Meet 麻豆区’s new M.S. in business cohort
The newest Master of Science in business cohort started class in August 2026, bringing diverse academic backgrounds, professional experiences and passions. 麻豆区’s unique graduate-level business program will help them through specific tracks and coursework in sport leadership and design and innovation.
Student spotlights
Mason Bowles
Hometown: Aliso Viejo, California
Undergraduate studies: sport management
Key strengths: Hardworking, good project partner
Excited to: Learn more about the sports world.
Goals: Become comfortable speaking in front of people.
Jackson Bui
Hometown: Tigard, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Finance
Key strengths: Quantitative reasoning, problem‑solving, data analytics, evidence‑based decision‑making
Excited to: Dive into the design & innovation track, hands‑on capstones and mentorship.
Goals:
Short‑term: Develop design thinking and innovation frameworks that turn data into strategy.
Long‑term: Move into a leadership role bridging finance, analytics and innovation strategy.
David Contreras
Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Finance, management minor
Key strengths: Disciplined, self‑aware, competitive, resilient, detail‑oriented
Excited to: Collaborate with new people and grow as a student and adult.
Goals: Continue personal and academic growth, create new relationships and apply program learning to future endeavors.
Kyle Fairbanks
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Kinesiology
Key strengths: Strong communicator, people‑first mindset, leadership, teamwork
Excited to: Learn what makes a good leader in sports business and to travel to Spain for capstone projects.
Goals:
- Create a meaningful fellowship project.
- Make new connections.
- Learn skills for a passion‑driven career.
- Gain knowledge to start a business.
- Travel to Barcelona for the international capstone.
Joseph Henderson
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Undergraduate studies: Business management
Key strengths: Work ethic, positivity, leadership
Excited to: Work with a small class and get to know and learn from my professors and classmates. I’m also looking forward to the end-of-year trip!
Goals: Improve my entrepreneurial skills, expand my network, become a better leader and finish the program with a better sense of direction for my future.
Mary Huber
Hometown: Amity, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Project management; minor in computer information systems
Key strengths: Honesty, humor, fairness, humility, perseverance
Excited to: Deepen leadership and business skills and learn from real‑world case studies.
Goals: Build a rewarding career that blends my passions with program skills to positively impact my community.
Kaanan Huffman
Hometown: West Linn, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Business administration
Key strengths: Communication, public speaking
Excited to: Further leadership development.
Goals: Be the best learner possible.
Brooks Lerfald
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Finance major, economics minor
Key strengths: Positive, resilient, hardworking, strong communication
Excited to: Build skills for a future career.
Goals: Build a career that is meaningful and allows me to create positive impact.
Lukas McNabb
Hometown: Scappoose, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Business management, minor in sports management
Key strengths: Strong work ethic, strong leadership skills, effective communication
Excited to: Work with others and gain valuable knowledge for the future.
Goals: Build valuable career skills and strong connections through the program.
Keighton Preston
Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Undergraduate studies: Communications
Key strengths: High energy, understanding, motivated
Excited to: Complete the capstone project in Spain.
Goals: Be the best group member in the cohort.
Tanner Relling
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Undergraduate studies: Business management
Key strengths: My ability to lead as well as work well within a team.
Excited to: Learn more about the business world and sharpen academic skills.
Goals: Complete the master’s program with diligence.
Matua Tomas Whalen
Hometown: Umatac, Guam
Undergraduate studies: Marketing major, sports management minor
Key strengths: Public speaking, presenting, market analysis, public outreach, marketing
Excited to: Improve teamwork abilities and learn new workplace skills.
Goals: Try my hardest and succeed in all I do!
Trenton Wainfeld
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate studies: Finance
Key strengths: Hardworking, organized, adaptable, works well with others
Excited to: Work with others passionate about business and to problem‑solve.
Goals: Develop leadership skills, become more creative and work better in team environments.