Arvind Balaji

EGP | SAB: Industry Relations

Career Focus:  Digital Manufacturing (Simulations, Digital Twins, Product Lifecycle), Operations (Logistics and Manufacturing), Operations Research and Algorithms

Graduate Degree: Master of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering with a minor in Finance from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, India

Prior Industry Experience: I have interned in Unilever's plant in India, working in their automated ASRS warehouse to improve operations visibility. I have worked with Autoliv, a Swedish MNC manufacturing automotive safety equipment on Production line improvement. I have also interned in ABB Robotics developing a Digital Twin for palletizing systems. And recently, I worked with BorgWarner as part of a course project, developing a 3D Digital twin and Work-Combination-Table to simulate their assembly line for the next few years. I have also interned at an Australian Venture Capital startup (business analysis), a New Zealand architectural firm(business) and EV startup (design).

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: During undergrad, I was part of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), International Finance Student Association (IFSA) and other cultural clubs. At present in Michigan, I am a part of the Rackham Student Government (RSG).

Why Tauber?: Being very interested in the areas of Digital Manufacturing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Tauber seemed like a natural place to grow that innate curiosity and develop as a professional with the Tauber Institute's amazing resources and learn from the brilliant people.

Why SAB?: I want to be able to contribute back to the Tauber community and I think this is a great way. Moreover, I would like to be more invested in improving the Tauber experience based on other student's feedback.

Ayushi Chowdhury

Master of Design Science '26 | SAB: Professional Development

Career Focus: Global Operations and Sustainability Management sector

Graduate Degree: Master of Design Science (May 2026)

Undergraduate Degree: Industrial and Operations Engineering (May 2025)

Prior Industry Experience: Hitachi Astemo (Quality Engineering Intern)/ Consumers Energy (Optimization Intern)

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: ECO-UM consulting/ Mproduct Product Management/ TAP Sustainability Organization

Why Tauber?:  The program’s focus is on collaborative projects that work in cross-functional teams with a unique blend of engineering and business perspectives, perfectly aligning with my academic goals to gain background and professional experience in operations, automation, and sustainability.

Why SAB?: SAB represents an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary community.  I would like to connect across diverse groups (BTS, EGL, MBA students), foster relationships, and enhance the Tauber community.

Danny D'Arrigo

EGL '26 | SAB: Co-President

Career Focus: Global Operations

Graduate Degree: MSE- IOE 2026
Undergraduate Degree: BSE- IOE 2025

Prior Industry Experience: Operations Engineering Intern at Atkore International

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: Engineering Global Leadership, Michigan Mars Rover Business team

Why Tauber?: Diverse perspectives are needed to unleash the full potential of an organization. I have always been drawn to multidisciplinary education, and Tauber will expose me to a network of diverse backgrounds from which to learn. The skills, curriculum, and people I learn from in Tauber will prepare me for any challenge I face professionally, enabling me to drive innovative solutions and lead with impact in any industry.

Why SAB?: Bridging the gap between business and engineering doesn’t just happen in industry! By learning to connect these distinct communities here at UM, I can apply these skills to bring out the best in all individuals and organizations I encounter in my career.

Michelle Hsu

MBA '26 | SAB: Professional Development

Career Focus: Tech

Graduate Degree: MBA
Undergraduate Degree: Library and Information Science

Prior Industry Experience: Global Operation in the technology industry

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: the board of TBA member

Why Tauber?: I am fascinated by global operation

Why SAB?: I received lots of help from Tauber, and I would like to return back to Tauber community

Katherine Mahler

MBA '26 | SAB: Co-President

Career Focus: Operations and Strategy

Graduate Degree: MBA ‘26

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Prior Industry Experience:

• Program Coordinator and Operations Analyst at the Massachusetts General Hospital

• Project and Data Manager at Vinfen

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: Ross Clubs: Retail & Luxury Goods Club and Food & Beverage Club

Why Tauber?: Having grown up with parents who are engineers, I understand the importance of integrating engineering and operations.  Since graduating from UMass Amherst, my interest in operations has grown through the various roles I’ve held.  I applied to Tauber not only because it is a world-class institution with a robust alumni network, but also because it allows me to immerse myself in a multidisciplinary program that provides leadership opportunities, fosters a tight-knit community, and offers hands-on project opportunities that bridge the gap between engineering and business operations.
Why SAB?: Serving on the SAB is a wonderful opportunity for me to deepen my involvement in a program that I am passionate about and collaborate with others who share the common goal of improving the program.  I want to build upon the work of previous SAB members and leave a lasting legacy with the ‘24 - ‘25 board.  I hope to create an environment where Tauber students feel welcomed, supported, and mentored.  

Maya Mileski

EGL '26 | SAB: Community Building

Career Focus: Manufacturing and Global Operations

Graduate Degree: Industrial and Operations Engineering (May 2026)
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering (May 2025)

Prior Industry Experience: Stryker (Clinical Affairs Intern), AirLife (Quality Engineering Intern)

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: Engineering Global Leadership, Michigan Health Engineered for All Lives (MHEAL)- Project Alivio Mechanical team, Elementary Engineering Partnerships, MPals, University of Michigan Center for Radiation Oncology lab assistant

Why Tauber?: Tauber provides an excellent opportunity to obtain a multidisciplinary education, allowing me to expand my knowledge beyond the world of Biomedical Engineering. Through Tauber, I can learn from the best professors, alumni, and industry partners to grow my potential and expand my experiences. I am excited to gain a better understanding of business and global operations and complete a project related to these topics.

Why SAB?: I aim to cultivate strong relationships among all members of Tauber to create a supportive and cohesive community. I hope we can form lasting relationships and contribute to each other's success.

Jiawen Qi

BTS '25 | SAB: Community Building

Career Focus: Global Operations

Graduate Degree: BTS (BBA / MSCM '25)
Undergraduate Degree: BBA

Prior Industry Experience: Store Operations Intern at UNIQLO

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: Business Economics TA, Tutor at ASP, Asian American Association, Ross Retail Club

Why Tauber?: Tauber's mission of developing leaders dedicated to solving complex problems in operations resonates with my goal to be a successful leader at the intersection of business and technology. The Tauber tight-knit community with supportive faculty and students from multidisciplinary backgrounds helps build meaningful connections.

Why SAB?: The Tauber community was so welcoming when I first joined Tauber, and I want to make that everyone's experience. My goal is to help Tauber students build genuine connections that last beyond their years at Tauber. 

Sergio Ramos Salinas

MBA '26 | SAB: Industry Relations

Career Focus: General Management

Graduate Degree: MBA '26
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economic Consulting

Prior Industry Experience: Senior Financial Analyst at Amazon

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: Michigan Business Social Association (Director) & Tech Club (Member)

Why Tauber?: To learn about operations and supply chain management as they are the heart of a business. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the program was a key factor, as both engineering and business collaboration are required to make realistic decisions.

Why SAB? Tauber provides opportunities for students and industry to connect and collaborate. Being a part of the SAB allows me to design and put together events and interactions to help Tauber students make the most of their experience.