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Student Spotlight: Ervin L. McWilson II

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September 12, 2022

Meet Ervin L. McWilson II
Incoming PhD student

HOMETOWN
Pensacola, Florida

WHERE I LIVED PRIOR TO STANFORD
Sacramento, California

ALMAE MATRES
Binghamton University
Norfolk State University

DEGREES & MAJORS
Master of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science, Electronics Engineering

Academic and work experience

I have led successful careers in electrical engineering and entrepreneurship. After graduating with my master's degree, I entered the aerospace & defense industry, working for elite companies such as BAE Systems, Northrup Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies. In addition to my engineering career, I launched multiple entrepreneurial endeavors. Building upon my engineering experience, I started a transportation business, incorporating innovative strategies and techniques. The struggles I experienced within the world of entrepreneurship ignited a desire to evaluate the entrepreneurial ecosystem necessary to advance African-American tech entrepreneurs. This passion led me to pursue my doctorate degree in Management Science and Engineering.

Impact I hope to have in my field and the world

I want to expand our knowledge of how African-American tech entrepreneurs succeed by developing a framework for characterizing the success of African-American tech entrepreneurs. As an aspiring professor, my goal is to create incubators based on my research that will possess these unique mechanisms to facilitate the development of African-American tech entrepreneurs.

Interests and hobbies

First and foremost, I am a proud dad of two toddler girls and a military husband to an active duty Air Force Officer. I enjoy spending quality time with my family. Sometimes that entails movie nights, singing, swimming, hiking, and road trips. Outside of spending time with my family, I enjoy golf, books, concerts, and mentoring the next generation.

Meet the 2022 incoming PhD cohort