In honor of the 125th anniversary of the first PhD degree being conferred at Northwestern University in 1896, The Graduate School (TGS) is highlighting PhD alumni community in the 125 years of Alumni Spotlight Series. Throughout 2021, their series will highlight 125 alumni profiles, aimed at building community, bridging knowledge, recognizing achievements, and inspiring others.
Meet Azurii Collier ‘12 PhD, in this Q&A alumni profile from TGS’s spotlight series.
Azurii Collier graduated from Northwestern with a PhD in psychology, studying how the brain solves problems via an ‘Aha!’ moment. Collier is currently the Director of Enterprise Innovation at AbbVie, an active advisor to biotech startups and a national leader for Women in Bio.
“I have a vision to forge Chicago into the biotechnology capital of the world. Chicago has the expertise, ecosystem and enthusiasm to galvanize the disparate resources and become a leading region that drives innovation. I want to be a key leader in setting and achieving this vision,” said Collier.