Erin Powell

Erin Powell is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Poole College of Management, North Carolina State University. She previously served as an assistant professor at Clemson University and held visiting roles at Brown University. Her research focuses on founder identity, social networks, and organizational behavior, emphasizing how identity processes and strategic responses shape entrepreneurial ventures. Powell earned her Ph.D. in Technology Management from NC State's Wilson College of Textiles, complemented by earlier roles in supply chain planning.

Education:

• Ph.D., Technology Management, North Carolina State University (2011)
• Master of Science, Textile Technology; Minor in Business Administration, NC State (2004)
• Bachelor of Science, Textile Technology, NC State (2002)

Research Interests: Powell explores how identity dynamics influence entrepreneurial strategy, particularly in nascent ventures. Her work bridges entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and social networks to understand responses to adversity, resourcefulness, and the role of social movements in shaping business practices. Recent studies analyze founder identity at the intersection of religion and profit motives, as well as citizenship behavior mediated by social networks.

Professional Roles: Beyond academia, Powell has industry experience in supply chain management with the Russell Corporation. She contributes to thought leadership through publications on prosocial ventures, strategic supply chain partnerships, and the psychological underpinnings of university commercialization.