University of Michigan Master of Science in Information student Katherine Phillips poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Phillips’ portrait is combined with a photo of the Burton Memorial Tower. Phillips is the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for the School of Information Master’s Association, the official University of Michigan School of Information student association for master’s students. “I saw some things I felt the community was missing and felt by being in leadership I could help change that, by being active and including activities that would contribute to the student body,” Phillips says.

Bachelor of Science in Information student Julianne Fray poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Fray’s portrait is combined with a photo of the Cube on the campus of the University of Michigan. Fray is a member of Kappa Theta Pi, a co-ed fraternity founded at the University of Michigan and the first professional technology fraternity in the country. “As someone who has always had a passion for technology, I wanted to find an organization on campus that reflected that, but also reflected values I hold for myself. I also loved the diversity within KTP and wanted a community outside of my immediate circle of friends at the University of Michigan.” Fray says.

University of Michigan PhD in Information student Shubham Atreja poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Atreja is a Doctoral Executive Committee officer for UMSI’s Doctoral Student Organization, an organization that provides any social or academic support to the PhD students in the School of Information. “When I found out about it, I realized how useful it could be for the student body, and was thrilled to join it,” Atreja says. “If you’re passionate about an issue, let’s say diversity, equity and inclusion, then being on the DEC means that you can be a part of the school-wide initiative and get to work with other faculty members and staff.”

University of Michigan Master of Health Informatics student Jessica Branski poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Branski’s portrait is combined with a photo of the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School. Branski is president of the Health Informatics Student Organization, an organization that represents all Master of Health Informatics students to the program’s partner schools and the University as a whole. “Mostly, I wanted to play an active role in creating a community for MHI students as we slowly move out of the pandemic and a season where being connected was very challenging. I also wanted to play an active role in integrating MHI students more fully into the School of Public Health.” Branski says.

University of Michigan Master of Applied Data Science student Daniel Best poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Best’s portrait is combined with a photo of Hill Auditorium. Best is president of the Master of Applied Data Science Association (MADSA), the first sponsored student organization at UMSI to represent the student body of an entirely online degree program. “I want the MADS program to be the best data science master’s program in the country. After my first semester, I wanted to give feedback to UMSI, but discovered that there was not an established formal method to provide this feedback to the school. MADSA was established to be the formal mechanism for communication with the School of Information and University of Michigan, and that is why I was so interested in joining for its inaugural semester.” Best says.

University of Michigan Bachelor of Science in Information student Benjamin Riela poses for a portrait in this double exposure illustration. Riela’s portrait is combined with a photo of the North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex. Riela is co-president of the Michigan Sports Analytics Society, a student-led group working to develop interest in the field of sports analytics through discussion, student engagement and various project opportunities. “I grew up a massive sports fan, so MSAS was the perfect club for blending my passions of both sports and data analytics. I also loved the culture and the people in the organization, so it was easy for me to come to and participate in meetings and projects. I’m very grateful for my time here with MSAS,” Riela says.

University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts student Vincent Wei poses for a photo for this double exposure illustration. Wei is the marketing chair for Ann Arbor Data Dive, a multidisciplinary student organization that facilitates collaboration, practical education, and service events that increase data literacy in the community. “A2 Data Dive is an organization wherein I could see myself gaining hands-on experience with data science, making new friends, and engaging with local communities in a more proactive way,” Wei says.