What's Your Big Idea?

Dr. Holden Thorp currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and Professor of Chemistry at George Washington University, following a distinguished career in academic leadership and entrepreneurship. A North Carolina native, he earned his B.S. in Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill with highest honors, completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Caltech at age 24, and conducted postdoctoral work at Yale University. His career spans multiple leadership roles, including Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill (2008-2013) and Provost at Washington University in St. Louis (2013-2019), where he significantly increased student diversity and academic excellence. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded several biotechnology companies, including Viamet Pharmaceuticals and Xanthon, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His academic contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a charter fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and selection for the Presidential Young Investigator Award. Beyond his scientific work, he has shaped higher education policy through service on the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment and the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, while maintaining his passion for music as an accomplished jazz bassist and keyboard player.

Buck Goldstein serves as University Entrepreneur in Residence and Professor of the Practice in the Department of Economics at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he has been instrumental in transforming entrepreneurship education since 2004. After earning his B.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) from UNC-Chapel Hill, M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, and J.D. with honors from UNC Law School, he built an impressive career as a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded Information America, which grew from a startup to a NASDAQ-listed company before being acquired by Thomson Corporation, and later founded NetWorth Partners, a venture capital fund, before becoming a partner at Mellon Ventures. His entrepreneurial success earned him recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year from the Information Industry Association. At UNC, he helped establish The Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative and remains closely involved with the Minor in Entrepreneurship program. He co-authored "Engines of Innovation—The Entrepreneurial University in the 21st Century" with Holden Thorp, advocating for research universities' role in addressing global challenges. His business leadership extends to serving as Chairman of Medfusion (acquired by Intuit), Board Observer for iContact (acquired by Vocus), and advisor to various technology companies and non-profits. Through his teaching and mentorship, he continues to champion entrepreneurship as a vital force for societal change.