What years did you participate in UROP? 

I participated in UROP from 2010-2012. 

What UROP Program(s) were you a part of? 

I was a UROP Summer Fellow, a UROP student, and a UROP Peer Advisor. 

What made you choose UROP?

I chose UROP because I wanted to gain experience doing research. During my education I was considering two futures: 1) academia and 2) industry. During the summer of 2010 I pursued the UROP Summer Fellowship to explore a future in academia. 

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

My UROP experience taught me valuable life skills about ethics, mentoring, and how to do more than is asked of me. 

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

I reach out to my Research Mentor occasionally, but am not in close contact with them. 

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

In the summer of 2011 I pursued an internship at General Motors to pursue an opportunity in industry. After reflecting upon my experiences in academia and industry, when I finished college I went on to work for General Motors full-time. I am still at General Motors without interests in pursuing research further; however, my experience as a UROP Peer Advisor really instilled a desire to mentor others! So I have done some mentoring through the University of Michigan Alumni Association and hope to become a manager some day.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

I would advise current UROP students to constantly consider if there are additional unexplored avenues they would like to explore. For instance, if their research mentor is advising them to do project A through steps 1, 2, and 3, is there a step 4 they could propose to show initiative? 

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of?

I have not authored any publications since my time with UROP. However, I am proud of the following accomplishments: running 5 half-marathons, 1 full-marathon, earning my masters in engineering, being promoted to a senior engineer, and getting married. 

Is there any other advice you would like to impart to current or future UROP students?

Some additional wisdom I would like to impart on current/future UROP students is to only pursue those things you are interested in. If you are participating in something you’re not invested in, it will show in your work and your contributions will not be as fulfilling.