Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management and Technology has awarded incoming Master in Business Administration (MBA) student Heather Johnston its prestigious Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship. The annual prize supports women enrolled in the Lally School’s MBA program in their pursuit of entrepreneurial interests.

Funded annually for more than 10 years by the Herman Family Foundation, established by Karen and Michael Herman ’62, the fellowship for women in entrepreneurship at the Lally School provides for an individually tailored program of scholastic and practical experience. The fellowship covers two years of tuition, and also includes career mentoring, access to a network of professional women entrepreneurs, and business experience.

Johnston was selected for the honor based on her entrepreneurial spirit, leadership potential, technical proficiency, and strong academic credentials, according to Iftekhar Hasan, acting dean of the Lally School.

“Changing times demand a new way to teach business leaders and imbue them with an innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset,” said Hasan. “Ms. Johnston’s background as a math professor and aspiring entrepreneur creates a platform for growth as a business professional. She is the ideal recipient for the Herman Family Fellowship. We are excited about having her as a member of our new MBA class. Having already launched her own business, she brings a sense of the entrepreneurial spirit that is a core focus of the MBA program. We look forward to the innovative collaborations that will take place between Johnston, fellow students, and Lally School faculty.”

Johnston earned her doctoral degree in mathematics from the University of Chicago. She entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at the age of 16 with sophomore standing, and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  For nine years, Johnston taught courses and led research as an assistant math professor at Vassar College, the University of Massachusetts, and Rutgers University. She is the co-founder of the Vassar Women in Science and Mathematics, an organization created during her tenure that provides networking and mentoring opportunities for enrolled female students. Johnston has worked for the National Science Foundation as a grant proposal reviewer and principal investigator. She has lectured at conferences in the United States, Germany, and Italy.  

“The Herman Family Fellowship comes at a time for me as I am making the transition from  math professor to entrepreneur. I am interested in sustainable business practices that are allowing today’s companies to protect the environment and save money at the same time,” said Johnston. “I am honored to be this year’s Herman Family Fellow. There are unique challenges that women face entering the business world and trying to break the glass ceiling. The Lally School’s connection to Tech Valley provides the ideal environment for me to create a successful business plan. Most importantly, as I interact with students, faculty, and the community, I look forward to serving as a role model and mentor for young women.”

A native of Skillman, N.J., Johnston is the co-owner of Blue Bird Artworks, a graphics design company based in Woodstock, N.Y.

To date, 11 women have been awarded the Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship during their study at Rensselaer. As part of the fellowship, current and former fellowship recipients meet annually to network, discuss the challenges women face in entering the business world, and share their experiences.

About Rensselaer’s Lally School
Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management and Technology was founded in 1963 as an integral part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation’s oldest degree-granting technological university. Building on Rensselaer’s heritage of more than 175 years of leadership in science and engineering, the Lally School is dedicated to advancing business through innovation. The Lally School’s curriculum is designed to produce leaders who combine creative passion with the ability to integrate technology across business functions. The faculty emphasizes the value of hands-on experience available through campus resources such as the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship and the nation’s first on-campus business incubator. Rensselaer’s Lally School offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in management, doctoral programs in management and technology, an Executive MBA program, and a joint Sino-U.S. MBA for companies operating in China. For more information on the Lally School, go to www.lallyschool.rpi.edu.

Contact: Jessica Otitigbe
Phone: (518) 276-6050
E-mail: otitij@rpi.edu