46. Katherine Vega Stultz

Warren, New Jersey · Engineering

Name at Cornell
A. Katherine Vega

vegastultz@yahoo.com

Tell us about what you're doing with your life.

Since graduation I have built a career in the pharma/biotech space.  For the past 9 years I have been at Celgene Corporation and focused in cancer drug development.  I've spent time in various commercial roles and for the past year plus as a project leader for one of our solid tumor medicines.   The intellectual horsepower in this field is fascinating and will hopefully advance our quest to tackle cancer one patient at a time.  

My husband, Michael and I, are the very proud parents of 3 energetic and active kids - ages 11, 9 and 4.  We've been in New Jersey for 9 years now after starting our family in Indianapolis.  When not on soccer fields or at cheer competitions,  we enjoy vacationing as a family.  This summer we are headed to Ecuador, including a train ride through the Andes.  

What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
Enormous pride.  It is wonderful to share the bond of Cornell with spectacular individuals.  Whenever I meet a Cornell alum, it is so easy to engage quickly in conversation and relate.  I am always fascinated how diverse the Cornell network expands.  It is truly an honor to be associated with such an influential group of people. 

How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
Cornell and the 'survival' of the engineering program have absolutely prepared me for my professional growth.  Amazing that no matter how big the project or critical the presentation at work, I think the hardest I have ever worked was still my time at Cornell.  It certainly has prepared me professionally to take on challenging assignments and not shy away from hard and complex work.  

What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was the most meaningful?
The time I spent in SWE (society of women engineers) truly shaped some of my very early learnings on leadership.  Being a volunteer in a student group with key goals and a mission had a bigger impact on me than I appreciated while at Cornell.  Although my classes were important, some of my biggest learnings came from the time involved with SWE.  Even though my engineering career lasted a whole 18 months, the leadership skills and the work needed to advance a mission has had a big impact for me.