Graduate School

Volker Lang, '09
After graduating in physics at the Friedrich-Alexander-University in Erlangen, Germany, I started to work for the biomedical device company Biotronik in Erlangen, Germany. Initially, my responsibilities encompassed basic and clinical research. My studies about atrial fibrillation using innovative lead and novel simulation technologies earned me a PhD in physics in 1999. In 2000 I accepted the position as Director of Research at Micro Systems Engineering Inc., in Lake Oswego, OR. Since then my professional responsibilities grew into the area of strategic and financial planning as well as leadership. Therefore, I decided in 2007 to enhance my leadership capabilities with the MBA program at the University of Portland. Since UP's MBA program is application oriented, I was able to benefit from the classes right away. Especially the concentration in management and entrepreneurship provided me unique insights into my everyday professional challenges as a leader. The program matured my understanding of business issues and my abilities to lead and manage change. Furthermore, it increased my network of smart and highly trained professionals.