Who I Am
A Learner, Researcher, Investor, Architect, & Futurist.
Origin Story
Leila is originally from Marin County, California where she got her start pursuing research in artificial intelligence & data science. It was her love of computational research, coupled with her deep curiosity in the foundations of mathematics & economics, that inspired her exploration of operations research & financial engineering. Through her work & studies, she has dedicated herself to accelerating technological progress, driving system innovation, & fostering environmental stewardship. Above all, Leila is a true generalist.
Academic Profile
Bachelor of Science & Engineering candidate in Operations Research & Financial Engineering Department at Princeton University. Focus in Statistics, Decision Making, Machine Learning, & Architecture.
Pursuing studies at the University of Cambridge, engaging in coursework led by acclaimed professors & specialists exploring the intersection in Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, & Economics (summer 2025)
Earned a Highest Honors Associate Degree in Computational Mathematics & Highest Honors Associate Degree Economics from the City College of San Francisco (2024)
SIEML Fellow of the UC Office of the President. Awarded by President Michael V. Drake a full tuition & fee fellowship to all six UC Graduate Schools of Management upon admission. Competed in an investment-focused case competition held by the Graduate Board of Management.
Research Experience
Leila’s research interests are centered at the intersection of sustainable investments, energy transition technologies, management science, & machine learning.
Energy Transition Research Assistant | Princeton Climate Politics Lab (2025)
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Engineer | Research funded by Amazon Web Services, National Institute of Health, & USC Viterbi School of Engineering | USC Information Sciences Institute (2023)
Professional Background
Leila brings a diversity of experience spanning multiple industries within the SF Bay Area, California & Jackson Hole, Wyoming:
Healthcare - Medical Device Development & Equitable Patient Access | Diversity by Doing, Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign, & Fogarty Innovation (2024)
Biotechnology - Operations, Supply Chain Management, & Financial Logistics | Genentech - Member of Roche Pharmaceuticals (2024)
Finance - Early Stage Venture Capital | Investing in AI-powered Climate Solutions | Blue Bear Capital (summer 2025)
Personal Interests
Leila is an active sailor, aspiring pilot, & horseback rider on the Princeton Equestrian Team. She is also a contributor at the Tiger Sustainable Investment Group (TSIG), Princeton's undergraduate fund dedicated to accelerating the Energy Transition through impact investing.
She founded & served as President of both the Marin Sailing & Women in Technology Clubs at the College of Marin. As the College of Marin's MESA Ambassador, she played a pivotal role strategizing program objectives to better support first-generation & low income college students within STEM & accelerated community college transfer rates. Through MESA, she worked diligently to develop pathways for students to engage in lab-based research opportunities at prestigious institutions, including Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, & Harvard University.
Design - Architecture & Landscaping
Creative Arts - Ceramics & Pottery
Music - Riding the Blues, Brothers in Arms, & Summer Breeze (feel free to take a listen!)
Coffee - Former barista who loves perfecting the art of making coffee
World Travel - Goal to visit 50 nations before turning 30
Volunteerism & Philanthropy - Active in nonprofit partnerships such as 10,000 Degrees to support initiatives that promote educational meritocracy
Above all, Leila’s knack for sailing & technology have been among her most formative hobbies, shaping her love for innovation.
What Brings Me Joy
Being a maverick. I know it might sound absurd, but that is who I am and what brings me joy. I love following the path of greatest resistance, thinking independently, and defying others’ expectations. Disruptive ideas are the seeds of opportunity; they cultivate determination and, more often than not, reap the highest reward.
— Leila Leibert