Urael Eliam Mussie

Eliam earned a BA with distinction in materials science and engineering, with minors in applied sciences and engineering and entrepreneurship. He played a key role in launching the first engineering major and co-developing a new minor in product management and design at UNC. As student director of the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship, he led programming and development initiatives to expand student engagement. He co-founded Breakthrough, a startup accelerator for underrepresented founders, and Franklin Street Market, a creative agency based in Chapel Hill. He also opened a pop-up restaurant during his time at Carolina. On campus, he was deeply involved in the African Student Association, serving as both president and senior advisor. Eliam conducted research in the Bai Bioelectronics Lab and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He received the Chancellor’s Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.