Office of Graduate Affairs

Heather Sternshein, PhD'09, Neuroscience

Program Director, Project Kitty Hawk, Inc.

Heather on LinkedIn

April 1, 2026

Can you describe your career path and how it has led to your current work?

My career path was a bit winding. I initially planned to become a professor, but during my postdoctoral work, I began exploring alternatives, beginning with volunteer teaching in a middle school. A talk on new academic initiatives led directly to my work supporting faculty in the development of massive open online courses (MOOCs). This work led to both of my subsequent professional opportunities. I’ve found success by staying open to new initiatives that pique my interest and following those paths.

What does a typical day/week look like for you in this position?

There is no typical day, but I generally spend my time collaborating with faculty, administrators, and internal teams to review and optimize the faculty and student experience for online programs.

What skills from your Brandeis degree have you found most valuable in your current work?

The most valuable skills have been project management, the credibility required to work effectively with faculty, and the ability to synthesize complex information into an actionable plan.

What advice do you have for current students as they embark on their career exploration or job search?

I recommend talking to people in roles you find interesting, even if you don't see a direct path from your current degree. Focus these conversations on learning rather than asking for a job offer.