University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2025-07-20T13:58:53Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

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|[[File:Maddy_Branham_profile_picture.png|300px]]
|-
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;Name:Maddy Branham
;School (Cohort):Marshall University (2022 cohort)
;Majoring in:Marketing
;Country:United States
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Branham53]]
|}

==Bio==
'''Schoolː''' Marshall University

'''What she does nowː''' Interim Assistant Director at Marshall's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter)

'''What that meansː''' She helps people identify problems worth solving - and equips them with the tools to actually solve them

'''Contact her aboutː''' Building communities, brainstorming big ideas, creative marketing, design, and all things sportsǃ

'''Emailː''' branhammadison02@gmail.com

Maddy Branham earned her Masters of Business Administration (Marketing) and M.S. in Human Resource Management at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Now, she serves as the Interim Assistant Director at Marshall's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), where she trains students, faculty, staff, and community members in design thinking to support campus-wide innovation.

She recently wrapped up an internship with Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves, coordinating a a diverse team of staff from across the country to work All-Star Week and create an unforgettable experience for fans.

When not leading workshops or planning events, you can find Maddy kayaking, coaching softball, spending time with her husband and puppy Remi, or binge watching the latest Netflix series.
==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonbranham/

[[Category:Marshall University (2022 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Marshall University}}

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2024-07-02T04:19:11Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
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|[[File:Maddy_Branham_profile_picture.png|300px]]
|-
|
;Name:Maddy Branham
;School (Cohort):Marshall University (2022 cohort)
;Majoring in:Marketing
;Country:United States
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Branham53]]
|}

==Bio==
'''Schoolː''' Marshall University

'''What she does nowː''' Trains people how to use design thinking to solve student-centered challenges at Marshall University

'''Emailː''' branhammadison02@gmail.com

Maddy Branham is a Program Manager at Marshall University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), where she trains faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community members in design thinking. She graduated with a degree in Marketing in Spring 2023, and she is now a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Business Administration and M.S. in Human Resource Management.

Starting out her freshman year of college, Maddy knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to help others, but she didn’t know what that would look like. After taking an Introduction to Business course, she realized that she could achieve this desire to help others through business and design thinking. After being offered an internship at Marshall’s iCenter (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), she was able to gain a deeper understanding of the design thinking process, which inspired her to continue learning more.

When Maddy started the UIF program in Fall 2022, she was excited to learn more about design thinking, spread innovation and entrepreneurship at her university, and connect with other students across the world. Through the UIF program, she helped create a Student Innovation Catalyst program that brings together a community of change makers on campus and provides them with resources to innovate change at our university and in the community.

Maddy currently serves as the President for the Society for Advancement of Management and the Beta Gamma Sigma organizations at her university. Outside of class, she enjoys pickleball, golfing, and kayaking, and coaching Little League softball.
==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonbranham/

[[Category:Marshall University (2022 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Marshall University}}

Fellow:Chretien Banza

2023-08-26T03:53:50Z

Branham53:

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|[[File:Chretien Banza Profile Picture.jpeg|thumb]]
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;Name:Chretien Banza
;School (Cohort):Utah Valley University (2023 cohort)
;Majoring in:Software Engineering
;Country:United states
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Banzakisambachretien]]
|}

==Bio==
Chretien Banza is a dedicated software engineering major from the vibrant Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, he's making strides at Utah Valley University (UVU), where he's actively involved with the Excellence and Innovation Initiative (e2i). His journey towards innovation and technological advancement began in his early years, and he's carried that passion with him throughout his life.

Since childhood, Chretien has been captivated by the world of technology. He dreamt of mastering this field and harnessing its power to drive meaningful change, both locally and globally. His journey led him to UVU, where he is pursuing a degree in software engineering, equipping himself with the skills needed to make a real impact.

Chretien's dedication to innovation and his homeland's development is unwavering. He envisions using his knowledge and expertise to contribute to the progress of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whether through technological advancements or educational initiatives, Chretien is determined to be a driving force for positive change.

In his spare time, Chretien finds inspiration in the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and breakthroughs. His commitment to making a difference extends beyond the digital realm; he is deeply passionate about contributing to the betterment of his country and the world at large.

As he continues his journey, Chretien looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share his passion for innovation and progress. His ambition is to not only excel academically but also to become a catalyst for transformative change, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of technology and beyond. Chretien Banza is a true visionary with a mission to shape the future.

==Achievements==
Chretien Banza has a notable achievement in his academic journey. He served as a Teacher Assistant for the Mechanical Engineering Department at Utah Valley University (UVU). In this role, he played a crucial part in supporting the educational growth and development of fellow students in the field of mechanical engineering.

==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chretien-banza-042831242

[[Category:Utah Valley University (2023 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Utah Valley University}}

Fellow:Chretien Banza

2023-08-26T03:43:11Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
|-
|[[:File:Chretien Profil Picture.jpeg|File:Chretien Profil Picture.jpeg]]
|-
|
;Name:Chretien Banza
;School (Cohort):Utah Valley University (2023 cohort)
;Majoring in:Software Engineering
;Country:United states
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Banzakisambachretien]]
|}

==Bio==
Chretien Banza is a dedicated software engineering major from the vibrant Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, he's making strides at Utah Valley University (UVU), where he's actively involved with the Excellence and Innovation Initiative (e2i). His journey towards innovation and technological advancement began in his early years, and he's carried that passion with him throughout his life.

Since childhood, Chretien has been captivated by the world of technology. He dreamt of mastering this field and harnessing its power to drive meaningful change, both locally and globally. His journey led him to UVU, where he is pursuing a degree in software engineering, equipping himself with the skills needed to make a real impact.

Chretien's dedication to innovation and his homeland's development is unwavering. He envisions using his knowledge and expertise to contribute to the progress of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whether through technological advancements or educational initiatives, Chretien is determined to be a driving force for positive change.

In his spare time, Chretien finds inspiration in the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and breakthroughs. His commitment to making a difference extends beyond the digital realm; he is deeply passionate about contributing to the betterment of his country and the world at large.

As he continues his journey, Chretien looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share his passion for innovation and progress. His ambition is to not only excel academically but also to become a catalyst for transformative change, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of technology and beyond. Chretien Banza is a true visionary with a mission to shape the future.

==Achievements==
Chretien Banza has a notable achievement in his academic journey. He served as a Teacher Assistant for the Mechanical Engineering Department at Utah Valley University (UVU). In this role, he played a crucial part in supporting the educational growth and development of fellow students in the field of mechanical engineering.

==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chretien-banza-042831242

[[Category:Utah Valley University (2023 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Utah Valley University}}

File:Maddy Branham headshot.jpg

2023-08-26T03:41:03Z

Branham53:

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2023-06-15T12:54:28Z

Branham53:

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
|-
|[[File:Maddy_Branham_profile_picture.png|300px]]
|-
|
;Name:Maddy Branham
;School (Cohort):Marshall University (2022 cohort)
;Majoring in:Marketing
;Country:United States
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Branham53]]
|}

==Bio==
Maddy Branham is a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Business Administration at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She graduated with a Bachelors in Marketing in 2023. She is passionate about making a difference on her campus and in her community. Maddy currently serves as the President for the Society for Advancement of Management and the Beta Gamma Sigma organizations at her university. Outside of class, she enjoys golfing and kayaking, and she also coaches a Little League softball team.

Starting out her freshman year of college, Maddy knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to help others, but she didn’t know what that would look like. After taking an Introduction to Business course, she realized that she could achieve this desire to help others through business and design thinking. After being offered an internship at Marshall’s iCenter (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), she was able to gain a deeper understanding of the design thinking process, which inspired her to continue learning more.

When starting the UIF program, Maddy was excited to learn more about design thinking, spread innovation and entrepreneurship at her university, and connect with other students across the world. Through the UIF program, she helped create a Student Innovation Catalyst program that brings together a community of change makers on campus and provides them with resources to innovate change at our university and in the community.

Maddy is now looking forward to serving as a UI Guide and helping other students innovate change at their universities. She hopes to inspire students to be the difference they wish to see on their campuses and in their communities.

==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonbranham/

[[Category:Marshall University (2022 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Marshall University}}

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2023-06-09T00:52:29Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
|-
|[[File:Maddy_Branham_profile_picture.png|300px]]
|-
|
;Name:Maddy Branham
;School (Cohort):Marshall University (2022 cohort)
;Majoring in:Marketing
;Country:United States
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Branham53]]
|}

==Bio==
Maddy Branham is a graduate student at Marshall University pursuing a Master of Business Administration. She graduated with a degree in Marketing in 2023. She is passionate about make a difference on her campus and in her community. Maddy currently serves as the President for the Society for Advancement of Management and Beta Gamma Sigma chapter at her university. Outside of class, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, golfing, and watching sports.

Starting out her freshman year of college, Maddy knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to help others, but she didn’t know what that would look like. After taking an Introduction to Business course, she realized that she could achieve this desire to help others through business and design thinking. After being offered an internship at Marshall’s iCenter (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Maddy was able to gain a deeper understanding of the design thinking process. When starting the UIF program, she was excited to learn more about design thinking, spread innovation and entrepreneurship at her university, and connect with other students across the world. Maddy is now looking forward to serving as a UI Guide and helping other students innovate change on their campus.
==Achievements==

==Social media profiles==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonbranham/

[[Category:Marshall University (2022 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Marshall University}}

Topic:X49wzoqi5hroknv6

2022-10-03T01:30:30Z

Branham53 (talk | contribs) commented on "MU Change model canvas insights" (We met with Ben who it the Director at the iCenter and an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. We thought that there wo...)

Topic:X3ngggl9z5u7yqj6

2022-09-22T23:32:09Z

Branham53 (talk | contribs) commented on "Fail quick, learn fast" (This video showed the importance of failing quick, learning from it, and continuously making improvements. This shows why prototyping is...)

School:Marshall University

2022-09-19T00:55:17Z

Branham53: I updated the Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship and Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship to make it more up-to-date.

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OVERVIEW

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia. With new leadership on campus, including President Brad D. Smith, the future for innovation and entrepreneurship is bright. Marshall University would like its students to create the next Uber or Facebook, but understand that they first must teach the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and innovation. Within the last 7 years, Marshall University has created an Entrepreneurship major and minor offered through the Lewis College of Business. In 2018, Marshall University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter) was created. The iCenter serves as a maker space where students, faculty, and community members are able to prototype and start their own podcasts. The iCenter has four Entrepreneurs in Residence that serve as mentors for any student at Marshall. The Brad D. Smith Incubator class, which has operated since 2021, allows students to start a business while receiving mentorship along the way. At Marshall University, students have the unique opportunity to be apart of the change occurring on campus and in Huntington. While we may still be establishing our entrepreneurial and innovative efforts, we are creative and scrappy, and most importantly, we are Marshall!

Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In September 2019, former Intuit and Marshall alum, Brad Smith, hosted a workshop for the Lewis College of Business faculty. The faculty, although not involved in the entrepreneurship program, learned about innovation, design thinking, and inspiring their students. The faculty was given the challenge to teach their students to be more entrepreneurial and innovative despite their functional area. To support faculty innovation and entrepreneurship, Marshall University also provides access to Center for Business and Economic Research <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research under the Marshall University Research Corporation. These centers can provide faculty with funding for their entrepreneurial pursuits and research. In addition, Marshall University faculty has access to the iC<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">enter which provides design thinking workshops, prototyping materials, and a collaboration space. The iCenter works with departments across campus to create innovation catalysts in hopes of further spreading innovation and entrepreneurship.

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 

Actively supporting the university technology transfer function

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year at Marshall University, faculty, staff, and students create innovative products and services. These products and services have the potential to be profitable, and the Technology Transfer Office helps support these endeavors. The Technology Transfer Office provides a variety of services including facilitating the invention disclosure process, obtaining IP protection documents, product and service marketing, and creating connections to industry partners. 

Facilitating university-industry collaboration

Marshall University is making great strides to facilitate industry-collaboration. Currently, Marshall University offers an internship program with Amazon and an apprenticeship program in manufacturing and design through the Robert C Byrd Institute. These opportunities connect students to their areas of interest and industry. In addition, the Huntington community offers students access to 3 industrial and makers’ spaces through the Robert C. Byrd Institute. 

Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts

There are 3 regional sources of capital that Marshall University students can utilize. The first is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where students can connect with sources of funding. The second is the West Virginia Capital Access Program, which is offered by West Virginia Job Investment Trust Board and provides funding to entrepreneurs. The mission of this program is to improve the West Virginia economy through the creation of businesses. The third source of funding is StartUp West Virginia Venture, offered by TechConnectWV. StartUp West Virginia Venture funds technology innovators with the hope that they will help to advance the West Virginian economy. In addition, students seeking access to entrepreneurship and innovation mentorship can seek workshops and coaching by three different firms in Huntington.



=RELATED LINKS =

[[Marshall_University|Marshall University]]

[[Marshall_University_Student_Priorities|Marshall University Student Priorities]]
<div>2019 Fellows:</div><div>[[Kelly_leonard|Kelly Leonard]]</div><div> </div><div>[[Annika_Behnke|Annika Behnke]]</div><div> </div><div>[[McKenna_Sunderland|McKenna Sunderland]]</div>
[[Category:Schools]]
[[Category:Marshall_University]]
{{CatTree|Marshall_University}}

Topic:X2bv5chjtnceo7gy

2022-09-01T14:47:19Z

Branham53 (talk | contribs) commented on "Adaptability and teamwork" (I really enjoyed watching this documentary and seeing the groups solve these problems across the globe. One thing that really stuck out w...)

Topic:X29tq54lqxiex13m

2022-08-31T16:48:55Z

Branham53 (talk | contribs) commented on "Marshall University" (The most popular platform we have used is Microsoft Teams, which allows us to connect with other students for group projects in classes....)

Resource talk:How to create a student innovation organization with clout

2022-08-31T15:38:23Z

Branham53: /* Comment - Maddy Branham */ new section

To start an organization with clout, it is best that students innovate to solve a problem or work around a known issue. By starting an organization with clout and intent, one gains a leg up on the challenges, while also entering with validity. Leveraging the clout can help students gain traction and membership faster, thus leading to a faster output.

== Comment - Maddy Branham ==

This roadmap is a great outline for how to successfully start an innovation organization on campus! Last year, we attempted to create an Innovation Club on campus, but unfortunately it did not turn out as originally planned. I think the first step is crucial to success. Without that core group of people who are fully committed, others will not be motivated to join. Social media is also a great way to connect with students who might be interested in being a part of it. I will definitely be using these tips if we decide to start an innovation organization on campus in the future!

Topic:X1uzybdsbe47ce6q

2022-08-25T18:28:08Z

Branham53 (talk | contribs) commented on "Meira's WHY" (Hi Meira! I have a very similar outlook as you. In the past, I always judged my success in school by my grades. It didn't matter what I l...)

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2022-08-24T02:37:37Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2022-08-24T02:29:10Z

Branham53: /* Bio */

User:Branham53

2022-08-24T02:28:44Z

Branham53: Redirect to Fellow Page

#REDIRECT [[Fellow:Maddy Branham]]

Fellow:Maddy Branham

2022-08-24T02:28:36Z

Branham53: Created Fellow Page - 2022

File:Maddy Branham profile picture.png

2022-08-23T17:46:39Z

Branham53: