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In this Alumni Hour conversation, Sara Zervos Knutson interviews with fellow Class of 1987, Shaun Kirkpatrick, about his journey from a small-town Arizona upbringing to a career at the forefront of biotechnology commercialization and venture development. Shaun combined studies in biology and economics at the University of Arizona before earning a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. A chance encounter at a university event launched a more than three-decade career with Research Corporation Technologies (RCT), where he has helped translate academic discoveries into biomedical innovations, evaluate emerging startups, and support the development of new technologies and therapies.In this interview, Shaun, also the only ever Flinn Scholar and a member on the Foundation's Board of Directors, discusses how interdisciplinary thinking shaped his career, what separates successful startup founders from the rest, and how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, higher education, and scientific discovery.Interview Highlights:0:00 — Introduction1:10 — Growing up in Casa Grande and choosing Flinn 2:46 — Combining economics and biology 7:19 — Graduate studies at Johns Hopkins 10:00 — A chance encounter that launched his career 12:52 — Research Corporation Technologies and its mission 22:47 — What makes a startup worth backing 26:44 — Understanding U.S. drug pricing 30:28 — AI in healthcare and drug discovery 30:56 — AI's impact on higher education 35:09 — How venture capital funding works 38:01 — Tech transfer, venture development, and VC 42:47 — Government research funding vs. private capital 49:15 — Advice for current students

In this Alumni Hour conversation, Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) speaks with Sarah Parmar (’02) about her journey from growing up on a ranch in southern Arizona to a career shaping water policy and community engagement. Sarah’s path has been defined by a deep connection to place, culture, and conversation—from early experiences in Douglas, Arizona, to shifting her academic focus at ASU and ultimately building a long career in nonprofit work centered on natural resources. Her perspective bridges the worlds of land management, water conservation, and community dialogue, emphasizing the importance of listening across differences. In this interview, Sarah discusses how community and culture shape policy decisions, what it means to build a long‑term career in nonprofit work, and how inclusive conversation can drive more sustainable approaches to water and land use. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — A day in the life of 10‑year‑old Sarah4:49 — Childhood dinner table conversations7:40 — Border culture and growing up in Douglas10:24 — The value of staying in Arizona13:08 — Giving yourself permission to explore15:23 — Why she switched to economics19:22 — Reflecting on the Fulbright decision25:33 — Staying at one organization for 18 years30:23 — Choosing the right nonprofit32:01 — What policymakers get right and wrong about water rights34:59 — Misconceptions between land and water communities38:03 — Returning to the family ranch43:02 — Addressing AI’s resource impact through policy47:58 — Uplifting underheard voices51:36 — The role of private landowners55:09 — Rethinking approaches to water resources

In this Alumni Hour conversation, Flinn Scholars alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) speaks with Alex Lau (’03) about his winding path through filmmaking, storytelling, and creative leadership. Alex’s career spans documentary filmmaking, political campaigns, startups, and large‑scale corporate media environments. From landing an early whale shark-filming gig through Craigslist to working on a presidential campaign and ultimately leading creative production at Meta, his journey reflects both the highs and lows of working in a competitive, fast‑changing creative industry. In this interview, Alex discusses how good storytelling transcends industries, what he learned from moments of professional defeat and reinvention, and how creatives can navigate uncertainty while building resilient, values‑driven careers. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Background, upbringing, and family history3:05 — Choosing college over the family business5:18 — Early mindset and academic direction9:03 — Landing the first professional filmmaking job13:22 — What makes storytelling work across clients15:42 — Working on the 2016 Clinton presidential campaign21:18 — Processing the election aftermath23:43 — Lessons from startup challenges28:07 — Executive production and creative work at Meta31:13 — Organizational change and AI in production teams33:04 — Key challenges for corporate media teams today34:07 — Advice for navigating anxiety and career uncertainty

In this Alumni Hour conversation, Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) speaks with Sara Castro, Ph.D. (’95), about her path from Flinn Scholar at Arizona State University to a career at the intersection of intelligence, academia, and national security. Sara began her journey with early ambitions in journalism before a pivotal decision to study Chinese reshaped her career toward international relations and intelligence analysis. She went on to serve as a CIA analyst, supporting policymakers through rigorous evaluation of evidence, before pursuing a PhD to examine deeper questions about Chinese ideology and U.S.–China relations. Today, she teaches military officers, helping future leaders understand China on its own terms within an increasingly interdependent global system. In this interview, Sara discusses how language study shaped her career path, what intelligence analysis actually entails behind the scenes, and why teaching strategic thinking requires resisting assumptions and bias. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Early career aspirations and education2:37 — Learning Chinese and changing career direction5:43 — Experiencing the legacy of early PRC systems in China15:06 — Becoming a CIA analyst and dispelling common myths25:25 — Evaluation and promotion at the CIA27:48 — Analyst briefing and preparation techniques31:52 — Leaving the CIA for academic research33:57 — Insights from the Dixie Mission and U.S.–China relations41:10 — Teaching China to military officers44:34 — Xi Jinping, ideology, and grand strategy48:00 — Global interdependence and global enemies50:52 — Shared human values across cultures52:13 — Choosing discomfort as a path to growth

In this Alumni Hour conversation, Flinn Scholars alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) speaks with Alexis “Lexi” Darby (’15) about her winding academic and professional path—from switching majors repeatedly at ASU to pursuing and ultimately leaving a PhD program in biomedicine. After stepping away from academia, Lexi discovered a fulfilling career in executive search, where she now works with emerging leaders and senior executives across multiple industries. Her journey reflects a commitment to values‑driven decision‑making, honest self‑assessment, and the courage to pivot when needed. In this interview, Lexi discusses navigating nonlinear career paths, the importance of aligning work with personal values, and how the Flinn community has supported her through major transitions. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Flinn Scholar experience and choosing ASU3:06 — The “three‑in‑one” undergraduate major5:34 — Deciding to pursue a PhD7:42 — Realizing medicine wasn’t the right path14:56 — Transitioning into executive search28:21 — Standing out in the job market32:25 — Over-indexing on achievement and rebalancing35:26 — Identifying and aligning with personal values44:45 — Daily joys in her work47:13 — Qualities of a future CEO49:08 — Inspiring interviews from an interviewer’s perspective51:43 — Navigating career transitions55:15 — Utilizing the Flinn community

In this conversation between Flinn alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) and Eric Jackson (’93), Eric reflects on how a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut shifted after a memorable NASA launch delay—and how that moment opened the door to an unexpected path in linguistics. His career has taken him from Moscow to rural China, working in language documentation, NGO roles, and computational linguistics while navigating life and partnership abroad. In this interview, Eric discusses his global work in language and culture, the impact of Flinn‑funded travel on his academic journey, and how emerging technologies are reshaping career opportunities at the intersection of linguistics and AI. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Eric’s current role in linguistics2:42 — The Flinn Scholarship and early career plans5:16 — NASA internships and unexpected career pivots12:12 — Transitioning to linguistics in Moscow17:25 — Understanding the field of linguistics19:49 — Pursuing graduate studies in linguistics21:44 — Moving to China: experience and advice29:21 — Life in rural China and cultural insights38:54 — Transitioning from NGO work to teaching49:29 — Breakthroughs in computational linguistics51:51 — Challenges of working with Chinese colleagues53:59 — Words that should exist in English55:40 — Language learning and pronunciation skills57:32 — Advice for a career in linguistics and AI

In this engaging Alumni Hour interview, alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) sits down with Paul Burkhardt (’86), the newly appointed president of Naropa University, for a wide‑ranging conversation about leadership, learning, and purposeful work. Paul’s path has taken him from living in the Bahamas and teaching scuba diving to senior roles at Arizona International College, Prescott College, and now Naropa, where he continues to advocate for holistic and student‑centered education. In this interview, Paul discusses lessons from leading educational institutions through change, the strengths of alternative and experiential learning, and how creativity and Eastern philosophy have shaped his approach to leadership and personal growth. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Introduction1:18 — Paul’s love for boats2:41 — Introduction to the Flinn Scholarship7:42 — Choosing a major and early career advice12:33 — Career path that brought Paul to Arizona20:10 — Leading the closure of Arizona International College22:10 — Strengths of alternative education models25:04 — Advice for Flinn Scholars at large universities27:22 — Paul’s study abroad experience31:19 — What makes Naropa University distinctive35:12 — Embracing creativity and overcoming fear37:21 — The role of a university president43:12 — How Eastern philosophy influenced Paul’s path47:17 — Student fit and recruitment at Prescott College50:49 — Transitioning from teaching to administration55:11 — Higher education trends and the value of interpersonal skills

In this episode of Alumni Hour, alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) sits down with Wylie Timmerman (’06) to explore the many directions his academic and professional journey has taken since graduating. Wylie has worked across policy, data science, and technology, with experiences ranging from international study programs to roles at the AFL‑CIO and fast‑growing private companies, all while navigating major transitions between disciplines and sectors. In this interview, Wylie discusses how living abroad shaped his worldview, what it takes to maintain strong networks through relocations, and whether pursuing a graduate degree in data science is worth the investment. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Introduction1:12 — First semester at ASU4:33 — Sticking with political science7:57 — First job after college11:44 — The San Francisco fellowship20:26 — Master’s program projects22:17 — Getting a job after grad school25:22 — Working in a fast‑growing firm30:23 — Private vs. public sector work33:32 — AI, coding, and job security38:07 — Flinn travel experience39:58 — Living and working in China42:09 — Work–life balance with a family45:07 — Maintaining networks48:36 — Is a data science graduate degree worth it?

In this Alumni Hour episode, alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) interviews Ryan Johnson (’02), co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, a company reimagining how we design cities and live together—without relying on cars. Based in Tempe, Culdesac is the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the United States. Ryan’s career spans venture capital, real estate investing, and leadership roles at McKinsey and Bain Capital, all of which shaped his passion for building sustainable, people-centered communities. In this interview, Ryan discusses his journey through startups and urban innovation, the challenges of scaling car-free development, and how his Flinn Scholars experience influenced his values around community, mobility, and design. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Introduction2:13 — How the Budapest trip shaped a vision for city design4:05 — Risks of early real estate investments5:44 — Time spent in Brazil after university8:46 — Experience and nature of working at McKinsey16:23 — Role and learning at Bain Capital20:05 — Ryan’s life’s mission25:50 — Culdesac’s elevator pitch26:35 — Challenges of launching Culdesac28:52 — Culdesac’s mission and growth aspirations30:57 — Advice on coping with pressure33:39 — E‑bike recommendations34:36 — Working with city stakeholders on Culdesac37:16 — Building confidence from setbacks39:50 — Activating walkable neighborhoods in cities like Tempe42:16 — Pitching dense, car‑free neighborhoods to skeptics45:10 — Strategies for scaling Culdesac49:26 — Marketing walkable and new urban developments52:21 — Roadblocks for car‑free development in D.C.54:36 — Networking within the Flinn alumni community57:40 — Book and podcast recommendations

Anne Lassen, Vice President of the Flinn Scholars Program, interviews Nesima Aberra (’09) in this Alumni Hour conversation on her work at the intersection of media, social impact, and storytelling. Based in the DC-Metro Area, Nesima is a writer and digital strategist who currently serves as vice president of digital and content at Change Consulting, with previous roles at The Atlantic and the Center for Public Integrity. Her career reflects a commitment to ethical communication, community-centered narratives, and the power of multidisciplinary creativity. In this Alumni Hour episode, Nesima discusses how journalism and philanthropy can drive social impact, what ethical storytelling requires in a digital world, and how creative writing continues to shape her personal and professional life. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Chandler roots and family influence3:32 — Applying for the Flinn Scholarship5:31 — Choosing majors at ASU12:13 — First steps after graduation20:45 — Working at The Atlantic and moving on24:54 — Making values‑aligned career decisions27:03 — Networking moments that opened doors29:11 — What movement journalism means31:30 — Navigating ethical storytelling33:14 — A myth about social media and virality34:50 — How to consume media responsibly37:04 — Managing digital overload and fatigue39:05 — Lessons from leading a communications team48:07 — Overcoming writer’s block50:00 — Advice on taking career risks53:16 — Realizing advancement limits at The Atlantic56:01 — What’s next on Nesima’s bucket list

Flinn Scholars alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) interviews Jake Batsell (’92) in this Alumni Hour conversation exploring his path from student journalist to reporter, author, and journalism professor. Jake has worked as a reporter for The Dallas Morning News and The Seattle Times, conducted international reporting in Zimbabwe, authored Engaged Journalism, and now serves as a journalism professor at Southern Methodist University, where he focuses on strengthening ethical practices and audience engagement in modern newsrooms. In this Alumni Hour episode, Jake discusses the evolving responsibilities of journalists in a digital media landscape, the ethical implications of AI in reporting, and how young people can develop strong media literacy skills. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Introduction0:55 — Jake Batsell’s career journey9:26 — Reporting in Zimbabwe and press freedom15:02 — Free speech in the digital media era19:17 — Finding your voice amid influencers27:17 — Defining success and advice to his younger self31:52 — AI issues facing journalism today36:01 — Media literacy and combating misinformation40:34 — Advice for new journalism majors43:38 — How ownership influences newsroom decisions46:54 — How journalism students have changed50:01 — Transformative writing experiences53:43 — How to find and win competitive internships

Flinn Scholars alumna Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) interviews Wendy Cassity (’93) in this Alumni Hour conversation on her journey since receiving Arizona’s prestigious merit scholarship. Wendy has served as Chief Legal Officer for global companies, guiding organizations through high-stakes transactions, crisis management, and innovation-driven growth. Her path has taken her from Arizona to major NYC law firms and executive roles in technology and industrial organizations. In this Alumni Hour episode, she reflects on the advantages of a humanities background, the lessons she learned during the 2008 financial crisis, and how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping opportunities for the next generation of legal and corporate leaders. Interview Highlights: 0:00 — Introduction0:58 — Overview of Wendy Cassity’s legal background4:16 — What corporate lawyers really do vs. common misconceptions10:30 — How law school choice impacts your career16:07 — Navigating career setbacks during the 2008 global recession19:07 — Career advice Wendy would give her younger self22:18 — How Wendy transitioned from law firm work to corporate roles29:06 — Most memorable projects in the metals and mining industry31:55 — How to switch jobs strategically at the executive level37:29 — Managing personality–career fit in the legal profession40:45 — Wendy’s favorite Flinn Scholars memories and connections43:07 — How AI is reshaping legal careers and advice for young professionals

I’m excited to share the highlights from our latest podcast session featuring our very own Jay Baer—a candid, fast-paced conversation that blends real-world business insights with personal storytelling. In this episode, Jay dives into:   • The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Jay shares how a life-changing moment pushed him to quit the safe 9-to-5 and embrace the inherent risks of starting his own business—a decision that not only defined his career but also became a family legacy.   • Building Your Personal Brand: Learn why your personal brand is more than a resume. Jay explains how authenticity and consistent storytelling can open doors, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder.   • Insights on Business & Marketing: From his early days in digital marketing to his evolution as a thought leader and advisor, Jay reveals how process-of-elimination and real-world experience have shaped his path, including his unique approach to content creation and public speaking.   • A Tequila Twist: Not just all business—Jay also shares his passion for tequila! He discusses how his love for artisanal spirits ties into his brand and even dishes out recommendations for both everyday and standout tequila choices.   • The Future of Work & AI: With a nod to today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, the conversation touches on how AI is reshaping customer expectations and streamlining business decisions without losing that human touch.   The episode is a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice that’s sure to spark ideas for your own career and creative projects. Whether you’re looking to redefine your brand, take a leap into entrepreneurship, or just want some refreshing insights (with a side of tequila!), this podcast is a must-listen.

Class of 1990 Flinn Scholar Kris Mayes is the Co-Director of the Energy Policy Innovation Council and Director of the Utility of the Future Center and is a member of the faculty at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Global Institute of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society. She served as an Arizona Corporation Commissioner (ACC) from 2003 to 2010, where she was also its chairman for two years. While a commissioner, Kris co-authored Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard, Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, and the state’s net metering rules. Prior to that, she worked as Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s communications director and served as a reporter for the Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette newspapers. Links: - https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/energy-policy/ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristin_Mayes - https://twitter.com/krismayes

Class of 1991 Flinn Scholar Michelle Minitti is the principal of  Framework, a consultancy specializing in planetary-science research and  Mars mission operations. Michelle is a co-investigator for the Mars Curiosity Rover,  working with members of the engineering and operations teams utilizing  the Mars Hand Lens Imager and the Mars Descent Imager projects; as  co-investigator for the Mars 2020 Rover,  she contributes to planning for operations of the Wide Angle  Topographic Sensor for Operations and Engineering (WATSON)  investigation. Michelle is a graduate of the University of Arizona and  earned a Ph.D. in geological sciences from Brown University.