Jonathan Fay

MSE-IOE | SAB: Co-President

Career Focus: Operations Consulting

Graduate Degree: Industrial and Operations Engineering

Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering

Jonathan brings deep consulting experience to the SAB, having completed three internships with Crowe Consulting in its Metals ERP Implementation division. At Michigan, he founded the Michigan Engineering Consulting Group (MECG), which now supports more than 90 members across eight active client projects. He is also involved in Engineering Global Leadership and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

Why Tauber?

"Tauber offers a unique opportunity to gain high-impact work experience that delivers real value to sponsors, offering students a level of professional immersion that is difficult to find anywhere else."

Why SAB?

"I want to help shape the student experience to ensure Tauber students can fully leverage the tremendous educational and professional opportunities offered by the Tauber Institute. I view the SAB as the best way to give back to the program and bridge the gap between the students and faculty."

Ella Jo Piersma

BTS-MSCM | SAB: Community Building

Career Focus: Operations Strategy

Graduate Degree: MSCM ’27

Undergraduate Degree: BBA

Ella Jo is a former Varsity Swimming and Diving student-athlete and a member of Michigan Business Women. She brings energy, teamwork, and a passion for community-building to the board.

Why Tauber?

"I really enjoyed my TO classes throughout undergrad and wanted to dive more into the technical side of operations moving forward, and Tauber is one of the best places to learn more about that in an immersive and hands-on environment."

Why SAB?

"I am so excited to get involved in a new community at UofM and joined SAB because I wanted to become closer with my Tauber cohort and plan some fun events for the year to come!"

Kirin Raval

MSE-IOE | SAB: Industry Relations

Career Focus: Global Operations

Graduate Degree: Industrial and Operations Engineering

Undergraduate Degree: Industrial and Operations Engineering

Kirin has held multiple operations-focused internships, including roles at General Motors, Foremost USA, and the University of Wisconsin CCAS. On campus, she is active in the Engineering Honors Program, Engineering Global Leadership, and the National Organization of Business and Engineering.

Why Tauber?

"I love how Tauber is a unique integration of engineering, business, and real-world operations! I am excited to have the opportunity to work on a high-impact project to solve complex operational problems. The program’s strong industry partnerships and collaborative culture also make it a great environment to grow as a leader!"

Why SAB?

"I joined SAB to strengthen the student experience and deepen our connections with industry partners. I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the rest of SAB and Tauber program staff to help  deliver industry-driven experiences that prepare students to become future leaders!"

Tory Zollinger

MBA | SAB: Co-President

Career Focus: Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, General Management

Graduate Degree: MBA and MS Industrial and Operations Engineering (University of Michigan)

Undergraduate Degree: BS Geospatial Information Science (United States Military Academy at West Point)

Prior Industry Experience: Eight years of active-duty service as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army. I served in various construction management, project management, program management, and operations management roles.

U-M Clubs / Student Organizations or Experience: President of the Aerospace and Defense Club, VP of Community Relations for the Armed Forces Association, and a member of the General Management Club, Energy Club at Ross, and MBA Christian Fellowship.

Why Tauber?: "I chose Tauber because it offers an unmatched blend of business and engineering not found in any other program. Tauber gives MBA students like me the opportunity to attend classes, work on teams, and collaborate on projects with engineering and business students from diverse backgrounds. The professors and staff are experts in operations, and the industry contacts through Tauber are unparalleled."

Why SAB?: "I applied for the SAB because I want to help shape the culture of the Tauber Institute from the inside. I want to ensure that the institute continues to deliver incredible opportunities and education to students. I also want to help serve as a bridge between the full-time staff and students to ensure we all accomplish our dreams and goals."

Benji Schmeltz

MSE-IOE | SAB: Professional Development

Career Focus: Operations

Graduate Degree: Industrial & Operations Engineering

Undergraduate Degree: Industrial & Operations Engineering

Benji has experience as a Healthcare Operations Engineer at CHEPS and as a Startup Tech Consultant at Omniado. He is also a member of Engineering Honors, Engineering Global Leadership, and serves as Captain of the University of Michigan Hillel Blue Hockey Team.

Why Tauber?

"Tauber’s focus on merging technical skills with business acumen utilizes a diverse skill set that requires both analytical and interpersonal approaches. It bridges the gap between the engineering and business worlds, which aligns perfectly with my academic and professional interests."

Why SAB?

"Being part of the SAB is a chance and privilege to help make Tauber even stronger both now and for future cohorts, making sure feedback turns into action and great ideas don’t get lost in the shuffle. The SAB has the reach and perspective to make real impacts in how students experience the program, and I’m eager to help steer that vehicle forward."

Felix Tang

MSE | SAB: Community Building

Career Focus: Quantitative Finance, Consulting, Software Engineering, Robotics

Graduate Degree: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science and Engineering

Felix is deeply involved in research and entrepreneurship, serving as a research assistant in Z Lab and Buksek Lab, an ENGR 101 Instructional Assistant, and a member of organizations including Traders at Michigan, MPowered Entrepreneurship, Engineering Global Leadership, and BlueLab Woven Wind.

Why Tauber?

"Tauber's mission of developing leaders who can work in cross-functional teams with a unique blend of engineering and business perspectives really aligned with my interest in the intersection of business and technology"

Why SAB?

"I wanted to foster deep program cohesion and community among Tauber students, as I believe these genuine, lasting connections are one of the most valuable takeaways from the Institute."

Yuna (Chia-Yu) Wan

MBA | SAB: Professional Development

Career Focus: Technology

Graduate Degree: MBA

Undergraduate Degree: BBA in Finance (National Taiwan University)

Yuna brings prior experience in semiconductor product marketing and operations and is active in the Taiwan Business Association and Yoga & Pilates Club.

Why Tauber?

"My previous work was somehow related to forecasting and procurement so I want to learn more about SCM and operation!"

Why SAB?

"I'm excited to share my experience working in tech and organize events to help with the cohort's recruiting journey. I enjoy being in the Tauber community and love to pay it forward."

Joseph A. Winkler

MBA | SAB: Industry Relations

Career Focus: Technology & Operations

Graduate Degree: MBA

Undergraduate Degree: International Relations

Joseph’s background spans non-profit, government, and social impact work, and at Michigan he is involved in Tech Innovation Jam, Tech Club, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, Detroit Initiative at Ross, and ZLI Hackathon.

Why Tauber?

"I chose Tauber for its applied, cross-disciplinary approach to operations at the intersection of business and engineering. My background in social impact work exposed me to the real consequences of inefficient operational decisions, and I wanted to build skills that enable me to make impact at scale. Tauber’s focus on real-world problem solving aligns closely with my interests and career goals."

Why SAB?

"I joined the Student Advisory Board to contribute a student perspective that helps Tauber continue to evolve its programming, industry partnerships, and community in ways that meaningfully support current and future students."