Improving BME Student Services With a Focus on Holistic Student Support

In a growing department like U-M BME, the demand for specialized student support services has never been more vital. BME’s enrollment growth calls for a more robust and reimagined BME Student Services Team structure to cater to the diverse needs of students. With new members and a clear vision, the team aims to transform student services into a seamless, one-stop shop for academic advising and career support.

New Faces, New Roles

“The expansion of our team is all about providing better service for our students,” said Dani Koel, BME Student Services Manager, who joined the team in September 2024. “We’re positioned to provide more enhanced opportunities for advising and student support.”

The Student Services Team now includes:

Dani Koel, Student Services Manager
Karen Gates, BME Student Career Planning and Alumni Engagement Coordinator
Maria Steele, Graduate Coordinator for BME’s Ph.D. Program
Tara McQueen, Academic Advisor–BME’s Sequential Undergraduate-Graduate Students (SUGS) Program & Master’s Program
Allie Tharp, BME Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Frankie Quasarano, BME Undergraduate Academic and Pre-Health Advisor
Chris Mueller, BME Student Services Assistant

“The relatively recent additions of Chris and Frankie, along with moving Karen into the Student Services Team, have brought fresh perspectives to our group, with each staff member contributing unique strengths that complement the existing team members,” Koel said. “Chris, who started in May 2024, has taken on curriculum management, ensuring smooth course planning and registration processes. His technical expertise is invaluable, particularly when it comes to handling overrides and behind-the-scenes tasks that help keep the academic wheels turning,” Koel added.

“Frankie, who joined in March 2025, is set to address the increasing advising needs from growing enrollments,” Koel added. “Beyond advising BME undergraduates, Frankie’s role extends into pre-health advising for the entire College of Engineering—a long-awaited service enhancement. Pre-health advising tailored for engineering students is something we’ve needed, and Frankie is the perfect fit to provide it,” said Koel.

Meanwhile, Karen Gates, who has been in BME for several years, is the latest addition to the Student Services Team. “Karen’s role seamlessly connects students with career opportunities and alumni networks,” Koel said. With Karen in the picture, the Student Services Team assists students from orientation, to graduation and beyond. Karen’s expertise in engaging alumni and understanding the professional landscape is crucial for guiding students in their transition from academia to their careers,” Koel said.

“The new team structure offers a more integrated approach to supporting BME students by combining expertise across various domains,” Gates added. “This enables us to create tailored resources that address academic and career needs. By collaborating closely with each other and student support colleagues across campus, we can better bolster students’ future goals and success. Furthermore, by highlighting relevant extracurricular activities and student organizations, we assist students in building networks, gaining leadership experience, hands-on learning, and cultivating well-being, all of which are integral to their long-term success in both the professional world and their personal growth.”

The Peer Advisor Program and Its Crucial Role

The BME peer advisor program, an important facet of Student Services, continues to enrich the student experience by providing a peer-to-peer perspective for prospective and current students. Koel explained: “We’re looking at ways to integrate peer advisors more structurally, ensuring they maintain regular communication and provide insights during student tours and shadowing opportunities.” This initiative not only helps new students transition into BME, but also fosters a community of support and shared experiences while they’re pursuing their education with us.”

A Vision for the Future

With new team members and a unified mission, the Student Services Team is positioned to enhance the student experience in U-M BME. “The Biomedical Engineering major is now the 9th most popular major on the entire U-M Ann Arbor campus,” said Mary-Ann Mycek, William and Valerie Hall Department Chair and Professor, Biomedical Engineering. “Providing outstanding support for our 800+ students across all our BME educational programs – including undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs – is an essential part of BME’s core mission.”

“I’m excited to connect with students early in their career exploration and readiness journey to enhance their internship and job search strategies, prepare strong resumes and CVs, and identify relevant extracurricular activities and organizations,” Gates said. “I want to support them throughout the process, not just near the completion of their studies. The job market is highly competitive and ever-changing. They must start preparing for this as part of their educational experience from the outset and adjust as needed.”

“Our main goal is to make our Student Services Team the best in the College of Engineering,” she said. “We’re committed to delivering top-notch advisory experiences that prepare students for their future endeavors.” In coming months, the team will focus on more closely aligning all facets of student support, from undergraduate admissions and advising to career services. This summer, plans are in place for the expanded team to strategize and streamline processes further, defining clear paths for student success and academic excellence. The team has already created a new Canvas resource page and updated their student newsletter look, cadence and content.

Quasarano, who joined the Student Services team this spring, noted that the new group structure provides students with professionals specializing in specific areas. “We can truly focus on the role and responsibility we were tasked to handle when hired,” he said. “As a higher ed professional, it’s encouraging to see this kind of thoughtful approach to structuring a team to maximize its size and impact for student success.”

Conclusion

U-M’s BME department is working toward a new benchmark in serving its students. “These changes are about empowering our students and staff,” said Koel. “This transformation in our department is not just about surviving the surge in student numbers; it’s about thriving and setting our students on a path to serve humanity through their studies and research.” With this proactive approach, U-M BME reaffirms its commitment to being a department in service—dedicated to nurturing talent and making impactful advancements in the field of biomedical engineering.