senior profiles

May 4, 2020
LSA student researcher works to build healthy environment, community

Yoav Jacob believes in leaving things better than he found them — specifically the environment and the University of Michigan.
May 4, 2020
Information graduate connects students through storytelling

The social project that would help define Somya Bhagwagar’s college experience started on a bit of a whim. Motivated by a desire to learn more about the people around her and inspired by photographer and blogger Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York” project, Bhagwagar began collecting stories and images for what she would call “Students of Umich.”
May 4, 2020
Ross graduate is a ‘numbers guy’ who thrives in crisis

Maximillian C. Garcia III is viewing the global pandemic through the eyes of someone who thrives in a crisis. As a senior honors student at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, Garcia became a veteran of the annual and intense Leadership Crisis Challenge that throws real-world dilemmas at students, who have 36 hours to develop business and media solutions.
May 4, 2020
Engineering grad’s passion is creating things that help the world

Amber George loves to create. That passion led her to study engineering at U-M, a journey that included campus leadership roles, an internship at NASA and efforts to help students of color feel more included and heard.
April 22, 2019
LSA senior works to serve needs of LGBTQ population

Once Kalei Glozier took psychology courses at U-M, he discovered his passion for the field. Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, the LSA senior gained research experience on psychology projects related to safe spaces on campus and LGBTQ people’s perceptions of heterosexuality.
April 22, 2019
SMTD senior’s production company amplifies unheard voices

When Thomas Laub realized he wanted to work in theater for the rest of his life, he was surrounded by enamored theatergoers at a production of “Guys and Dolls.” During his time at U-M, Laub merged his passions for theater and business through launching Runyonland Productions.
April 22, 2019
School of Nursing senior overcame early family challenges

Christina Lindsey’s journey started long before she arrived at U-M. The School of Nursing senior and first-generation college student said she was adopted at birth, and that her biological mother struggled with substance abuse at the time. A high school program that allowed her to shadow doctors and nurses solidified her passion for nursing.
April 22, 2019
Ford School senior uses journalism to advance inclusion

Ashley Tjhung has dedicated her University of Michigan career to raising the voices of students of color across campus. The public policy major recently served as the managing editor of Michigan in Color, The Michigan Daily’s section that is created by and for students of color.
April 25, 2018
Taubman College senior finds growth at U-M

When looking back on why he decided to pursue architecture as a career, Giovanni Martinez points to an intimate family portrait based in the creative process. His father and godfather work in the construction industry. His mother is an artistic person as well, whether it be drawing or crochet. He inherited the same urge to transform products of the imagination into reality.
April 25, 2018
School of Information senior seeks tech training for all

When Abril Vela was in high school, a conscientious school counselor and a stroke of luck led Vela to her first computer programming course. Her teacher actively worked to ensure the female students in the class felt like they belonged, helping foster Vela’s love for the subject. Since then, she has worked to merge her passions for education, equity and technology.