Student selected for 2026-27 Possibility Fellowship cohort
The NDSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business has selected the 2026-27 cohort of students for its Possibility Fellowship, the university's premier entrepreneurship program.
The Possibility Fellowship is a nine-month entrepreneurial experience designed to help students transform innovative ideas into viable ventures. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, professional development and collaboration with fellow students, participants gain practical experience in entrepreneurship while building the skills needed to launch new ideas and create meaningful impact.
"Entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business. It's about recognizing opportunities, solving problems and creating value for others," said Onnolee Nordstrom, Ozbun Chair of Entrepreneurship. "The students selected for this cohort bring remarkable talent and diverse perspectives, and we look forward to helping them transform their ideas into meaningful outcomes."
The Fellowship brings together students from a wide range of disciplines across North Dakota State University, reflecting the Center's commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration across campus. Fellows receive a scholarship and prototyping stipend, along with access to entrepreneurial mentors, business advisors and networking opportunities as they work alongside peers to explore new possibilities and solve real-world challenges.
Twenty students were selected to join the 2026-27 Possibility Fellowship. They include Fatemeh Sarani Rad, a doctoral student in computer science; Adam Sundby, majoring in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship; Gayathri Senanayake, a doctoral student in microbiology; Samuel Okaah, a master's student in organizational communication; Winfred Nziku, majoring in soil science; Victoria Boateng, majoring in agribusiness and applied economics; Maria Batool; Prashant Lakhemaru, majoring in mechanical engineering; Julia Scully, a master's student in coatings and polymeric materials; Kenzie Kinney; Gabe Miles, majoring in finance; Matheus Belin, majoring in pharmaceutical sciences; Kiana Mahmoudian, majoring in biomedical engineering; Fazle Rabbi, a master's student in public history; Mahmuda Rahman, a doctoral student in communication; Philip Job, majoring in finance and business administration; Evan Hummel, majoring in accounting; Jaxon Birst, majoring in business administration and finance; Micah Hummel, majoring in mechanical and electrical engineering; and Samuel Tipka, majoring in business administration.
"Some of the most exciting ideas emerge when students with different backgrounds come together to solve meaningful problems," Nordstrom said. "This cohort is tackling issues related to health, community connection, history and business innovation, and we can't wait to see how their ideas evolve throughout the Fellowship. We encourage everyone to save the date for the Possibility Showcase on April 20 to see the impact these students are creating."
The Possibility Fellowship is one of several programs offered through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business, which serves as a launchpad for student innovation through mentorship, experiential learning and opportunities that help students turn ideas into action.