My research focuses on creativity and social ties within the workplace. I study creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and social networks via field surveys and behavioral experiments. My work explains how relationships shape an idea’s journey from conception to one that changes the field. I teach management classes such as Leading Groups and Teams and Leading for Creativity and Innovation.

My interest in social ties and creativity started with my work experiences prior to academia. After earning a B.S. in civil engineering, I worked in project management for a multinational oil and gas company. Here, I became fascinated by people dynamics and the pursuit of creative problem solving.