<Tahira Reid>

Hello! I am a PhD Candidate in the Design Science program, an interdisciplinary program that brings together methods in psychology and engineering optimization.  My research topic is:  A Methodology for Quantifying Consumers' Perception of Environmental Friendliness (PEF) in the Exterior Design of Vehicles.  Besides research, I have a heart for mentoring and the personal growth and development of people.  I enjoy reading books, listening to music, singing (even though I don't have a voice for it yet), and engaging in activities that foster good conversation with friends.

<Auresa Thomas>

Hello! I am a second year Masters student in the Biomedical Engineering department.  My research focuses on the use of biomarkers and functional imaging to improve radiation therapy treatment planning for cancer patients.  I am originally from Brooklyn, New York.  I attained my undergraduate degrees from Spelman College (BS in Computer Science) and Columbia University (BS in Biomedical Engineering).  What I enjoy most about UM is the interdisciplinary nature of research, the people, and the whirlyball outings!  My personal motto is "to whom much is given, much will be required."

<Cheryl Jacobs>

Hi I am a second year in the PhD program, Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS)in the Department of Human Genetics and the lab of JoAnn Sekiguchi.  The Sekiguchi lab studies the mechanisms of DNA repair and how aberrant DNA repair processes lead to human diseases, such as cancer or severe combined immunodeficiency.

For the next 5 or 6 years, science is my life, but I try not to let it overtake my life. When I am not in the lab, I try to get outside as much as possible! I love running and I hope to run in several 5K’s this summer starting with the Ann Arbor-Dexter run.  I also like fruit picking, visiting Michigan’s lakes, and taking sporadic trips to Cedar Point.  Besides being fond of nature, I love to go dancing (salsa especially) and to hang out with friends in AA bars and relax. 

<Rheaclare Fraser>

Hi there! My name is Rheaclare Fraser, most call me Rhea.  I am a second year Pharmacology Ph.D. student.  My lab investigates the mechanisms of drug addiction through studying effects of drugs of abuse, mainly amphetamine, nicotine, and cocaine, on dopamine transporter functions.  I was born in Guyana, South America, raised in East Orange, NJ.  I attended Spelman College for my undergraduate studies, where I obtained my BS in Biochemistry. I enjoy watching reality TV, movies, and reading in my spare time.  My favorite activity in Ann Arbor is karaoke!  I love to cook, eat, and enjoy meeting new faces :o)

<Kiana Stringfield>

My name is Kiana Stringfield and I am a first year graduate student in the Industrial and Operations Engineering program.  My concentration is human factors engineering and cognitive ergonomics.  Ultimately, I hope to apply my knowledge to the healthcare industry in an effort to improve human performance and reliability.  Throughout my life, I have always been active in various sports such as gymnastics, Track and Tae Kwon Do.  During my undergraduate years, I was a member of the Women’s Track and Field team and I enjoy exercising in my spare time.  In addition, I love to cook, read, listen to music, and travel.

<Astin Ross>

Hello everyone and welcome to the University of Michigan! My name is Astin Ross and I am a first year graduate student in the Biomedical Engineering Department with a concentration in biomaterials. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and my hometown is in Clinton, MD. I have interned with Medtronic, the medical device company sponsoring my GEM Master’s Fellowship. I worked in their Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business and Corporate Science and Technology group both located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since I have been at Michigan, I have become involved with several campus groups in addition to MUSES including the Society of Minority Engineers and Scientists Graduate component (SMES-G) and Society of Women Engineers Graduate component (Grad SWE). I was also a team leader for the Guaranteed 4.0 initiative, an academic success program for undergraduate National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) students. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in here at Michigan and I hope that students take advantage of those opportunities particularly as it concerns MUSES.