Neuroscience PhD student Will Rosellini has been named the 2009 Graduate Student Entrepreneur of the Year by the Entrepreneurs Organization at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
Rosellini is CEO of MicroTransponder Inc. The company, which Rosellini helped found, is finalizing testing on a wireless technology that holds the promise of relieving pain from chronic neurological disorders.
This year marks the GSEA’s first time to offer such recognition to a graduate student. The organization recognizes students who own and run businesses while attending a college or university — a feat Rosellini is adept at by now.
MicroTransponder Inc., is the second start-up endeavor that Rosellini has pursued while attending college nearly non-stop and acquiring a law degree and an MBA and multiple master’s degrees from UT Dallas. Rosellini was recognized for raising substantial capital — more than $4 million — for research and development at MicroTransponder and for effectively marketing the pain-relieving technology’s cutting-edge features while pursuing his PhD in neuroscience.
Dr. Larry Cauller developed the neural interface technology that led to MicroTransponder. He is the company’s chief science officer.
Dr. Joseph Picken, executive director of the UT Dallas Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE), said Rosellini has an exceptional entrepreneurship talent.
“It is a great delight to see a student achieve the level of success that Rosellini has enjoyed, not once, but twice before he attained the age of 30,” Picken said. “All of us at UT Dallas are rightfully proud of what he has accomplished.”
Rosellini credited Picken and the environment at UT Dallas for assisting him in the win.
“UT Dallas offers an exceptional climate for student entrepreneurship, with an outstanding academic program and hands-on support from the Office of Technology Commercialization and the IIE,” Rosellini said.
Jordan Curnes, COO of MicroTransponder, praised his colleague’s efforts, calling Rosellini one of the most impressive individuals he’s ever met.
“I think Will’s determined focus on helping those afflicted with chronic pain and neurological disorders is what allows him to work so tirelessly to develop the technology,” Curnes said. “Will has earned the respect of prominent scientists and business executives alike, a difficult task for any individual. All of this would not be possible without the amazing support and resources provided by UT Dallas.”
Rosellini received his MBA and master’s in accounting from the School of Management in 2003 and is currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
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Rosellini was recognized for raising more than $4 million for research and development at MicroTransponder Inc. and for effectively marketing the pain-relieving technology’s cutting-edge features while pursuing his PhD in neuroscience.