We are happy to introduce UROP's new director, Dr. Michelle Ferrez. Michelle brings a strong foundation of professional experience in both undergraduate and graduate education, with a clear commitment to student success.  Most recently, Michelle served as the Executive Director of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, and Achievement) Student Center in the Jacobs School of Engineering, at UC San Diego.  In this role she led a comprehensive academic support center that encompasses learning support, experiential learning, undergraduate research, student diversity and leadership programs, retention programs for particular student cohorts, graduate professional training and education, and a collaborative involving 35 community colleges, including minority serving schools.  Michelle's expertise and experience in higher education over the past 20 years include college teaching, grant proposals and administration, development, partnerships with faculty, alumni and industry liaisons, advising, assessment of learning outcomes and student success, curricular and co-curricular program development for diverse students, and support and retention of diverse students through the higher education pipeline.

Michelle is no stranger to U-M. She worked in CSP as the senior pre-health and science advisor prior to serving as the assistant director of our very own UROP for 4 and half years, departing in 2008. Michelle earned her Doctor of Education at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, in the Center for Urban Education and Equity.  She also has a master's degree in Education from the University of Michigan. 

Please join us in welcoming Michelle back to the UM and UROP!