Science and Engineering Student Advisory Board
The College of Science and Engineering Student Advisory Board provides student perspective and guidance to the College of Science and Engineering’s Dean’s office to improve student experiences and foster a sense of community.
Suhani Bam Thakuri
Major: Biology: Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular
CMU has given me amazing opportunities to grow both academically and personally. I really enjoy working in the lab and doing experiments; research excites me. I love trying new techniques and finding creative ways to solve scientific problems, and CMU has helped me explore that passion.
Currently, I work as a lab assistant in the Microbiology Lab. I am also a research student in Dr. Steinhilb’s lab, where we study fruit flies to explore possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. And this summer, I worked as a research student on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, studying E. coli levels in the harbor water. So, I have had wonderful opportunities and experiences to grow and enhance my skills and knowledge.
In the future, I still plan to continue my research work and attend a graduate school. I also hope to build a career in the medical field, especially in medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Aneta Boutros
Major: Environmental Studies
During my time at CMU, I’ve been fortunate to experience a strong sense of community and support. Through my involvement in various organizations, InSciTE, and the Geography and Environmental Studies Department, I’ve built meaningful connections and lasting friendships. Some of my favorite memories from InSciTE include our trip to Beaver Island, which deepened both my friendships and my understanding of where my true passions lie. Working on collaborative projects and presenting our research has also pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me confidently share my ideas. Within the Geography and Environmental Studies Department, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers who share my passion. A recent trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes with the Geography and Environmental Club stands out as another memorable experience that reflects the hands-on learning I value. Being part of the WaTTeR research lab in the College of Science and Engineering has also been an incredibly valuable experience.
Looking ahead, I hope to apply the skills and experiences I’ve gained toward a career focused on environmental policy and sustainability where I can help shape solutions that balance ecological health with community needs.
Lauren Hartman
Majors: Biochemistry and Neuroscience
I came to CMU because I thought it was a beautiful campus with a lot of opportunities. My sister attended CMU a few years ago, and after listening to her experiences, I knew that I wanted to continue my education here. So far at CMU, I have joined the Pre-Medicine and Osteopathic Society, the Women's Club Softball Team, the Honors Health Service Society, and the Otago Fall Prevention Program. I am very grateful for these opportunities because I have met so many amazing people and have made so many friends. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist. As a physician, I want to stay in Michigan and work in rural areas.
Ryann Hunt
Major: Environmental Studies and Economics
Minor: Legal Studies
I came to CMU because I wanted to get real experience in my field whilst pursuing my studies. Fortunately, I have been able to achieve this in multiple ways. For one, I am a sustainability coordinator at Central Sustainability, CMU’s student-run office of sustainability. In this role, I aim to help make campus a more sustainable and welcoming place. Additionally, in the summer of 2026, I interned at the Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES) in Tokyo, Japan, allowing me to gain valuable international experience whilst earning credit towards my major. In the future, I hope to use the knowledge gained from my majors and minor to help improve companies’ sustainability efforts.
Temirlan Jandaliyev
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Certificate: Integration of Science, Technology and Engineering
Born and raised in Kazakhstan, I came to Central Michigan University as an international student in 2022 with a goal of making the most of every opportunity. CMU has given me incredible support, mentorship, and resources that helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally through internships with the Girls in Engineering Academy, Carsley Solutions, and this upcoming summer as an Electrical Systems Integrity Intern at Lansing Board of Water and Light.
I am deeply involved on campus as a student leader of the CMU Engineering Society of Detroit chapter, an Engagement Coordinator for the Honors residence halls, and now as a member of the Engineering Student Advisory Board. I’m truly excited to be part of the Advisory Board and give back to my community, support my fellow students, and help create opportunities that allow us all to grow and succeed together.
Diana Ledesma
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Multimedia Design, Mathematics
As an international student from the Philippines who was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, coming to CMU has been the biggest decision I've ever made, but also one of the best. I chose CMU to expand my horizons and seize numerous opportunities. I've found community, support, friendships, mentorships, and so many wonderful opportunities through my time here, and I only plan to get more involved and further cultivate my experiences.
I am deeply involved on campus as an Honors student, currently serving as president of Women in Technology and as the internal co-lead of the Public Service Residential College (PSRC). I also work at the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs as a student office assistant.
With my major and minors, I plan to pursue a career in the fields of game design or UX design.
Teagen Schultz
Major: Meteorology
Minor(s): Environmental Analytics and Mathematics
CMU has given me many opportunities to grow and learn within my career focus over the last 2 years. This past summer, I traveled across the Great Plains as part of a national field research project studying hail and its damaging effects. I am excited to continue working with the data from this project and start my undergraduate research this year. Additionally, the student organizations I've joined relating to my major have allowed me to make strong friendships with my peers while simultaneously providing networking for internships and future job opportunities.
After I graduate from CMU, I plan on attending graduate school to pursue more research in the field of Meteorology.
Audra Segura
Majors: Mathematics and Computer Science
Certificate: Integration of Science, Technology, and Engineering
Central Michigan has been a second home to me for years now—first as the child of a faculty member, and now as a student on campus. Every step of the way, I have felt supported and valued by Central, both academically from all three of my departments, and socially from my RSOs and the many events I was lucky enough to be able to attend. I am the treasurer of Women in Technology and was a member of the Committee for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging in the Student Government Association. Through these groups, I have had so many opportunities to grow and make connections that I feel I would have missed out on if I were anywhere but at CMU.
Looking to the future I hope to take a year off to travel, then return to Central to get my doctorate in Mathematics. After that I hope to teach and conduct research at a university. This has been a dream of mine for nearly a decade, and CMU is helping me finally achieve it.
Caden Walker
Majors: Actuarial Science and Spanish
Minor: Mathematics
I chose CMU because of the wonderful stories and experiences that my mother and brother, who also attended, shared with me. During my time here I have had the opportunity to meet a wide array of incredible people and be host to many new experiences as a member of organizations such as Leadership Safari and clubs like Gamma Iota Sigma. I am incredibly grateful to CMU for providing the environment to be able to do the things I do and broaden my horizons in ways I never expected. In the future, I plan to take exams FM and P for my Actuarial Science degree and study abroad in Spain for my Spanish major.