“Student Innovation at the U” is an annual publication celebrating student innovation and impact at the University of Utah. A digital version is available at lassonde.utah.edu/studentinnovation2025. This publication is produced by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business and the hub for student entrepreneurs and innovators at the U. Learn about the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at lassonde.utah.edu.
This publication is managed by staff at the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, including:
Troy D’Ambrosio — executive director, Lassonde Institute; VP for Innovation, University of Utah
Kathy Hajeb — director, Lassonde Institute; associate professor (lecturer), David Eccles School of Business
Thad Kelling — marketing director, Lassonde Institute
Despina Giannopoulos — marketing coordinator, Lassonde Institute
Contact Us
Have a question? Want copies? Want to nominate a student to be featured in the next edition? Or want to be a contributor? We want to hear from you! Contact the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at lassonde@utah.edu or 801-587-3836.
Student Contributors
Mary Allen, writer and photographer — Mary is an undergraduate student from Salt Lake City studying graphic design. In addition to her work with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, she is also involved at the MUSS Board and the Daily Utah Chronicle. Her passions lie in the arts, sports, and outdoors.
Abigail Cheney, writer and photographer — Originally from Connecticut, Abigail came to the University of Utah for their esteemed entrepreneurship and marketing programs. She is passionate about startups and entrepreneurial exploration. Her enthusiasm aligns with writing and additional artistic endeavors.
Erin Christiansen, writer — Erin is a resident student leader at Lassonde Studios and a member of the Lassonde marketing team. She is pursuing a biology degree with a minor in philosophy and plans to attend veterinary school to earn a master’s degree. She loves to write and create. She has always enjoyed the art of documenting life on paper.
Amelie Erickson, writer — Amelie is a junior at the University of Utah with a passion for marketing and accounting. She is an intern for the Master of Business Creation Marketing Agency, with hopes to pursue a JD-MBA in Australia after she graduates in 2026.
Tom Glasmann, writer and photographer — Tom is a theater, games, and English student at the University of Utah. Passionate about telling stories and performing, Tom is an entertainer at heart. In addition to this, he is known around campus for his fun, eccentric personality, and his surplus of business cards.
Sara Hakes, writer — Sara is a junior at the University of Utah majoring in strategic communication and minoring in professional sales and business development. She will be furthering her education in Europe in summer 2025, and in her free time enjoys concerts, coffee, and the outdoors.
Jillian Hall, writer and photographer — Jillian is an entrepreneurship major with a passion for creativity. Specializing in photography and graphic design, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and artistic talent to every project. Whether capturing moments through her lens or crafting compelling visual stories, Jillian is dedicated to turning visions into reality.
Topher Lloyd, writer and photographer — Topher is a senior studying electrical engineering at the University of Utah. Passionate about community-building, volunteering, and research, he is involved with many campus initiatives and is always happy to help with a project.
Kylie Manz, writer — Kylie is a senior from Massachusetts, majoring in marketing with a minor in management. Currently serving as a second-year team lead within the Master of Business Creation Marketing Agency, she is set to graduate in spring 2025 with a bachelor of science and aims to enter the sports marketing industry.
Lauren Nusbaum, writer and photographer — Lauren is from Los Angeles and moved to Utah for skiing, but stayed for a major in strategic communication. She uses her communication major and arts technology minor to further her passions of digital design and photography.
Mila Pimentel, writer and photographer — Mila is a photography and digital imaging major at the University of Utah. She loves anything creative, and she loves getting involved and meeting new people in many different clubs and events at the U!
Elle Williams, writer — Elle is a business student at the University of Utah. She started her own photography business and also does freelance work for the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. She has a passion for capturing beauty and stories through her work. When she is not working or doing schoolwork, she is snowboarding, climbing, or doing anything outdoors.
More articles like this in ‘Student Innovation @ the U!’
Find this article and a lot more in the 2025 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.
