It was just their cup of tea.
Kao chose UC's NEXT Innovation Scholars for their reputation as creative problem-solvers. The highly selective, cohort-based scholarship program immerses Bearcats in hands-on innovation while offering companies valuable insights from young leaders.
"Partnering with the University of Cincinnati's NEXT Innovation Scholars provides Kao with access to some of the brightest emerging talent in innovation," says Lindsay Stricker, the company's new technology innovator. "Engaging with them helps Kao stay closely attuned to what is relevant, inspiring and meaningful to the next generation, enabling the company to build brands and experiences that resonate in the marketplace."
To get the most from the students' perspectives, Kao assigned a range of research tasks:
Charlie Harker, a medical sciences major at the UC College of Medicine, valued the chance to connect more deeply with Molton Brown and its customer base.
"At NIS, our field work is centered on understanding the habits and motivations of individuals who interact with the brands we represent," she says. "We explored London in a way that mirrors how our clients' consumers might perceive it, aiming to understand the factors that influence their thoughts and behaviors."
It wasn't all business for the NEXT Innovation Scholars. Over shared meals and while touring quintessentially British sites like the Palace of Westminster and the Tower Bridge, students strengthened friendships and enjoyed the city's energy and history.
"It was a blast to get to know each member of the project team individually," says Joshua Bryant, who is majoring in industrial and systems engineering. "Of course, we knew each other through NIS, but it's hard to get the bond of traveling together without traveling together."
Bryant, Harker and the rest of the team found joy in experiencing this opportunity abroad. For Harker, exploring London alongside fellow scholars was unforgettable.
"London is an incredible city with an abundance of things to see and do," she says. "I treasured every moment I spent exploring it, especially because I had the chance to bond with my fellow teammates in a place I have loved my entire life."
While the trip offered many highlights, the real challenge began when students returned to Cincinnati. From their base at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub, students translated their experiences into forward-thinking strategies for Molton Brown.
Back home, the NEXT Innovation Scholars had the chance to prove Kao's confidence well placed. As they crafted strategies for Molton Brown, each student drew on the lessons learned abroad.
Harker, Bryant and Bishoyi - along with teammates Safi Fofana, Sharvari Patil and Faith Rider - returned home with far more than souvenirs. They came back with sharpened skills, a deeper bond with an acclaimed British brand and experiences to shape their work for months to come.
Featured image at top: NIS students in front of the Palace of Westminster. Photo/Charlie Harker
