Venture Forward videos

“Thinking about tech on its own is not so interesting, but what is interesting is how all of these huge spaces that mean so much to us are mediated by different forms of technology, whether we like it or not.”

Mimi Onuoha ’11, media artist and researcher

Mimi Onuoha smiling, sitting in front of some of her art projects.

Making audacious bets on the future of technology: Media artist Mimi Onuoha ’11 shines a light into the invisible margins of data

As a media artist and researcher whose work examines the effects of technology on culture and behavior, Mimi Onuoha ’11 is fascinated by the constant conversion of lives and lived experiences into data sets and how that information is represented — or misrepresented.

“We’re building a community of artists across Trenton and Princeton University that supplements what’s already being done in Trenton, not supplants it. TAP grew so fast because we had seeded the ground with these relationships of mutual trust and respect.”

Lou Chen ’19, program manager for Trenton Arts at Princeton and director of the Trenton Youth Orchestra

“There are driven, smart, intelligent people everywhere, and it shouldn’t be about where you’re born. This notion is close to my heart and hopefully we can make a small impact and give all students the same opportunities for success.”

David MacMillan, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry

Making audacious bets on opportunity: David MacMillan becomes a catalyst for change

Princeton chemistry professor David MacMillan grew up in Scottish steel town where the opportunity for a college education was extremely rare. Now, after winning the Nobel Prize, he’s providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds because he knows “there are driven, smart, intelligent people everywhere.”

“I get a visceral enjoyment from knowing that I’m being useful, that what I’m doing is helping someone else.”

Morgan Smith ’21

Morgan Smith with her grandfather, David King

From Princeton to Chicago legal aid, Morgan Smith ’21 leads through service

At Princeton, Morgan Smith developed a sense of self through helping others. Today, she works for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, a pro bono legal aid organization that represents the interests of children.

“We’re on the cusp of a revolution in our ability to gain a mechanistic understanding of how species coexist, how ecosystems work, and how to patch them up when they get damaged.”

Rob Pringle, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology

With DNA toolkit, Rob Pringle is learning how to rebuild broken ecosystems

In Kenya and Mozambique, Professor Rob Pringle and his team are using a revolutionary technique called DNA metabarcoding to analyze animal diets so they can better understand complex ecosystems and how to help sustain them.

“Technology is allowing us to get down to the single cell level, giving us a better understanding of how human cells — and humans as a whole — work.”

Mona Singh, professor of computer science and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics

Mona Singh is tailoring tools to crack the cancer code

Mona Singh is a professor of computer science and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. Her groundbreaking research into how proteins interact could have enormous ramifications for the study of diseases, in particular cancer.

“Princeton is a place where people want to see you do well. I think that’s a reason I decided to go back to Chambersburg, because I want to bring that same positive mindset back home: If you want to do something amazing, let’s figure out how to get you there.”

Kelton Chastulik ’21

“The Venture Forward campaign aims to engage our alumni and friends, encourage a spirit of service to the University and to humanity, and help us expand the frontiers of knowledge.”

President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83