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.

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. 

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.

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 visited museum collections around the country, met and collaborated with experts and researchers, and presented my work at multiple international conferences. I also completed 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!

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!

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 to pursue a degree in nuclear astrophysics.

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.

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.

Christian Wang

Major: Computer Science

I chose CMU because growing up in Mt. Pleasant, I was inspired by the sense of community it offers. It felt like home long before I became a student. In addition to my work towards my major in Computer Science, I serve as the Vice President of the Crab Rangoon Club, and I was also a part of CMU’s esports program. In the future, I plan to be a software engineer on the West Coast, creating and working on projects that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

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.