NEW Fall 2024 - Trailblazers and Disruptors: From Ideas to Gamechangers

Instructor: Pikuei Tu, Visiting Associate Professor, The John Hope Franklin Institute for Interdisciplinary & International Studies

This seminar explores how out of the box thinking and ideas have brought creativity to problem solving and changed the way people live, interact, and contribute to the society. The class draws inspiration from different types of trailblazers and disruptors in a variety of fields and disciplines--from politics and policy to business, environment, and social movement. We examine the relevant factors and courage that have helped innovators and disruptors bring their ideas to life as well as the work executed to overcome obstacles they have encountered along the way. The course aims to provide students the learning opportunities to identify, analyze, and develop paradigm-shifting ideas that would make meaningful impacts for the society and our lives.

Dr. Pikuei Tu is a faculty member at the Interdisciplinary & International Studies and Markets & Management Studies. Her teaching and research center around management strategy, organizational leadership, innovation, health policy, and global health. Professor Tu has extensive experience in designing custom programs and working directly with international dignitaries, and health and human services leaders domestically and globally. She develops and leads cross-sector projects and advises research institutes, foundations, public agencies, and NGOs. Professor Tu holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration on organizational behavior from UNC-Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in international development policy and a graduate certificate in Latin American studies from Duke University, and an MBA from Santa Clara University. She enjoys brisk walking, traveling, and learning languages.