Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors engage with prospective students to share their experiences in our Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences and Engineering Physics programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Prospective Students: To meet with an ambassador, send an email to [email protected] and include an ambassador’s name if there is someone you would like to meet in particular.
Current Students: This program provides our students with the opportunity to assist in the department’s recruitment and outreach efforts both internally at U-M’s institution and externally to K-12 schools. If you are interested in joining the program, email [email protected].
Varun Agrawal
Undergraduate
Engineering Physics,
Computer Engineering
Varun Agrawal, an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, working towards a dual BSE in Engineering Physics and Computer Engineering, supplemented by a minor in Data Science. He currently plays a vital role on the university’s Generative AI Advisory Committee (GAIA), where he co-authors key policy recommendations. Born in India, Varun combines his technical expertise with a passion for photography, music, and dance, embracing a well-rounded approach to both his professional and personal pursuits.
Tyler Buividas
Undergraduate
Engineering Physics
Tyler is a sophomore studying Engineering Physics with a concentration in Electrical Engineering, with aspirations to pursue a Masters in Electrical Engineering. He grew up in New Mexico and Arizona before coming to Michigan and loves cooking, baking, backpacking, and tinkering!
Joseph Croteau
Undergraduate
Engineering Physics and Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences
Joseph is a current undergrad in his junior year at the University of Michigan pursuing a dual degree in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics. Alongside his studies, he is an Instructional Aid for Engr 110, an introductory class for incoming freshmen, and a research assistant under Dr. Brian Kiedrowski’s UMCPT group. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and enjoys watching Netflix, long drives, hiking, and trying new foods.
Zhenyu Fei
Master’s Student
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Zhenyu Fei is a master’s student in Prof. Raiman’s group. He is working on light water reactor accident tolerant fuels cladding in-situ hydrothermal corrosion and mechanical properties and he also is the manager of the preparation labs. He is passionate about traveling to experience local culture and cuisine. He enjoys reading novels, engaging in extreme sports, and is always keen on trying out new things.
Chenxi Liu
Undergraduate
Engineering Physics
Chenxi is a third-year undergraduate student in Engineering Physics (Electrical Engineering/Optics concentration). He is interested in research about condensed matter, light-matter interactions, and quantum optics. His research includes using optical and electrical characterization of TMDc materials and nano fabrications. He is passionate about physics and the planning of physics study, so if anyone is struggling with physics or the study of physics, don’t hesitate to contact him. He is from Shenzhen, China, and enjoys playing video games like League of Legends, PUBG, Tropical… He also enjoys watching K-drama, playing tennis, and traveling.
Rheadawn Marasigan
Undergraduate
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Rhea is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. Although she doesn’t have a concentration, her current goal is to use her degree for the development of nuclear medicine. She is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and dancing in her free time.
Julia Marshall
Undergraduate
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Julia is a senior majoring in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Michigan. She is interested in plasma physics and has a minor in German Studies. She is from Belleville, MI, and enjoys climbing, hiking, and all things outdoors.
Dheeraj Surate
Master’s Student
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Dheeraj Surate completed a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Mumbai University, and is now pursuing a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He was born in Solapur, India, and enjoys driving, biking on road trips, and going trekking.
Meredith Thibeault
Master’s Student
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Meredith graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences department in April 2023 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in nuclear engineering with a focus on fission systems. Outside of NERS she is an ENGR101 GSI and loves working with first-year engineering students and introducing them to the CoE. She grew up in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and enjoys crocheting, reading, and drinking coffee!
Mackenzie Warwick
PhD Candidate
Nuclear Engineering &
Radiological Sciences
Mackenzie Warwick is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences department at the University of Michigan, with a focus on ion irradiation creep and material performance in coupled extreme environments. Mackenzie is an intern at Idaho National Laboratory researching crystal plasticity and modeling of creep mechanisms for long-term performance prediction. She has previously researched the technical and economic feasibility of isotopic-tailoring of nickel in Inconel-718 for low-activation purposes as a fusion first-wall candidate material. Mackenzie has a strong interest in Japan’s nuclear energy sector as she became interested in nuclear energy after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident. She has 12 years of intermediate experience with Japanese and has visited Japan three times. When Mackenzie is not in the lab, she is typically running K-12 outreach workshops that she has developed to increase the accessibility of nuclear engineering topics for young students.