Meet the MRADS Recruitment Team

Hometown: Highland, MI

Major: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity

Research Project: My project is “Nitrogen Uptake of Microcystis in Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie”. I analyze nanoSIMS images of toxic cyanobacteria to determine what kinds of nutrients they take up, from which the data can be used to minimize the effects of HABs in the future.

Favorite MRADS Memory: My favorite MRADS memories are from late nights with my friends. Whether it’s studying in the lounges, watching a show/movie in one of our rooms, or on a midnight burrito run, those are my favorite times.

Why did you join MRADS: I joined MRADS because I wanted to be a part of a group of people who were just as excited about research as I am, and because I wanted to get into a lab as soon as I could. I was also nervous about finding friends in college; and MRADS made it possible for me to find the people I call my best friends now.

Advice to incoming students: Don’t be afraid to talk to people! Make friends with the people on your floor, in your classes, in study groups, etc. It seems hard, but it never hurts to just start the conversation. Also, if you see something you’re interested in, go for it! What’s stopping you from going to the botanical gardens, a club meeting, or a silent disco?

Co-curriculars: Michigan Club Water Polo Team

Hometown: Farmington, MI

Major: Chemical Engineering

Research Project: I am a sophomore student leader in MRADS and am currently working in the Wehe labs alongside Dr. Mark Hammig to create ionizing radiation detectors with nanoparticles. There are also other side projects involving nanoparticles and radiation, conduction and shielding. It is a rapidly advancing field and it is very interesting to see what nanoparticles can do. 

Favorite MRADS Memory:  My favorite MRADS memories are all the wonderful conversations we would have about practically anything in the middle of the night while all seated in the hall. It was a carefree time to chat and not have a care in the world. 

Why did you join MRADS: I was originally drawn to MRADS as it offered the opportunity to do research on campus which considering that U of M is known for its research was a big deal for me. I was always interested in the research and development of things and the opportunity to dip my toes in the water was all that I needed. 

Advice to incoming students: Be ALIVE. It's easy to get caught up in the normal day-to-day stress of getting work done, studying for exams, and trying to still have fun that you don’t really feel the urge to do much else. Don’t let that happen. Connect with people, make friends, talk to your professors, and read emails! Don’t be afraid to sign up for things as you never know what opportunities await. You might as well get your money’s worth while in the U of M network! 
Co-curriculars: Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AlChE), Squirrel Club, MoJo Hall Council

Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam

Major: Psychology and Economics

Research Project: Follow the Leader: Examining Leadership and Hierarchy in the Workplace in ODESI Lab at the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business

Favorite MRADS Memory: Playing soccer under the rain, enjoying snowball fights, crafting friendship bracelets late into the night, documenting my second home MRADS through vlogs, sharing dinner conversations with friends post-ALA 104 and more. It's not one memory; it's everything.

Why did you join MRADS: I was drawn to MRADS as an international student passionate about research. MRADS offers a community at UMICH with like-minded individuals who share a respectful curiosity and are poised to make a positive impact on the world. Importantly, MRADS isn't solely about constant studying; it also provides opportunities to cultivate social skills and enjoy enriching experiences.
Advice to incoming students: Embrace curiosity. Ask questions freely— the supportive community here thrives on helping you grow intellectually and socially. Within MRADS, you'll encounter individuals from diverse corners of the world with different interests; stay open-minded and explore the beauty of learning about different cultures, fields of study, and experiences.

Co-curriculars: TEDxUofM, VISA

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Major: Computer Engineering

Research Project: I am working on the “22/26 Midwest,” a net-zero building concept for the climate condition of the Midwestern United States. We have imagined a building that remains between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius without the use of conventional heating or cooling systems. Instead, the system will adjust the conditions of the room based on real-time data gathered from sensor readings. We are producing prototypes, developing control algorithms, and applying Raspberry Pi / sensor technologies to reduce the building’s greenhouse gas emissions, improve the comfort of occupants, and minimize construction costs.

Favorite MRADS Memory: One of my favorite MRADS memories was wading through the fountain on Ingalls Mall with some of my MRADS peers at 3 a.m. to mark the beginning of our time as undergraduates at U-M.

Why did you join MRADS: I joined MRADS because I knew it would improve my transition into college life. MRADS offers a close-knit community of students, peer advisors, peer mentors, student leaders, and staff who have helped make this big university feel a little smaller. Additionally, I was drawn to the idea of doing research as a first-year student.

Advice to incoming students: Make the most of every opportunity; don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people. College is the perfect place for self-discovery because everyone is learning and growing at the same time.

Co-curriculars: M-Fly

Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI

Major: Biochemistry and Political Science

Research Project: I am working in the VA Hospital under Dr. Nikhil Parekh on a Whole Health survey that aims to improve medical interactions by gaining a better understanding of people’s approaches to mental and physical health. 

Favorite MRADS Memory: One of my favorite MRADS memories was the Peer Mentor run event called “Season’s Eatings,” where we made gingerbread houses, decorated cookies, and drank hot cocoa while watching Home Alone. At the height of exam season and the end of the semester, it was such a great way to take a break and connect with my community.  

Why did you join MRADS: I’ve always had a passion for research, so I knew I wanted to continue to pursue this interest in college. When looking at the research opportunities at UMich, MRADS seemed like the perfect fit for me for many reasons: the advising system, living with people who have similar interests, the research experiences, and living in MoJo.  

Advice to incoming students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of your resources! It’s easy to get caught up in stress and the idea that you can’t ask for help, but you shouldn’t do that. There are tons of resources on campus for classes, like tutoring, professor/GSI office hours, and study groups. Make friends in class and study together! If you’re ever struggling, someone on campus can definitely help you, as long as you ask. 

Co-curriculars: Crohn’s and Colitis Student Initiative, Chaldean American Student Association, MoJo Hall Council

Hometown: Troy, MI

Major: Biology, Health, and Society 

Research Project: I am currently part of a project that focuses on solving the structure of a protein involved in diseases like cancer and dementia. The lab aims to understand how the process of translation is initiated in human cells by collecting samples of our target protein through tissue culture harvesting and later purifying the protein. 

Favorite MRADS Memory: Although there have been many memorable moments, my favorite memory so far has been decorating gingerbread houses. Not only was it a fun way to destress after a long day of classes, but my friends and I had the most fun trying (and horribly failing) to put the cookie houses together. 

Why did you join MRADS: Entering college, I was deeply curious about the research process, but I was also anxious about finding research opportunities at a large school. MRADS was the perfect way to become involved in research while also finding a supportive community to help through my adjustment to college life. Advice to incoming students: Be kind to yourself. Your mental and physical well-being will always take precedence over academics and extracurriculars. It is extremely important to take breaks when you need them. 

Co-curriculars: UM Global Health Alliance

Hometown: Dallas, Georgia 

Major: Political Science  

Research Project: My research project is 'Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Children, and Two-Spirit People'. The overall goal of this project is to make advancements in this movement through the enhancement of understanding aspects concerning the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives crisis and social movement surrounding it. If we have the opportunity to do so,  we plan on achieving this goal through conducting interviews with, as she states, "self-identified Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives activists" to form a collection of their lived experiences. We have also discussed spreading awareness through accumulating facts to be used in possibly pamphlets, a website, and social media.

Favorite MRADS Memory: My favorite MRADS memory was a self-defense class I took because it made me feel confident and capable of protecting myself, and I learned valuable skills. I also enjoy random all-nighters because they are fun and relaxing, and I get to know people better.

Why did you join MRADS: I joined MRADS because I wanted the opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate. My interest in research stems from the desire to challenge myself and grow through such a unique experience. I was drawn to the MRADS community because I saw it as a fantastic chance to form a closer relationship with other first-year students by experiencing research for the first time, the smaller community, and the resources of sophomore student leaders.

Advice to incoming students: Talk to everyone. It is the best way to strengthen your interpersonal skills, make new friends, and learn about fun activities and beneficial opportunities. Word of mouth is powerful. 

Co-curriculars: American Sign Language Club, Black Student Union, Black Undergraduate Law Association, Caribbean Student Association, Undergraduate Political Science Association, Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.)

Hometown: Potterville, MI

Major: Plant Biology or Climate and Space Engineering

Research Project: Significance of leaf structure in modern and fossil plant evolution and ecology 

Favorite MRADS Memory: A frantic and intense gingerbread house-building session in which only the most structurally sound of gingerbread houses survived. A trial and tribulation unparalleled, easily the most difficult experience I have ever spearheaded. Many sacrifices were made, and I shall never forget all the peppermint sprinkles lost that day.

Why did you join MRADS: Coming to a big school with very few connections was a prospect I was not excited about. I had heard many great things about MRADS through my sister, and with both my desire to maximize my learning potential and have a steady baseline to fall back on, it only made sense to apply. As a place that prides itself on diversity and inclusion, I also thought that MRADS would be a great place for me to both be accepted as who I am and learn about the many different multitudes of people that form the wonderful community here.

Advice to incoming students: It’s just a day in a long month in a really long year. Being kind to yourself after a bad time/experience will allow you to get yourself back on track much more quickly and only grow to be a better and stronger person.

Hometown: Forest Grove, OR

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Research Project: Currently none

Favorite MRADS Memory: My favorite memories are going to events with my friends and spending time doing activities like making our perfume, decorating cookies and candy jars, and competing against each other in little games.

Why did you join MRADS: I joined MRADS because it was a great opportunity for me to get into research for my first year.  MRADS has provided me with information on how to reach out to labs for possible research positions and has supported me as I went through the difficulties of making the University of Michigan my new home.  After arriving at Mosher Jordan Hall, I was welcomed with open arms and was able to establish a family here with like-minded friends.  A bonus of living here is that there is a dining hall right under the dorm where I can spend more time with friends and make new ones.

Advice to incoming students: Take your time in adjusting to your new home. And once you have established your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to explore what the campus has to offer.

Hometown: Hillsdale, Michigan

Major: Earth and Environmental Sciences

Research Project: Tropical plants in past greenhouse worlds

Favorite MRADS Memory: While MRADS has given me a lot of memories that have shaped my college experience, one of my favorites is the weekly post-ALA feast that my friends and I have. It’s really been enjoyable to just sit down with my friends for an hour after class to chat in the dining hall about classes, what’s going on in our lives, etc. 

Why did you join MRADS: I joined MRADS because I did not have any research opportunities in high school and was curious about getting involved in natural sciences research. Also, I wanted to meet people with similar interests in college, as I was nervous about not knowing many people coming into the University of Michigan. MRADS provided both opportunities and helped shape the college experience that I love. 

Advice to incoming students: Take advantage of all the opportunities given to you. Whether they’re social or academic opportunities, you’ll appreciate each and every one of those opportunities in the long run, as they’ll create memories and open other doors that can help you reach your goals. 

Co-curriculars: Epsilon Eta, Mission Menstruation