Three University of Utah research leaders share the pivots, mentors, and decisions that shaped their paths—and what leadership in research looks like today.

During this year’s Women’s Week, we sat down with three University of Utah research leaders helping shape the future of discovery.

Careers in research rarely follow a straight path—they shift, evolve, and open in unexpected ways. In this episode of U Groundbreakers, Julie Kiefer, PhD, speaks with Rachel Hess, MD, MS; Erin Witter Rothwell, PhD; and Neli Ulrich, MS, PhD about the moments that mattered: the mentors who guided them, the decisions that changed direction, and how they’ve grown into leadership roles across the research enterprise.

It’s a conversation grounded in experience—what it actually looks like to build a career in research, navigate complexity, and lead in a space that’s constantly moving.

If research—or leadership—is something you’re thinking about, this is a good place to start.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
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