Q&A with CELect director II Luscri

One of the essential features of the Center for Experiential Learning is our ability to bring classroom learning to life through real-world client engagements—and our faculty directors are one of the elements that make this possible.

Professor II Luscri is the managing director at Skandalaris and now faculty director of the CEL Entrepreneurial Consulting Team, which he describes as “strong multidisciplinary teams that can look at the problems and challenges the startups are facing from a different lens and, in turn, create a comprehensive strategy for them to advance.” We sat down with II to get to know him better as he begins his new role. Check out the full interview below.

How long have you been teaching at WashU?

I have been back at WashU since 2018, but I was here previously from 2007-2011.

What drew you to the CEL?

To me, there is nothing more important than giving our students real-world, practical experiences in ways that enhance our region and community. The CEL has a long history of doing that, and I am proud to be a part of this tradition.  

II Luscri

What unique perspective will you bring to the students?

I see and work with startups across many industries and stages of development. As the managing director of the Skandalaris Center and the assistant vice provost for innovation and entrepreneurship, I routinely engage with alumni investors and founders who bring valuable insights into our community.

 How do you plan to drive impact in CELect projects?

By creating win-win situations where our students learn and startups get the competitive intel our students are able to generate.

What advice would you give to students interested in participating in the CELect program?

Be open-minded about the startups you are interested in working with. You may learn more by working outside of your comfort zone than focusing on an area that you already know well.

Why do you think students should get involved with CELect?

If you are interested in founding your own company, working at a startup, or seeing how fast good ideas can be put into action, CELect is for you.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this academic year?

I’d like to see better connectivity across our portfolio, and I am grateful for this opportunity as it brings Skandalaris and the CEL closer together.

All interview questions don’t have to be so serious, right? We asked Professor Luscri this question just for fun.

If you had an unlimited amount of money to start up a business, what would it be?

Wouldn’t it be cool to beat Elon to Mars?

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Professor Luscri has highlighted some fundamental dynamics of an experience with the CELect program—one of many ways students can make a real impact in the startup community. The synergy between Skandalaris and Olin is an opportunity for better support across startups that:

• are coming out of all parts of the university, including those Skandalaris works with off University IP and from students and alumni, or
• enter the WashU ecosystem and are looking for support.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about Professor II Luscri. The CEL team is excited to have him on board. You can learn more about II on his career profile, located here.

Ashley Atkins, program coordinator, wrote this on behalf of the Center for Experiential Learning.