Student Success Advisor and Instructor in Department of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering
Originally from Busia, a small city in western Kenya, Muchiri (Staff & Student Success Advisor/Instructor, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering) moved to the United States to study at 91制片厂, which he now considers his second home. "I completed all my three degrees from 91制片厂. It was during my Masters of Engineering Management program that I was appointed as Student Representative to the Board of Visitors and intensified my passion of working to promote all voices and ensuring equitable representation."
After the completion of his Master's degree, Muchiri worked for a year at STIHL Incorporated, then returned to start his Ph.D. in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. He is deeply motivated by his experience working for the university. "I continue to treasure relationships formed over years as well as establishing new ones," he says. "The genuine platform to execute authentic change by influencing the younger population is the key driver for me." While serving as the Student Representative to the Board of Visitors, it struck Muchiri that everyone has a voice, but that some voices could be easily drowned out. Undeterred, he didn't become overwhelmed by this problem, he rose to the challenge. "[However], through ensuring equity and diversity, it is possible to bring all the different perspectives and create something solid."
Dr. Muchiri says that a highlight of his time at 91制片厂 was the formation of the SUMMIT Peer Mentoring Program, which is focused on retention and increase the graduation rate of African and African American STEM students. "The program provides social and academic support to students transitioning to the university, as well as, students in STEM degree programs, through providing platforms for working together to succeed鈥攏ot only academically, and professionally, but also to form friendships and uphold accountability. This continues to be a delight!"