Mary Kathleen Burke

1. Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis.

As a postdoc, my role blends paper development and professional development. The former is about managing a pipeline of publications, initiating new projects, presenting lectures and debating scholarly topics. The latter is about nurturing professional relationships and seeking opportunities to improve in research and teaching. Being a postdoc encourages one to learn how to contribute to the new institution. I’m currently in a lab which focuses on fostering global educational transformation through action learning techniques.

2. What is the attraction of doing research?

Research is about falling in love with problems. It celebrates intensity and imperfection. I love writing, and research allows me to write about issues facing real places and communities. In social science, and specifically entrepreneurship, research is also a way to connect with other disciplines and sectors of society – in an effort to create a positive impact.

3. Why did you choose to do your PhD at SSE?

During my Master’s at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, I was introduced to SSE as a Wallenberg International Fellow. As someone new to Sweden, SSE struck me as a place with an exquisite sense of tradition and a collective vision for the future. Between the two was a strong current of entrepreneurship and an appreciation for international networks. The Wallenberg alumni network solidified my decision to pursue a PhD in Business Administration at SSE's Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology.

4. Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?

Be thankful for the moments, people, and ideas that surprise you. Delight in the contrasts, novelty, and experiences you will uncover through your own efforts. You may, in turn, surprise yourself.

5. What are three words that sum up your time at SSE?

Dream. Create. Reflect.