The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Michigan State University announces Jennifer German (‘24, M.S. Medical Science), founder of Integrate Ed, Inc. as the 2024 Owen/Willard Student Entrepreneur Scholar.
The Owen/Willard Student Entrepreneur Scholarship, established by Ray Owen (BSEE, 1979) and Charissa Willard, supports MSU students working to advance society through innovation.
Early Beginnings
Jennifer German’s life began in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she spent her early years before moving to Arlington, Massachusetts, at the age of seven following her parents' divorce. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, graduating with a degree in Engineering in 2000. Despite her success, while in her junior year, she realized that engineering was not her ultimate career path. The difficulty in changing majors led her to complete her degree and transition into programming—a hobby she was passionate about.
A Shift In Careers
German’s professional career began as a Junior Software Engineer at a Boston-based international company specializing in automated stock portfolio optimizations. However, the company’s downsizing in 2002 led to her layoff. In 2003, she returned to Michigan and joined a small start-up in Detroit, developing web applications for GM and Delphi. A comment from her manager—“You have a nice career ahead of you as a software developer”—was a wake-up call. German knew that her current role was just a job to fund her search for a more fulfilling career.
While working full-time, German got certification as an EMT-Basic through classes at Schoolcraft College and volunteered at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia. This experience convinced her to follow her aspirations of entering the healthcare field. “Volunteering as an EMT really opened my eyes,” German reflects. “I loved helping people, and I knew that healthcare was where I needed to be.”
Embracing Entrepreneurship
When German was laid off again in 2012, a fresh chapter of growth and opportunity began. “I had made some great connections, and Ted Dacko, one of them, helped me land a job at another start-up,” she recalls. German rose to Lead Software Developer at the company during this time.
This period of her life also led to her entrepreneurship journey “I started asking a few questions about how the business worked, and before I knew it, Dick Beedon, the founder, was mentoring me,” German explains. “It was a short-lived mentorship, but it opened my eyes to entrepreneurship in a way I hadn’t considered before.”
A Return to Healthcare
By 2016, Jennifer knew it was time to return to her dream of being in medicine. “I’d always wanted to be a doctor, but I kept putting it off,” she admits. She enrolled in the University of Michigan’s Post baccalaureate Medical Preparation program.
After completing the program, she was accepted into Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). “Dr. Katherine Ruger was a huge influence in my decision to go to MSUCOM. She showed me a medical philosophy that matched my personal beliefs.”
How the Burgess Institute Has Fueled Innovation
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been a monumental stepping stone for German. This scholarship is making it possible for her to continue her dream of combining education, healthcare, and technology. “This is my first go as an entrepreneur,” she says. “I’m learning how much I don’t know, but I’ve always been willing to take calculated risks. My family thinks I’m crazy, but to me, these decisions have never been reckless—they’ve been well-thought-out steps toward a bigger goal.”
Thanks to Dr. Katherine Ruger, Jennifer was introduced to the Burgess Institute and quickly realized its resources. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the Burgess Institute has been a game-changer for me,” she says. “The support they provide has given me a real chance to grow my company, even as a first-time entrepreneur.”
The Impact of the Owen/Willard Scholarship
Receiving the Owen/Willard Scholarship has brought relief and excitement to German. She states how this is helping her support her family while simultaneously perfecting her product. “I can continue to work full time on my company, towards the MVP of my product, and not have to get a side job to support my family that would pull focus and time away from Integrate Ed.” German stated.