College of Engineering and Applied Sciences recognizes its 2025 Presidential Scholars

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is honoring seven outstanding students as its 2025 Presidential Scholars, the highest academic honor that Western can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on a student's general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence relative to their majors, and intellectual and artistic promise.

Juan Miguel Sanchez Flores

Presidential Scholar in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Juan Miguel Sanchez Flores is looking forward to jumpstarting his career in the mechanical engineering and automotive industry. 

“The field I am most excited about in mechanical engineering is transmission design. This is mainly influenced by the great experience I am having as a project manager with the Solid Mechanics and Structures Hub (SMASH) [student organization],” says Flores. 

This excitement was shaped by his experience working as a research assistant for WMU’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation (CAViDS).

“I gained a lot of knowledge related to design and fluid mechanics on this position,” says Flores. “I am especially grateful with Dr. Claudia Fajardo (professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of CAViDS) who has guided me on improving my career experience and is my faculty mentor on my accelerated master's program.”

Flores is continuing his education at WMU as he finishes his accelerated master’s degree and is excited to see what the future will hold.

“In the future, I would like to work in the renewable energy industry; more specifically, to be involved in solving challenges related to wind turbine gearboxes.”

Tyler Flynn

Presidential Scholar in Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems

Tyler Flynn says, “My academic journey at WMU has been most influenced by the Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems department faculty, my friends at WMU, and my friends and family back home in Eagle, Mich., who give me the drive to be successful.”

With this support, one of his most memorable experiences Flynn had during his time in the manufacturing engineering technology program is being part of the student organization Bronco Racing Formula SAE.

“I have been able to work on and lead so many projects that have drastically made me better at engineering, leadership, and manufacturing,” says Flynn. “It is most rewarding to help the younger members of the team learn and grow.”

Flynn will begin working as a process engineer at Benteler in Holland, Mich. after graduation and looks forward to applying his knowledge and experience.

“I have a passion for process improvement and the ability to make things. Everything in life can be broken down into a process; how the process is planned and executed determines the outcome.

Keila Howard

Presidential Scholar in Civil and Construction Engineering

Keila Howard has enjoyed the variety of concentrations WMU’s civil engineering program has to offer. In addition to her studies, she worked as a land steward for the Office of Sustainability and was a member of the student organization Concrete Canoe.

“My most memorable experience at WMU was spending two years on the Concrete Canoe team where I gained hands-on experience with concrete mix design and material testing.”

This positive experience led her to a leadership position in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

“After joining the team, I served as the ASCE student chapter president in 2023-2024, where I developed leadership skills and got to network with professionals in the industry.”

Howard will be able to continue to pursue her passion for sustainability and innovation after graduation as a water resources engineer at Wade Trim in Detroit.

Emma Perrin

Presidential Scholar in Chemical and Paper Engineering 

Emma Perrin intends on making an impact when it comes to sustainable engineering in the chemical and paper industry.

“Academically, I learned a lot in our labs. I think it was valuable learning how to design heat exchangers, pumps, and distillation columns in our unit operations classes, and then actually getting to work with them in the lab.”

In addition to her experience-driven learning in labs, the various organizations and co-curricular activities Perrin participated in during her time at WMU helped prepare her to achieve her goals.

“I have always enjoyed being a part of leadership in my academics and in clubs, so I aspire to become a manager,” says Perrin. “It feels good being able to both serve your constituents and produce results.”

After graduation she will be working as an entry level chemical engineer for Domtar, responsible for performing process engineering work.

“I am really excited to work in the paper industry because it is sustainable,” says Perrin. “I want to design and produce paper products that will serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional ones. Who knows, maybe I’ll even find a way to improve paper straws!”

Not pictured:

Ladd Carpenter – Presidential Scholar in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mila Mitovski – Presidential Scholar in Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management 

Christian Zehner - Presidential Scholar in Computer Science 

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