Scholarships & Fellowships > Featured Awards > The Class of 1931E Scholarships > ’31E Scholar Society

’31E Scholar Society

1931E Scholars at the 2019 Banquet Dinner

 

’31E Student Society Executive Board (2020-2021)

President – Lindsey Furness

Vice President – Joe Taylor

Treasurer – Allison Wilcox

 

Pre-Pandemic Gatherings

Among a variety of things, the scholars of ’31E enjoy…

…Ann Arbor Restaurant week (of course anything with food)…

 

…cider mills (even with a broken foot)…

 

…and game-night sessions!

Things may look a little different this coming semester amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but fun will still be had. Thank goodness for Zoom!

 

 

’31E Class of 2021

George Adamson

George is a Master’s Student from Newport Beach, CA studying Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Meteorology. After graduation, George hopes to design propulsion systems that make air and spacecraft operate more efficiently. This past summer George was an intern at AAE Aerospace in Huntington Beach, CA. He worked on the design and manufacturing of composite materials to insulate rocket nozzles. On campus, he is a member of the M-Fly Design Team, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society, and the Engineering Honors Program. He has also gotten involved with 3D printing at the Duderstadt Center. His favorite part of engineering is watching an idea transform from a computer model to a functioning device. In his free time, George loves to follow local weather events and interact with computer weather models. He also enjoys reading, running, and flight simulation software.

Michelle Gehner

Michelle is a Master’s student from Morton, Illinois studying Applied Electromagnetics & RF Circuits within the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. After graduating, she hopes to design communication systems for aerospace applications using her background in signal processing and RF. Over the past two summers, Michelle interned at Amazon Project Kuiper, a satellite LEO constellation that will provide internet access to underserved communities. While at Amazon, she had the opportunity to work in the Antenna Development group where she designed, simulated, and tested phased array antennas. Previously, she worked on electrical systems at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. On campus, Michelle teaches students about embedded control theory as a GSI for EECS 461. She was also the former President of her project team MRover, a horn section rank leader in the Michigan Marching Band, and a co-founder of the student group Women in Electrical & Computer Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, going on road trips, and trying new coffee shops.

Jacob Mackey

Jacob Mackey is a fifth-year from Commerce, Michigan pursuing a dual degree Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Emphases in Finance & Strategy). On campus commitments include APEX Consulting Group, Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Honors Society, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, Michigan Investment Group, AIAA: University of Michigan Chapter, and Michigan Private Equity and Venture Capital. Post-graduation, intending on working in strategy consulting with a longer-term plan to transition to technology management. In his free time, he loves to exercise, go hammocking and biking, play the guitar and piano, and manage his personal investments.

Benjamin Manley

Ben Manley is a Master’s student from Miami, FL studying Computer Science Engineering. This past summer, he worked at SpaceX as a Software Engineering Intern on the Starlink internet satellite constellation. He spent past summers studying abroad in Hong Kong, developing software for a planetary sample collection computer at Honeybee Robotics, and implementing a new feature for Microsoft Teams within the Microsoft Garage. Over the last three years, he worked as the Software Lead on two Michigan Engineering design teams – first, Michigan Hyperloop, where he led a team to automate a prototype pod for the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition, and then Michigan Robotic Submarine, a team he co-founded (and now mentors) that develops a vehicle to autonomously complete underwater tasks. Ben was also a producer in the M-agination Films production club and a Graphic Designer for The Every Three Weekly, UMich’s satirical newspaper. He now teaches EECS 598, “Applied Parallel Programming with GPUs”. On the side, he enjoys playing the piano, exploring the outdoors, throwing a frisbee, and spending time with family and friends.

Gabriella Rodriguez

Gabriella Rodriguez is a senior from Rochester Hills, Michigan studying Electrical Engineering. Freshman year she was a part of the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program (WISE RP) and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). For the past year Gabriella has been working in Professor Shanna Daly’s lab, under the supervision of Jin Woo Lee, doing engineering education research. The first project she has worked on in this lab was observing the effects of the Center for Socially Engaged Design (CSED) learning blocks on the product design behaviors of mechanical engineering students. Her next project is observing how entrepreneurs who have developed innovative technologies apply their technology to real-world problems. She feels that her research has taught her many ideation, design, and engineering problem-solving strategies.  In the future, Gabriella plans to pursue a Master’s degree related to Biomedical Engineering in order to develop medical products. Gabriella enjoys biking, puzzles, and team activities but she finds true entertainment in disassembling and reassembling technology.

 

Allison Wilcox

Allison is a senior from Allentown, Pennsylvania pursuing a biomedical engineering degree with a minor in German. Over the summer she studied 3D printing material science in Berlin while improving her language skills. After which, she went back to Aesculap Implant Systems, designing and testing orthopedic implants and instrumentation for spine surgery. She is passionate about designing affordable orthopedic devices and works on the mechanical subcommittee for Michigan Neuroprosthetics design team to create a low-cost prosthetic hand for growing children. Allison is the president of CARE and serves as one of the College Relations Co-Officers for UM’s Society of Women Engineers, as well as the FIRST Lego League Coordinator for the FIRST Alumni & Mentors Network at Michigan (FAMNM). She loves working with kids and enjoys doing STEM outreach events with her clubs. Allison can often be found in the BME 3D fabrication lab, where she works during the school year. In her spare time, Allison enjoys reading, hiking, IM sports and cheering on Michigan athletics.

 

 

’31E Class of 2022

Tyler Bartlett

Tyler Bartlett is a junior from Commerce, Michigan, who is pursuing an aerospace engineering degree, as well as minors in physics and computer science. He has been passionate about spaceflight from a very young age, having travelled both to Florida to see a Space Shuttle Launch and to Alabama for Space Camp. In high school, he built and flew a rocket to an altitude of 1800 ft, using the most powerful engine he could legally get ahold of. During his Freshman year, he was involved in MASA, where he worked to model the performance of a liquid-fueled engine in MATLAB. He also was involved in the social committee of AIAA, and in the fall played tenor drums in the Michigan drumline. Over the summer, he worked as a software intern within the Passive Safety Division of ZF TRW, an automotive supplier in Farmington, Michigan. Aside from school, Tyler enjoys spending time on Lake St Clair, playing drum kit, and playing intramural sports, specifically dodgeball.

Robert Elliott

Robbie is a senior from Waterford, Michigan studying Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) with a Minor in Business. This past summer, he worked as a Supply Chain Product Intern for Walmart. In an effort to improve quality and save money, he led a project using data and technology to gain visibility over an outdated replenishment process in their U.S. regional distribution network. On campus, Robbie is a member of the Engineering Honors Program — through which he will be completing a senior project with an innovation and creativity consulting firm this fall — and MRun. He also works as a student consultant on a design team to improve a Critical Reasoning course (PHIL 183) as it faces challenges resulting from a rapid increase in student enrollment. Outside campus, he loves to play music (piano, organ, and drums) and runs a small automotive YouTube channel called Detroit Driver. Robbie will be graduating in the fall, but plans to stay at Michigan to earn his Master’s in IOE. He hopes to enter the consulting industry when he finishes school. In his free time, Robbie loves to attend car events, volunteer at his church, and travel. He would like to thank his family for their continual support and the 31E Scholarship Committee for the opportunity to be a part of their family.

Jessica Houghton

Jessie is a senior from Lake Zurich, Illinois studying Computer Science Engineering with a minor in Art and Design. She has a passion for intuitive design and aspires to create educational technologies to augment classrooms around the globe. During the school year, she is a carillonist, a sister of Phi Sigma Rho Sorority for Women in Engineering, and an Instructional Aide for EECS 280 Introduction to Programming and Data Structures. Over the summer, Jessie has interned at entigenlogic, a Natural Language Processing company, and at Microsoft, working on the Visual Studio product and ML.NET. Around campus, she enjoys practicing with the Parkour Club, trying new foods, and attending student performances from improv comedy to acapella.

 

Aditya Middha

Aditya is a senior from Midland, Michigan majoring in Computer Science Engineering with a focus in Data Science. Over the past year, he conducted research on simulation-based protein design to target cancerous proteins using bioinformatic tools. On campus, Aditya is Travel Coordinator for BLUElab Sa’ Nima’ for which he traveled to Guatemala this August, spending weeks conducting a needs assessment. Aditya is also an analyst for MECC Consulting Group, where he recently finished a project implementing a new Health Ride service for University Health Service. This past summer, he applied his passion for data visualization at Arcadis, managing digital insight for several remediation and pollution control projects. In the coming year, he is excited to find applications for data analysis in a political or business context, as well as be an active member of the Detroit Partnership Outreach Team, where he will help coordinate service-learning opportunities with Detroit-based community partners. In his free time, Aditya enjoys playing tennis, following politics, attending concerts, and being active in fantasy football.

Laura Williams

Laura is a senior from Edina, Minnesota majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. On campus, she is the project lead for Project MESA, a student engineering project team aiming to improve access to women’s health exams in rural Nicaragua. She is also a member of Beta Mu Epsilon, a professional biomedical engineering fraternity. This past spring, Laura spent a semester working as a research and development co-op at Ethicon, a medical device company. Over the summer, she pursued her passion for biotechnology as an intern at Genentech, a pharmaceutical company in San Francisco. Outside of school, Laura enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with friends.

 

’31E Class of 2023

Alfonso Botta-Lopez

Alfonso is a junior from Columbus, Ohio studying aerospace engineering and hoping to pursue a Masters. He is passionate about all things space-related and believes that space exploration can unify and bring new, helpful technologies to the world. Over the summer he interned at SpaceX on the Raptor Test Operations team and will be returning to SpaceX next summer. On campus, Alfonso is an active member of the university’s rocketry team, MASA, where he led the test operations team. This year he plans to focus on mentoring new members on MASA and exploring other interests, such as helping with DEI initiatives or joining more service-oriented teams. Outside of school, Alfonso enjoys learning about other subjects, traveling, and going to concerts with friends.

 

Chimmuanya Iheanyi-Igwe

Chimmuanya is a junior from Elkridge, Maryland majoring in Electrical Engineering. On campus, she is a member of the engineering subteam for BLUElab Sa’ Nima’, and serves on the BLUElab Council. In the past semester, her team collaborated with an organization of young scholars in Guatemala to help prototype a more efficient stove for their communities. She is also a member of the electrical team for Michigan Neuroprosthetics, where she helps design and build affordable, accessible prosthetic arms for children. 
 
Chimmuanya is passionate about the intersection of social justice and technology, and over the past year has conducted research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) on algorithmic bias, to understand how popular search algorithms can populate different search results based on socioeconomic status. In the upcoming year, she is excited about returning to the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program (WISE RP) as a peer mentor. In her free time, she likes gardening, trying new foods, and traveling.

Taylor Scott

Taylor is a junior from both Houston, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana majoring in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, she plans to pursue a minor in Design & Production through the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. During her first year, Taylor served on the Black History Month Planning Committee through the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. This position gave her the opportunity to introduce Dr. Yusef Salaam as the Keynote Speaker for Black History Month. She also collaborated on a research project with her mentor, Dr. Ron Eglash, and fellow students though the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). The project, “Merging Artisanal Tradition with Digital Fabrication”, aims to help artisans compete on a global market and use sustainable materials and practices for their craft. Taylor is also a member of M-STEM and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Additionally, Taylor was involved in the production of The Wiz through MUSKET, a theatre student organization. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys reading and baking. Taylor has her own YouTube channel and blog dedicated to discussing books she has read. In the future, Taylor plans to work in research & development for consumer products after she completes her degree. Taylor is both ecstatic and grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship and a member of the 1931 Scholar Society.

Morgan Serra


Morgan is a junior from Robbinsville, New Jersey majoring in Aerospace Engineering, with minors in Physics and Sustainability. On campus, she is the CAD & Manufacturing Director for Michigan Sustainability Applications for Aerospace Vehicle Engineering (M-SAAVE), the Vice President of Cost Assistance for Resilient Engineers (CARE), the Stewardship Coordinator for Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (DMUM), and the AEROSP 200 Instructional Aide. Morgan is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WAA). This past summer, she worked as a Model-Based Systems Engineering Leadership Lab Intern designing and configuring a new UM lab space to house AEROSP 495. 

This year, she is most excited to be the inaugural CAD & Manufacturing Director for M-SAAVE as she is passionate about the environment and cannot wait to have a pivotal role in a real-world sustainability application: working with Air Serv International to design, build, and test autonomous drones to deliver medical, food, and disaster relief supplies to African neighborhoods in need. In the future, Morgan hopes to continue pursuing sustainability efforts in the aerospace industry. Outside of school, Morgan’s favorite place in the world is the beach and loves spending time with friends and family.

Claudia Zimmerman

Claudia is a junior from Cary, North Carolina studying mechanical engineering, with minors in electrical engineering and German. On campus, she is involved with the Michigan Vertical Flight Technology project team.  MVFT works to improve electric vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts, helping to advance humanitarian aid and package delivery. She is also a member of Michigan Movement, which supports the homeless community in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti through education, healthcare, and social advocacy. Claudia is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers and social sorority Gamma Phi Beta. Outside of school Claudia enjoys running, political debate, and spending time with friends.

’31E Class of 2024

Jose Diaz Peon


Jose is a sophomore from Lebanon, PA (although born and raised in Mexico) majoring in Aerospace
Engineering. Additionally, he plans to minor in Astrophysics. During his first year, Jose was part of the
Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project Team (UMARV) in the Embedded Systems sub-team and was
chosen by the team to lead the upcoming year’s Embedded Systems team. This upcoming year, he is
looking forward to joining MASA and the Michigan Chess Club.
Jose is most passionate about space travel, physics, and programming. He hopes to utilize his skills to
help humanity become a multi-planetary species through the development of better space launch
systems. In his free time, he likes to learn as much as possible in topics such as physics, languages,
engineering, mathematics, and space travel.
Kira Woodhouse

Kira Woodhouse is a second-year engineering student studying Biomedical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and International Engineering. She is from Sparta, Michigan, a small town north of Grand Rapids. During her first year, she participated in research with the Shea Lab studying applications of T-Cell Therapy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer through the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) program. This year she is continuing her research and has accepted a position as a peer advisor with MRADS, helping first-year students secure research projects. Since October of 2020 she has served as a mentor for Rise Up! for CS, a program run through the School of Information which provides tutoring and mentorship resources to support Black, Latina, and Indigenous high-school girls as they study for their AP Computer Science exams. She is also active within the Science Olympiad club. In her free time, she enjoys reading any books she can get her hands on, caring for her 40+ houseplants, and exploring the Nichols Arboretum with some great Ann Arbor bubble tea. She is incredibly thankful to the scholarship committee for the opportunities becoming a 1931E scholar has offered her.

Sidharth Anantha

Sidharth is a sophomore from Lexington, Massachusetts studying Aerospace and Computer Engineering. He is very passionate about planes, rockets and space exploration. In the future he hopes to work in the space industry to make space travel as common as modern-day air travel. Sidharth is also part of the MASA rocket team, working on the Aerodynamics and Avionics subteams on design, analysis and production of structures and building and programming control boards. He is also a part of the A2SYS research laboratory, where he works on design, analysis and control of new aircraft designs. Outside of school, Sidharth enjoys running, cooking and photography. He is also an aviation fanatic and planespotter, and has a photo catalogue of airplanes from around the world.

Gina Kittleson

Gina Kittleson is a sophomore majoring in Civil engineering from Ohio.  She is the construction lead on the Concrete Canoe Team, a volunteer with Books for a Benefit, and a Women in Science and Engineering Residency Program (WISE RP) alumna.  During this summer, Gina presented for the Concrete Canoe’s hull design team at the final competition where the team took 6th place overall.  This past year, she worked in the Kerkez Lab as an undergraduate researcher through the undergraduate research opportunity program (UROP) and continued her work during the summer.  Her research includes developing mathematical models to predict suspended solids within water systems based on backscatter from sound waves, building and deploying low-cost, novel sensors to validate this model, and developing and conducting sampling procedures for COVID-19 sewage testing.  Gina is excited to continue her research in the Kerkez lab, and pursue an intelligent systems masters through the SUGS program.  Outside of school, Gina loves baking, ballet, and gardening.

Hanna Chen