University of Michigan School of Information
Alumni Snapshots
Insights and updates from UMSI alumni.
Do you have one to share? Contact [email protected] or share here.
Nisreen Salka (MSI ’18) was a full-time student with a full-time job at UMSI, always on the go “learning and applying” skills.
Now a leader for Rocket Central’s UX research, she wants to empower her team with the same voice UMSI gave her during her graduate career.
Loretta Parham (AMLS ’77) has applied her expertise in library administration around the nation, serving Chicago Public Library, Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library and the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library.
Her key to success? Flexibility.
Emily Gottschalk (BSI '16) says "the SI program believed in me and the endless possibilities I saw with this degree, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities that have arisen from it."
Discover how Emily is applying problem-solving skills learned at UMSI as a self-described "editor of the technology world," blending expertise in English and user experience at Qualtrics.
Julie Darling (MSI '05) is inspiring the next generation of innovators by bringing her makerspace expertise to A2 STEAM School.
Learn how Julie's UMSI training taught her strategies at the "heart" of being an effective media specialist.
Novia Wong (MSI '19) channels her passions for information and health care into helping communities access mental health resources as a PhD candidate at the University of California Irvine.
"In the end, what really matters is your experience working with other people," she advises students.
Diane Hummel (MILS '92) spent decades applying UMSI skills at Spectrum Health to create a central library collection that would benefit both nurses and patients.
Her advice for students looking for information service jobs: "Just keep at it! Don’t get discouraged, and look in unique places."
Avalon Hu (MSI '11) has fused her creativity and her passion for user experience into a career spanning companies at the forefront of innovation.
Learn how she used unique career development opportunities at UMSI to explore the broad pathways open to her with an information degree.
Zahra Langford (MSI '05) is creating approachable designs for complex healthcare applications.
"I knew I could really do anything with a degree from University of Michigan." Read about the rich internship experiences she cultivated through UMSI, and how they helped her get her first job in the industry.
Krishna Vadrevu (MSI '14) is using UMSI human-computer interaction training designing cloud platforms for global customers.
"There’s plenty of resources and alumni to reach out to while you’re in UMSI programs — embrace that." More of Krishna's advice for getting the most out of your UMSI experience here.
Suzanne Wones (MSI '00) is bringing discovery and access to researchers at Harvard Library.
Discover how UMSI's core classes have informed her work throughout her career.
Maria Gosur (MSI '17) is inspiring new directions for marketing with her user experience services.
Networking is important, she says, but make sure you're doing it right.
Omid Farivar (MSI '12) is building Discord's new user experience research team.
Why is user experience and design more important now than ever? Omid has an answer — and encouragement for students.
Derek Cooper (MSI '07) is helping health technology clients leverage new imaging data.
Don't be afraid to take the scariest opportunities, he says. Here's the question you should ask yourself first.
Alexis Antracoli (MSI '11) is connecting people with information and themselves via Special Collections.
She has advice before you go out and apply for jobs — especially in libraries and archives.
Shaelyn Albrecht (BSI '20) is empowering students with user-centered edtech features.
She explains how sticky notes can be your most valuable tool at UMSI, and delineates the most meaningful projects you can pursue here.
Olubisi Ajetunmobi (MSI '18) is at the leading edge of data analysis in scientific healthcare research.
Learn what she encourages all those interested in information to do before they start a program.
Abril Vela (BSI ’18) is expanding access to computer science education.
"Find another person who likes to do what you do." More of her advice for getting into the information field here.
Tawny Czilok (MHI ’17) is responsible for supporting Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety (HMS) Consortium’s goal of improving quality of care for hospitalized patients.
Tawny’s tips for leveraging an open mind at the start of your information career.
Eve Neiger (MSI '14) is using her degree to build a new archives department within Boston Public Library’s special collections department.
Eve shares the importance of practical experience.
Photo by Meredith Miller, Yale University
Jatin Gupta (MSI ’18) uses the human-computer interaction skills he learned at UMSI to improve product usability at T-mobile.
Jatin's advice for staying relevant.
Deepak Krishnan (MSI ’18) is using his degree to craft better experiences for salespeople at SAP Sales Cloud.
Deepak's view on the importance of mentors.
Arielle Metaxas (BSI '19) is a product analyst for Condé Nast who is utilizing her UMSI degree to analyze consumer behaviors.
Arielle's advice for gaining confidence in information studies.
Emily Bowman (MSI '12) is leading a team of UX designers as director of customer experience design at General Motors.
Learn how Emily utilized the career development office for networking opportunities.
Lisa McLaughlin (MSI '08) is the CEO and co-founder of Workit Health, a digital addiction care clinic reaching 34 million people.
Lisa shares her tips for making the most of your time at UMSI