of Engineering where her research focuses on improving the efficiency of solar cells. Seda earned her MS in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University with a focus on sustainable energy. Bringing in her experience in climate tech, she is passionate about leveraging her technical knowledge to help innovators bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.
What do you like to do during your free time outside of the Institute?
Outside of my academic work, if I’m not practicing yoga, I’m teaching it — I love taking a moment to slow down, find clarity, and recharge. I also volunteer with the Society of Women Engineers, where I help build community through professional events and inspire the next generation through outreach. In my downtime, you’ll find me spending quality time with my puppy!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I’ve had the privilege of living in three different continents! Experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand during my time in Australia was a major inspiration for me to pursue a career focused on real-world impact.
Thomas Kelly, Innovation Ecosystem Fellow
NYU College of Arts & Sciences
Bio: Thomas is an Innovation Ecosystem Fellow at the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute, where he helps support and grow the university’s dynamic startup ecosystem. In addition to his role at the Institute, Thomas is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at NYU, specializing in machine learning applications for early-stage drug development. Beyond academia, he plays an active role in fostering entrepreneurship in New York’s biotech and deep tech communities. He is part of Nucleate NY, an academic trainee led organization that empowers academic founders by providing mentorship, networking, and resources for translating research into impactful ventures. Through his work at the Entrepreneurial Institute, Thomas is passionate about bridging the gap between research and commercialization, and supporting researchers and student founders who shape the future of NYU’s innovation ecosystem.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you end up joining the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute in a full-time position?
I am a PhD student in Chemistry at NYU, and while I deeply enjoy my research, I have always been drawn to science beyond my own field, especially the challenge of translating cutting-edge discoveries into scalable innovations. My journey with the Entrepreneurial Institute began through my work with Nucleate, where I collaborated with the team to organize the Bio x ML Hackathon, bringing together bench and computational researchers at the intersection of biotech and AI.
Joining the Institute feels like a natural progression in my career, allowing me to support and engage with brilliant researchers at NYU as they explore pathways into entrepreneurship. I’m excited to help bridge the gap between groundbreaking science and real-world impact.
Which aspect of your new role are you most excited to tackle?
I am excited not only to help fellow researchers explore pathways into entrepreneurship, but also to immerse myself in the cutting-edge science that drives innovation. As someone who believes in lifelong learning, I find it incredibly rewarding to engage with groundbreaking technologies and ideas that have the potential to shape the future. Seeing the technology of tomorrow firsthand is both inspiring and energizing.
What do you like to do during your free time outside of the Institute?
Outside of my work, I love exploring New York City’s incredible live music scene, so you’ll often find me at a concert. I’m also a big foodie, some might even call me “vegan-curious,” and I enjoy discovering new spots around the city and then challenging myself to recreate those dishes at home. When I’m not eating or catching a show, I like going to HIIT workouts like Barry’s and similar high-energy training sessions.
Tiffany Tsou, Innovation Ecosystem Fellow
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Bio: Tiffany is an Innovation Ecosystem Fellow at the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute, where she helps support and grow the university’s dynamic startup ecosystem. She is also a PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where her research focuses on using synthetic genomics to understand the mammalian dark genome. Before graduate school, she worked as a research technician at Caltech, developing high-throughput single-cell drug screens with human immune cells. She holds a BS in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Tiffany is also involved in Nucleate NY, serving as a lead on the Mentor and Expert Relations team.
Which aspect of your new role are you most excited to tackle?
I'm excited to join the NYU Innovation Ecosystem Fellowship and contribute to strengthening NYU’s biotech and entrepreneurial landscape. I look forward to connecting researchers with commercialization opportunities, bridging resources across campuses, and gaining hands-on experience in venture development and innovation strategy.
What do you like to do during your free time outside of the Institute?
Outside the Leslie eLab, I’m a fan of art history, live music, tide pools, and Chinese food!
