College of Engineering 2025 Black History Month Black Alumni and Faculty Showcase

Clinique Brundidge, Ph.D. is a Subdivision Manager at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division, managing and executing the strategic direction, budget and operations of a diverse and multi-disciplinary organization that supports the lifecycle management of expeditionary ground weapons and ammunition. While at NSWC Corona, Dr. Brundidge has successfully led and implemented initiatives that have enhanced the efficiency, effectiveness and innovation of the Marine Corps’ mission and vision. She has also contributed to the materials engineering field while employed as a Principal Engineer at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at University of California Santa Barbara.

Sage Advice
“Utilize the ample resources available at the University of Michigan and engage in your communities to succeed academically and personally. Continuously pursue technical excellence, which involves consistently applying best practices and high standards to deliver quality contributions to your field.”

Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator. He is the former chief strategy officer at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and the author of the best-selling book, For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want To Be. Marcus is an inductee into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement and a recipient of the Thinkers50 Radar Distinguished Achievement Award for the idea most likely to shape the future of business management. His strategies and creative contributions have led to the launch and success of McDonald’s cultural resurgence, Google’s “Real Tone” technology, the “Made In America” music festival, and the Brooklyn Nets move from New Jersey to New York, among others. Before his advertising tenure, Marcus worked on iTunes + Nike sports music initiatives at Apple and ran digital strategy for Beyoncé. He writes a column for Forbes’ CMO Network and contributes to business scholarship.

Sage Advice
“The best thing about an engineering degree is the plethora of applications the education provides you. Consider what problems you might solve as opposed to “what you might do.” The difference might be life-altering–for all of us!”

Herek Clack is an associate professor of civil & environmental engineering at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on chemical and biological aerosols and their interactions with electric fields and electrical discharges. He earned an S.B. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from MIT (1987) and an M.S. (1997) and Ph.D. (1998) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He currently serves on the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Standing Committee on Personal Protective Equipment (COPPE), as vice-president and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Electrostatic Precipitation (ISESP), and as co-founder and chief science officer of the startup company Taza Aya, Inc.

Sage Advice
“Now more than ever, use informal mentors in your life to help you separate the “signal” from the “noise” and chart the career path that you desire.”

Lanie Dixon is an accomplished healthcare leader specializing in patient experience, process improvement, and Lean methodologies, including Six Sigma and 5S. As Vice President of Patient Experience at Essentia Health, she leads the development and implementation of strategies to enhance patient care, service recovery, and organizational loyalty. Her work focuses on fostering a culture of excellence, improving operational efficiency, and driving measurable outcomes. A Detroit native, Lanie is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Certified Patient Experience Professional, and member of the University of Michigan President’s Council which advises university leadership on major matters of importance.

Sage Advice
“Embrace flexibility in your journey, seek purpose in your work, and let challenges guide you to your strengths. Build relationships, stay curious, and remember that resilience and a clear sense of ‘why’ will fuel your success. Use your skills to make an impact and give back as you grow.”

Arthur L. Edge III is a visionary leader who transforms challenges into opportunities. Throughout his career in operations and new venture development, he has pioneered engineering solutions that create meaningful change. From deriving biofuels from algae to enabling rapid responses to health threats like Ebola and COVID-19, his work has made a lasting impact. He has also delivered life-changing Oncology treatments to over 1 million patients, improving lives worldwide. A proud Detroit native now based in Washington, DC, Arthur balances his role as Senior Director at AstraZeneca with mentoring future innovators through his Lifetime Membership in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and competing in swing dance. Above all, he has a deep commitment to faith, which drives him to serve others with purpose.

Sage Advice
“Engineering has the power to improve lives—including yours. The challenges you face today are not obstacles, but invitations to grow. Let perseverance, curiosity, and the drive to elevate others guide you toward success. The impact of your work will unfold in ways you haven’t yet imagined.”

Julie Simmons Ivy is the Vivian L. Carpenter Collegiate Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) and Chair of the IOE Department at the University of Michigan. Dr. Ivy is also the Edgar S. Woolard Professor Emerita of the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University. Dr. Ivy received her B.S. and Ph.D. from Michigan IOE and her M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech. Dr. Ivy’s research focuses on decision modeling under uncertainty to address complex societal issues in healthcare and hunger relief. Dr. Ivy is an Institute of Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS) Fellow, an Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) Fellow, and serves on the National Academies Board on Mathematical Sciences and Analytics (BMSA). Dr. Ivy has focused on empowering women of color and underrepresented minorities in IE/OR and STEM over 25 years. She was an INFORMS 2021 Minority Issues Forum (MIF) Fellow and received the INFORMS 2020 WORMS Award for the Advancement of Women in OR/MS.

Sage Advice
“Your path will likely be non-linear but things happen for your good in the end. It is ok to fail just get up brush yourself off and keep going.”

Chad Jenkins is a Professor of Robotics and a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. His research addresses problems in robot learning from demonstration, humanoid robotics, and human-robot interaction. Professor Jenkins is the founding Program Chair of the Robotics Major Degree Program launched in 2022 for undergraduates at the University of Michigan. Professor Jenkins served two terms as founding Editor-in-Chief for the ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI).

Sage Advice
“Stand on the shoulders of giants to extend the ladder of opportunity for others”

Jasmine LeFlore is an aerospace engineer, educator, and visionary leader. She is the Co-founder of Greater Than Tech, a nonprofit empowering underserved youth, especially Black girls, through STEM and entrepreneurship. With degrees from the University of Michigan, Purdue University, and Indiana University, Jasmine combines technical expertise with a passion for diversity and innovation. Her groundbreaking initiatives have earned her accolades, including the NAACP Freedom Fund Award and recognition as a San Diego Top Woman in Technology. Jasmine is dedicated to redefining education, fostering equity, and inspiring the next generation of innovators through her transformative work and community impact.

Sage Advice
“Never take the first no, and never tell yourself no first!”

Dr. Carl McIntyre, a dedicated educator and engineer, has recently assumed the role of Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Engineering at the College of the Mainland, where he leads the newly established engineering department. A dual degree graduate in chemical engineering from Morehouse College and Georgia Tech, Dr. McIntyre holds a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. His academic journey has been distinguished by a prestigious NSF AGEP postdoctoral fellowship and faculty positions at both Prairie View A&M University (an HBCU) and the University of Louisiana. At these institutions, he has mentored numerous students and conducted innovative research. Leveraging his experience leading AP studies in K-12, Dr. McIntyre understands the challenges of the next generation of learners. His commitment to excellence in teaching was recognized in 2024 with the Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Engineering at PVAMU.

Sage Advice
“If you are in the field of engineering you are going to be working extremely hard to earn your degrees. In earning your engineering degree do not focus on the reward that men can give you: money, a career, or some measure of fame. Instead of becoming a puppet for these things, when you see any men promise these things remember man doesn’t have the authority nor the love for you to ensure any of these for a lifetime. You know that God rewards those who diligently seek him. Whatever path you are on, continue living for God, being who God has created you to be, and doing what God has created you to do. In this way, your efforts, your accomplishments, and your person will never be forgotten, and you will always have the love and the rewards with a greater guarantee than any man can promise you.”

Dr. Kyla McMullen, Associate Professor in Computer Science at the University of Florida, advances human-centered computing research in 3D audio technology and immersive realities. Her NSF-funded work enhances perception, navigation, and situational awareness using immersive audio. Recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, she addresses challenges like 3D sound rendering, customization, and practical application. Beyond research, McMullen champions diversity in STEM, co-hosting the “Modern Figures Podcast” to inspire women. As the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, her impactful academic journey highlights a commitment to innovation and community outreach.

Sage Advice
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Hailing from Stone Mountain, GA, Chris Neely is the Vice President and Manager at Wolverine Pipe Line Company (an ExxonMobil Joint Venture), a liquid petroleum transportation provider operating 700 miles of pipelines across the Midwest and transporting one-third of Michigan’s refined products supply. Chris has over 15 years’ working experience with ExxonMobil serving in a variety of Engineering, Business Development, and Operations/Projects Leadership roles and achieving an Advanced Professional Skill Milestone (Project Management). Residing in Portage, MI with his wife and two children, Chris enjoys traveling the world, being involved with his community, and creating forever moments with his family.

Sage Advice
“Always trust in and advocate for yourself and your abilities. No matter the room, no matter the audience, take pride in your abilities and hard work and let your success be an inspiration to your peers, colleagues and future generations. Be your true self and use your platform to showcase what you can achieve.”

Dr. Joy Olabisi is the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Executive Director of Graduate Admissions at Georgia Tech. She leads the Office of Graduate Education, overseeing the processing of over 40,000 applications annually and collaborating with campus partners to foster best practices and a supportive environment for graduate students. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at RIT, directing Global Supply Chain Management programs and teaching courses in the areas of organizational behavior, high-performance teams, and negotiations. Joy holds degrees from Georgia Tech (B.S.) and the University of Michigan (M.S., Ph.D.). Joy’s research explores organizational learning and entrepreneurship in emerging markets, and she is passionate about mentoring and supporting students in their educational and career endeavors.

Sage Advice
“These are the most enjoyable and pivotal years of your lives. Explore, experiment, don’t be afraid to try new things, AND don’t be afraid to fail! Make it a point to travel the world to understand how individuals from different cultures and backgrounds experience and enjoy life and how they overcome challenges. It will help you frame your thinking and problem-solving for the rest of your life! Seek opportunities to learn what you are passionate about – don’t limit yourself, but push yourself! Think about how you can use your passion and talents to not only achieve success – whatever that may be – but to also make the world and the lives of those around you better than you found it!”

Deandre began his career with Shell in 2010 as a Drilling Engineer. During his time at Shell, he has performed in Engineering and Strategic Roles and is currently a Front End Development Manager supporting Shell’s Gulf of Mexico offshore assets.  
 
Deandre obtained his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Michigan (Chemical and Mechanical Engineering). He recently completed his MBA from the Booth School of Business at The University of Chicago. 
 
In his spare time, Deandre enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with his children.

Sage Advice
“Do not be intimidated by your ambitions. Start with small, achievable steps. Each step forward builds momentum toward larger goals. Remember, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re developing a mindset and skillset that can change the world. Go Blue!”

Dr. Reginald E. Rogers, Jr. is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Missouri. As an educator and agent of change, Dr. Rogers continuously integrates undergraduate and graduate students within his research and broadening participation efforts to open his students’ minds and perspectives on their potential roles on societal challenges as rising engineers. Dr. Rogers is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Minority Affairs Community Distinguished Service Award and the Award for Excellence in Chemical Engineering Teaching Practice, both from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Sage Advice
“Forget regret…or life is yours to miss. Take on each opportunity with passion and persistence such that you can realize the rewards of your success.“

Erin Teague is the Chief Product Officer at Character.AI. Before her current position, she was a senior director of product management at Google. In this role, she was the product and technical advisor to Google’s Chief Technologist across Search, Gemini, Ads, Maps, Assistant, Commerce, Shopping, and Long-term Bets product areas. Before this role, she was the global product lead across several YouTube verticals, including Sports, Film, and TV. She led YouTube’s Virtual and Augmented Reality product team, where she was responsible for immersive video and created the YouTube VR app, which is rated #1 across multiple platforms. She also founded and led YouTube’s Racial Justice, Equity, and Product Inclusion product teams. Before YouTube, Teague was the director of products for Yahoo’s Fantasy Sports and product manager at Twitter. She began her career as a software engineer at Morgan Stanley, designing algorithms embedded in electronic trading applications in the firm’s Algorithmic Trading Technology group. Teague is the recipient of the BET Her Tech Maven Award and has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley” by Silicon Valley Business Journal, “The Next Generation of Tech Stars” by Refinery29, “40 Under 40 in Silicon Valley.” She has also been named one of Glamour Magazine’s “35 Women Under 35 Who Are Changing the Tech Industry” and one of Business Insider’s “Silicon Valley 100.” Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Teague holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Morgan Stanley Fellow, and a BSE in computer engineering from the University of Michigan in 2004, where she graduated with distinction as an Intel Scholar.