CEW+ at U-M

Liane Ross is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UM-Dearborn College of Education, Health, and Human Services, with concentrations in pre-K through 6th-grade education. Liane returned to school after a 21-year hiatus as she raised her two children. Liane’s path to graduation was nontraditional, but she is driven by her purpose to help others grow. Liane envisions creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and supported. Her goal is to build bridges between schools and communities, ensuring that every child has the support system needed to thrive both academically and personally. CEW+ honors Liane’s courage to begin again and names her a Molly H. Dobson Scholar.

Bruna Osako Rocha is an undergraduate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, studying mechanical engineering. She arrived in the U.S. with little more than the dream to do something big with her life. Originally from Brazil, Bruna made the difficult decision to pause her education after high school to work as an au pair, despite being far from home in an unfamiliar language and culture. During that time, Bruna grew confident in herself and saved enough money to go to school in the U.S. She is also a committed leader and advocate for women in STEM fields. CEW+ honors Bruna’s unshakable perseverance and names her an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.

Raksha Rajeshmohan is a masters student studying global health epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. While she worked for the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, she championed the inclusion of pregnant adolescents in research. Raksha will continue to exercise her knowledge and passion for maternal and child health at the Grenada Red Cross Society on a CEW+ Fellowship. After graduation, Raksha hopes to work for a global health non-profit organization to develop integrated health systems in low and middle-income countries. CEW+ applauds Raksha for her work in the field of public health and names her a Simson Family Graduate Fellowship Fellow.

Garret Potter is pursuing a dual masters degree at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education: a master of educational studies in designs and technologies for learning across cultures and contexts, and a master of science in information with a focus on library sciences. At the University of Michigan, he has worked to develop Everstory – the first free voice and visual encyclopedia app for pre-readers. Garret’s long-term vision is not only to create innovative tools like Everstory but also to advocate for educational systems that honor diverse cultures, histories, and ways of learning. CEW+ applauds Garret’s innovative approach to education and names him a Grace A. and James D. Bruce Community Engagement Scholar.

Kai Ngu is a third-year doctoral student in anthropology and history at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, specializing in Southeast Asia with a focus on Malaysian Borneo. Born in Malaysia to a Chinese Malaysian family and raised in the United States, Kai occupies a unique “inside-outsider” space when they return to their birthplace from the United States to conduct research. Kai’s research aims to contribute an ecological and trans-informed approach to gender variance among the animist ritual specialists–”bobolians”–of the Kadazandusun indigenous groups in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. CEW+ recognizes Kai for their contributions to the study of gender and religion and names them a Riecker Graduate Student Research Fellow.

Nelson Oviedo is pursuing a PhD in economics at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, examining how higher education regulations affect the quality of education received by students across income groups. His work is motivated by his own experiences growing up in Peru, where profit-driven incentives in education often exacerbate inequality. As a first-generation student born in Callao, Peru, Nelson grew up in a household that prioritized education despite limited means. Balancing family and scholarship, he envisions a career dedicated to evidence-based policymaking, mentorship, and cross-country collaboration—working toward education systems where quality is a right, not a privilege. CEW+ recognizes Nelson’s important work in economics and equitable education and names him the AAUW Booksale Scholar.

Whittney Logan is pursuing a Masters in Nursing at to become a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner. After a seven-year hiatus from formal education to care for her children, Whittney’s return to graduate education marks a personal triumph and professional milestone. Her goal is to specialize in pediatric neurology, addressing the need for neurological specialists in underserved communities. Whittney’s motivation is personal, too: her oldest daughter lives with focal epilepsy and cognitive challenges, and her youngest children manage an array of complex conditions, including severe allergies, asthma, and suspected genetic disorders. CEW+ honors Whittney’s vision for equitable pediatric care and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.

Farhia Mohamed is a master’s student in public health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health with a concentration in nutritional sciences and social epidemiology. A clinical dietitian turned global health researcher, Farhia’s career bridges continents, disciplines, and communities in service of equitable health outcomes. Farhia writes, “My central purpose is to advance health equity for women and underserved communities across borders and systems.” She is committed to building inclusive health systems that center women and underserved communities and to carrying forward the dreams of those who believe in her. CEW+ commends Farhia’s commitment to women’s health and names her a Gutsy Broad Fellow.

Zoe Gurney is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in global health epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Her research offers important insights for HPV vaccine promotion in China and may also inform efforts to improve vaccine uptake and coverage in the United States. As a Chinese-American adoptee, the opportunity to return to China and strengthen her Mandarin language skills represents a meaningful step in reconnecting with her heritage while also deepening her cross-cultural communication skills. CEW+ is proud to support Zoe’s growth as a public health researcher and names her a Menakka and Essel Bailey Graduate Fellow.

Catherine Goode is a professional soprano and third-year Doctor of Musical Arts student at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Catherine has performed more than 75 operatic and concert roles across the country, demonstrating vocal agility, interpretive depth, and a dynamic presence in both standard and contemporary repertoire. Her CEW+ Fellowship supports Expanding the Classical Music Canon, a project commissioning new vocal works by living female composers, librettists, and poets. CEW+ applauds Catherine’s commitment to women in music and names her a Riecker Graduate Student Research Fellow.