Science and Engineering Student Advisory Board

Izabel Colliton

Major: Environmental Science

Minor: Biology

One class I am excited for this semester is environmental field and data analysis. It includes a lot of hands-on learning and field trips. My internship this past summer, although not through CMU, but based on my major, was in Suttons Bay, Michigan, where I was an educator on a sailboat taking school groups out to learn about the health and threats the Great Lakes face. This was an eye opening experience to research and the importance of environmental education.

In my future, I want to work with microplastics - researching how they impact wildlife, people, and the environment since it is a relatively new problem we are starting to encounter.

My advice for incoming students is to take advantage of every opportunity you get; you are deserving of good things.

Jonathan Gregory

Major(s): Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Mathematics 

The best part of my experience at CMU has definitely been working with professors on research. Beyond working on very interesting projects, I have learned so much about research in the fields of math and computer science, and I have been able to present multiple research papers at conferences. Working on research as an undergraduate has also made me much more confident as I apply to graduate programs, as I am already familiar with the research process. 

I plan to attend graduate school for a doctoral degree in computer science with a focus on machine learning. 

I would recommend that students get to know their professors and volunteer for research opportunities early on in college, as it opens up so many opportunities.

Jimmy Haugh

Major(s): Biology: Ecology, Evolution, Conservation

Minor in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS)

For my major at CMU, I have waded through the Chippewa River to catch macroinvertebrates, set trail cams at Neithercut Woodlands for porcupines and possums, and hiked Veit’s Woods in search of rare wildflowers. I enjoyed the sights on Beaver Island, catching frogs, snakes, and snapping turtles for the Michigan Reptiles and Amphibians class, and even got to join in on some graduate research tagging salamanders and newts at night. As a sophomore, I started my own research project on the evolution of imperiled freshwater mussels and have gotten to visit museum collections around the country, meet and collaborate with experts and researchers, and present my work at multiple international conferences. I also just returned from a semester abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos where I got to climb volcanoes, trek through the Amazon, and swim with wild penguins—all while completing my core Biology courses.

After graduation in spring, I will pursue a master’s or doctoral degree within the field of evolution and ecology. I hope to study reptiles and amphibians to answer questions about how different species are related, how these organisms interact with their environment, and how populations are affected by things like climate change or urbanization. Ultimately, I would like to continue a career in research, whether as a professor or for an organization like the DNR; either way, I look forward to wherever and whatever the future may hold!

I would encourage you to find whatever you enjoy and continually seek it. If you’ve

always loved the outdoors, take classes in backpacking or native plants, join the outdoors club, and volunteer at local nature centers. If you love video games, get certified in game design, join the Esports team, and take classes in coding or computer simulation. When you find your passion, make every attempt to continue it in your day-to-day life, whether through a career or just a hobby. There are so many opportunities and options for every little niche: find them and take advantage.

Ameer Hicks

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Mathematics  

I have had a lot of experiences working with the leaders within the school of engineering as a student organization (National Society of Black Engineers) representative. I've learned how to create budget proposals for conferences, different communications tactics, and, most importantly, how to be told no professionally. 

I plan to be a robotic design engineer at NASA; I want to be a part of the team that puts the first American on Mars!

Don't be afraid to put yourself in uncomfortable circumstances; that's the only way you will learn. 

Pushkal Kafley

Major: Computer Science

Being a Data Assistant for the University Communications department was really cool as I got to build some automations. I've had an internship at the clothing brand Express in their Data department, so I worked with real customer data, cloud technologies, and more. I've also taken many cool classes, like Text Mining, Applied Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and - even though it's not in my major - Japanese.

I plan to finish my bachelors in December 2024 then finish my masters in December 2025.

 After that, I want to join the workforce, but way further down the line, I really want to deeply dive into real estate and stock—which I'm also doing now.

Savannah Limarenko

Major: Astronomy and Astrophysics

The astronomy classes and labs have been such an incredible experience here at CMU. Learning to use the telescope in the Brooks observatory has to be a highlight. Being able to get involved in research as an undergrad with the CHIP-TRAP has been a rewarding experience as well.

I hope to attend graduate school pursuing a degree in nuclear astrophysics.

Get involved! Getting involved in either your major's department or even just clubs get you into a community and will really elevate your experience at CMU!

Ekene Osiri

Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Medicine)

I have had great experiences with almost every class I took at CMU. As a pre-med student who has always been interested in the human body and health, I was very surprised at how the structure of these classes greatly increased my passion for medicine. From the cadaver labs to interactive case studies, to experienced and knowledgeable professors; I was engaged throughout the semester regardless of how difficult the classes got.

I plan to pursue an MD/PhD degree where I can further my education towards becoming a medical doctor, as well as engage in clinical research.

My advice for new students is to remain focused. Once you get into college, and advance to higher class standings, you will be presented with many opportunities for involvement. Be involved, yes, but make sure to always keep your goal in mind so as not to lose track.

Grace Osiri

Majors: Data Science and Statistics

I've had many incredible experiences within my major and the College of Science and Engineering. This past summer, I had the privilege of interning as a Digital Product Management Intern at Rocket Mortgage, which was an amazing opportunity for networking and professional growth. I'm also the secretary for the Women in Technology chapter at CMU, a student organization focused on empowering women in tech-related fields.

A particularly memorable class was the study away course at Beaver Island, "Landscape and Identity: Finding Your Place," through the Honors Program. It wasn’t just the breathtaking location that made it special, but the thoughtful discussions we had throughout the course.

I plan to pursue an accelerated master’s program at CMU, graduating with a bachelor's in Data Science and Statistics and a master’s in Applied Statistics.

My advice for new students is to know when to say no. College offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, but it's crucial to recognize when activities start overshadowing your academics. It's easy to get distracted, so find balance early and stay focused on your priorities.

Brady Whalen

Major: Geography: Urban and Community Planning concentration

Minor: Statistics

While at CMU, I have had the privilege of traveling to Costa Rica through the Study Abroad program for a course in Eco-Tourism. Additionally, I traveled to Malawi this summer to work on a research project with Dr. Prakash Adhikari. Within my major, I've met professionals in the urban planning field, created a mock plan similar to those actually used in the field, and been exposed to many new and groundbreaking ideas about how urban planners can make places more equitable and sustainable. The Geography and Environmental Studies Department's faculty are friendly, inviting, and always willing to share their expertise and provide guidance. They have been an invaluable resource thus far in my academic career. Finally, I have worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Planning for a year and a half now. I found out about this job posting from my department, and it has provided amazing job experience and connections that I will cherish long after graduation. This position helped me align my goals for my career as well and shaped my vision for what I ideally want to do in the future.

I hope to find employment in the public sector following graduation. Whether at the local, regional, or state level, I hope to stay in Michigan as well. Someday, I would like to pursue a graduate degree, although not immediately following graduation.

Come to CMU with an open mind - I had an idea of what I wanted to study before arriving at CMU, but it took some exploration for me to end up where I am now. There are lots of opportunities to explore, and many helpful people and resources all over campus that are there for you when you need it. Give yourself grace as you figure things out. More than anything else, always work hard - you'll never regret giving it your all.