Student Ambassadors

Suliat Akinola

Hometown: Oyo State, Nigeria
Major: MS in Health Informatics
Class: Graduate Student
Area of Interest: Health Informatics, Public Health Informatics

My passion for healthcare and technology has led me to explore data and Information technology potential to enhance patient care and streamline processes, rooted in my Nigerian community's healthcare challenges.
My academic journey includes healthcare, technology, and cultural diversity. I've studied advanced technologies, data analytics, and electronic health record systems, with a focus on data-driven patient care and operational efficiency.
My interests extend beyond academia. I like interacting with peers, exchanging insights, and advocating digital health solutions. As I continue my academic path, I hope to use my expertise and passion to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, ultimately improving healthcare access and quality in Nigeria.

Elise Buzzell

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major: BS in Computer Science
Class: 1st Year

Hello! I am Elise Buzzell. I am originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, so I am no newbie to the weather up here. I am a first-year Computer Science major looking to pursue a minor focusing on user experience. I spend my free time reading, golfing, and dancing. Here at Michigan Tech, I am involved in the Rowing Club and intend to join more activities as my time on campus continues.

In my junior year of high school, I was a business systems intern for the Minnesota Twins baseball team. My six months with the Twins involved creating a website—backend to frontend—for the executive offices while learning where a computer science degree could take me.

Kohl Goldsmith

Hometown: Lower Michigan near Grand Rapids
Major: BS in Cybersecurity
Hello, and welcome to your exploration of MTU! My name is Kohl and I’m a student of cybersecurity in the College of Computing. I also work in the Health Informatics lab on campus. I love hiking, board games, painting, and cooking. My experience at Tech has shown me uniqueness and beauty in a community that reflects those exact values. Growing up downstate in a suburb just outside of Grand Rapids, I had never explored the Upper Peninsula before attending Michigan Tech. I am amazed at the gorgeous landscape around campus and overjoyed at just how in touch everyone I’ve met is with this appreciation of nature. 
Studying computers surrounded by nature is what I appreciate most about our campus. I love chatting about what motivates people and if you decide to visit, I’d be happy to hear your story of what brought you to Houghton.

Thomas Harvell

Hometown: Western Lower Michigan
Major: BS in Computer Network and System Administration/Cybersecurity
Class: 1st Year

I am from a small town on the west coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. I spend most of my free time playing games, going on hikes, exploring the outdoors near Michigan Tech, and watching sports. My favorite sport is baseball and I am a huge Cubs fan. I am majoring in Computer Network and System Administration (CNSA) with a minor in cybersecurity. The professors I have are all extremely helpful and friendly, even offering snacks and espresso during their office hours. I find the courses I am taking not only extremely interesting but also enjoyable. My favorite part of Michigan Tech is the connections you can make with others who share the same interests.

Kimaya Havle

Major: MS in Health Informatics
Class: Graduate Student

I am a dentist with a master's in public health. My academic journey now unfolds at Michigan Tech where each day transforms me into a more tech-savvy individual. Here, I explore the intersection of healthcare and technology with exceptional faculty who are preparing me for the AI-driven future. I'm captivated by the immense potential of machine learning in transforming healthcare.

I have worked on multiple data-driven projects in machine learning that have honed my skills and provided me with a well-rounded education, opening doors to endless opportunities to become a health-related data scientist.

Emmanuel Izuchukwu Nkwocha

Hometown: Nigeria
Major: MS in Mechatronics
Class: Graduate Student

My name is Emmanuel Izuchukwu Nkwocha, I hail from the vibrant Igbo tribe in Nigeria. I have a bachelor's degree in electrical electronics engineering. I am a graduate student in the Mechatronics department. My area of interest is industrial automation and robotics programming.
I have six years of hands-on experience as an industrial automation engineer, I have honed my skills in two demanding industrial sectors: oil and gas and manufacturing. I have been involved in several automation-based projects as a supervisor and an application engineer.
Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy playing video games and I treasure quality time spent in lively conversations with friends and family.
For the past five years, I have been an ardent fan of Michigan Tech. My decision to attend Michigan Tech for my graduate studies was a conscious choice. Michigan Tech, with its status as an authorized training center for FANUC robots, beckoned me to be part of its dynamic community. I love community service.

 

Fatima Morera Lohr

Hometown: Tijuana, Mexico
Major: BS in Computer Science
Class: 3rd Year

A junior here at Michigan Tech, I have been able to experience the life of a small college town. Growing up in Tijuana, Mexico—a city of over 2 million people—has made me appreciate the beauty of the Upper Peninsula. The first time I actually experienced the four seasons was when I started college. In my hometown, we don’t really get the fall color changes and definitely do not get snow.

One of the things that I like the most about Tech is the community I have become a part of, both on and off campus. This community has become my family away from home. One of my favorite memories here is going on retreats to Marquette with friends from all over the UP, just getting together regardless of whether we are court rivals. Tech has given me the opportunity to meet so many new people and grow in many aspects of my life.

Haranadh Reddy Ravi

Hometown: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Major: MS in Data Science
Class: Graduate Student

Greetings! My name is Haranadh Reddy Ravi and I am honored to serve as an Ambassador for the College of Computing at Michigan Technological University. Originally from the vibrant city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, India, my academic background is varied and diverse. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and at Michigan Tech I am pursuing a Master’s in Data Science, a field that combines my passion for engineering precision with data-driven insights in the world of technology. 

My ultimate goal is to become a predictive analyst, leveraging my expertise in both domains for maximum impact. In my free time, I enjoy immersing myself in anime, staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends, and playing volleyball. Although I relish solo travel, I am eager to learn from this experience and connect with others. As a College of Computing Ambassador, I am eager to share my experiences, connect with students, and showcase the dynamic opportunities available within our College. Let us embark on this exciting journey together and make the most of our time at MTU!

Jyoti Suhag

Hometown: India
Major: MS in Computer Science
Class: Graduate Student
Areas of Interest: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Programming, Software Development

I am from India, where I completed my entire educational journey, including my undergraduate degree in computer science. My passion for computers has always been a driving force in my life. Joining the Computer Science department at Michigan Tech has been an incredibly enriching experience. I am thrilled about the skills I will acquire through this program. During my time here, I have received tremendous support from my professors. Their teaching methods and the chance to engage in hands-on, real-world research have allowed me to explore captivating aspects of Artificial Intelligence. In my leisure hours, I enjoy playing video games, watching Korean dramas, and indulging in my love for volleyball. I also have a keen interest in hiking and biking.

The College of Computing at Michigan Tech presents a multitude of opportunities and, thanks to the exceptional faculty in the department, I am eagerly anticipating the journey ahead.

Gary Tropp

Major: MS in Cybersecurity
Class: Graduate Student 

I am an MS in Cybersecurity student with a BS in Computer Network and System Administration and Pavlis Honors from Michigan Tech. I am passionate about helping others and using my experience in technology to solve problems. I am currently studying DevOps principles, exploring various methods of network automation, and learning how to create scalable networks and infrastructure solutions to make technicians’ jobs and customers’ lives easier.

I am very involved in Michigan Tech programs and have held various teaching and assistant roles where I’ve reviewed or developed curricula. I always enjoy the opportunity to utilize my passions to help others understand computing and its various applications.

College of Computing programs offer boundless opportunities to learn and build experience in a warm and welcoming environment. My participation in the National Cyber League (NCL) with the RedTeam student organization provides a great environment for building new cybersecurity skills and challenging myself alongside my peers.