Data skills learned at Watson help BOLD 10 Under 10 award winner with healthcare analytics

Through the BOLD (Bearcats of the Last Decade) 10 Under 10 Awards, Binghamton University honors alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, demonstrated a very high level of career achievement since leaving campus, and show great potential for future leadership.

Four of this year’s winners are alumni of the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. We asked them how Watson influenced their lives and career paths.

Jann Gao, MS ’15, is an industrial engineer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt; she excels at answering the right questions with both quantitative and qualitative insights.

Her work revolves around data analytics, constantly seeking to combine disparate parts to create greater insights in healthcare strategic planning and capital investment. Gao believes thoughtfully designed, data-driven engagements, along with interactive and fast analytics-driven tools and dashboards, are crucial for addressing clients’ complex questions as they navigate an increasingly uncertain future.

Leading Blue Cottage of CannonDesign’s Healthcare Strategy and Analytics team, Gao blends hard data with stakeholder insights and industry perspectives to enhance strategic planning for networks, buildings and campuses. Her team’s comprehensive analytics capabilities, combined with her deep knowledge of strategic growth planning and translating growth into future investments, have enabled many clients to make critical decisions swiftly and effectively.

Outside her professional role, Gao is a curator and event planner for TEDxChicago, bringing new voices and perspectives to the city and beyond. She also volunteers for the Chicago Health Executives Forum Network and Education Committee. In her free time, you can find Gao playing tennis near Lake Michigan or enjoying a good book at the local library on weekends.

The Binghamton University Alumni Association will present its 2025 Special Recognition Awards on Saturday, May 3, at the Binghamton Club.

What is it like receiving an award like this?

Receiving this award is an incredible honor! It was a delightful surprise and a wonderful recognition of the dedication and hard work I’ve put into my career. I’m truly grateful for this acknowledgment. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence and contributing to my field.

How do you think your time at Watson set you up for success?

The Watson Institute for Systems Excellence (WISE) program was instrumental in preparing me for industry experience. The application-focused knowledge I gained was immensely valuable, especially in real-world scenarios. The analytical skills I developed there have been incredibly beneficial in my career. The hands-on projects and collaborative environment at Watson truly set the foundation for my professional growth.

Which Watson class or professor changed the way you thought about your area of study?

Distinguished Professor Mohammad Khasawneh’s focus on healthcare improvement and introducing industrial engineering to healthcare was truly transformative. The LSS black-belt training I received also played a significant role in setting me up for success. His teachings have had a lasting impact on my approach to my field. The way he integrated real-world problems into the curriculum made the learning experience incredibly enriching and practical.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Binghamton?

Some of my favorite memories include the beautiful and colorful fall gatherings with fellow students. We would dream about the future together, and those moments were truly special and inspiring. The camaraderie and shared aspirations created a strong sense of community and belonging that I cherish to this day.

What advice would you give to current Watson students?

Focus on the depth of your studies, especially in data-driven efforts. These skills will pay off immensely in the future. Also, try to apply what you learn to real-life problems as much as possible. It will make your education even more valuable. Embrace every opportunity to collaborate with peers and seek mentorship from professors. These experiences will shape your professional journey in profound ways.