This month, we’re thrilled to share the story of MBS alumni Tatiana Luts. Tatiana graduated from the Professional Science Master’s program in 2023 with a concentration in Personal Care Science. Currently, she serves as Principal Scientist at Kenvue (formally known as Johnson & Johnson Consumer).
Please share a little about your academic/professional background.
I earned my PhD in Chemistry from Leipzig University and subsequently conducted postdoctoral research in Chemical Engineering and Material Science at the University of California, Berkeley. I worked on several industry-sponsored projects, which made me realize a notable difference between purely academic research and corporate-driven initiatives. The focus, the dynamics, and the outcomes were different for purely fundamental versus industry-funded projects.
Although the PhD and postdoctoral training provided me with the next level of technical expertise, it didn’t fully prepare me for a corporate role. I realized I needed to bridge this knowledge gap, which led me to the Rutgers MBS program. After taking a career break to devote to my family, I enrolled in the MBS program and joined Johnson & Johnson (now known as Kenvue). I am currently a Principal Scientist at Kenvue.
Why did you choose the MBS degree? What value did it add to your work and education?
After spending several years immersed in academic research, I decided to pivot into the personal care industry—a field that I have grown to love. My vision was to introduce technical innovative solutions and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers and in the larger community. In order to be successful, I knew I had to sharpen my business acumen while continuing to deepen my scientific expertise.
My decision to begin the Rutgers MBS program was a step toward my goals of becoming more relevant, making an industry impact, and setting myself apart in the dynamic realm of personal care. The unique blend of scientific knowledge and business skills that I acquired during the program helps me bridge the gap between technical intricacies and strategic business decisions in my current role. I feel lucky to have chosen such a career path, and I am grateful to have found the Rutgers MBS program that provided me with many relevant and applied skills that I can utilize at my job now and in the future.
Can you share some information about your current work?
I'm involved in leading innovation within the Skin Health R&D team at Kenvue. I’m responsible for overseeing the entire journey of product innovation from idea inception to development to manufacturing to launch. I have developed and launched multiple products and product lines in different skincare categories under the Neutrogena and Aveeno brands. I love that my role is a fusion of science and creativity and I thrive when I am given an unconventional innovation to unravel. I have a unique opportunity to lead projects and provide R&D support right from the moment a marketing concept takes shape to the exciting moment of witnessing the newly launched products in the hands of consumers. I enjoy designing formulation strategies that align with market trends and consumer preferences and set us apart in the market.
What makes the innovation journey even more exciting is the multidisciplinary teamwork involved. I firmly believe that the key to success is in fostering healthy collaboration across various departments and functions. At Kenvue, I have been incredibly privileged to meet amazing people, with whom the journey through challenges becomes a rewarding, meaningful and fun-filled experience.
You mentioned that you recently applied for a patent. Can you share some information about that accomplishment?
Having been a part of the MBS program for nearly five years, I've developed a strong entrepreneurial mindset. This mindset has become my driving force. I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to introduce unique product solutions that not only resonate with consumers but also provide our business with a competitive edge.
In some fortunate instances, I've managed to safeguard these innovations through intellectual property protection. This not only adds tremendous value to the corporation but also solidifies our position in the market as a forward-thinking industry leader.
How has an MBS education benefitted you post-graduation?
The MBS program was truly a game-changer for me. I joined the program after a career break to take care of my family, and it turned out to be a remarkable experience. It wasn't just about learning; it was about understanding the relevance of my technical expertise in the industry. Beyond teaching me essential business and science skills, it became a journey of self-discovery and growth. Through the program, I gained a clear understanding of the kind of person I aspire to be and the career I want to pursue.
What stood out for me was the way the program emphasizes the technical significance of the R&D function within the broader business context. This perspective generates new possibilities for technical skills for those who go through this program. The MBS program not only reignited my professional journey but also empowered me to approach it with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader perspective. As I look ahead, I'm excited to explore where my newfound knowledge and skills will take me next.
What MBS course(s) had the biggest impact on your work or education?
Ugh, this question is a real tough one, and honestly, I can't narrow it down to just one, or even a few courses. My approach to my MBS education was pretty strategic, and I took my time with each course—I spread it out over five years, and I've never regretted the time I invested. What's fascinating is how every single course left a distinct impact on me, but in different ways.
I can say without exaggeration that each course was beneficial to my learning and growth as an industry professional. The business courses I took introduced me to a wealth of new information that opened my eyes to various aspects of the business realm and broadened my perspective. The science courses were equally impactful as they had direct relevance to my work in R&D. I could immediately put into practice the skills and knowledge I gained from those courses in my day-to-day job.
Do you have any advice for current students?
My main advice is to keep learning, absorbing, and practicing new skills, and never lose sight of the belief that you can make a difference! I've found that some of the most incredible achievements happen when we venture beyond our comfort zones and embrace opportunities that might initially seem impossible.
Another piece of wisdom I've gathered through my life and work experience is to always stay authentic and true to myself, my personal values, and my beliefs. This approach has saved me so much energy that would have otherwise been spent trying to fit into someone else's mold. Being genuine not only makes me more approachable but also allows me to form deeper connections with others.
And the last piece of advice is to keep expanding your network and continue building strong (and also weak!) ties. Sometimes, the most random and seemingly irrelevant network connections can create the biggest opportunities—don’t overlook those!
Check out our previous alumni spotlights: