This panel event features former Shiawassee Scholars, who will share their experiences as U-M undergraduate students and the ways in which they built a bridge between college and career. It's time for YOU to build your U-M network. This event will be open to Cook Scholars in-person, with free lunch, as well as via Livestream, with time for Q&A. (Register under Related Links.) Here are their bios!

Elizabeth Tolrud
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science as a triple-major in “Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology”, “Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity”, and “Program in the Environment” with a specialization in Toxicology. While at U of M, she was an undergraduate researcher in the Colacino Lab, co-president of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, co-founder of the Student Carbon Neutrality Network, circular economy engagement advisor for the City of Ann Arbor, and active in the LSA Honors Program. She is currently a Fulbright research grantee in Norway, working to improve techniques to analyze microplastics in sea ice.

Cameron Allen
Cameron is a recent BBA graduate from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and a current First Year Associate at EY-Parthenon's Boston office. Thriving at the intersection of startups and strategic thinking, he founded Beacon Book Box, scaling it to $2M+ in revenue with global distribution, and recently co-founded Novl'd, an AI-powered platform fostering meaningful connections through shared media interests. His experience at EY-Parthenon and MECC Consulting Group has further shaped his strategic toolkit, allowing him to work with and lead diverse teams in commercial due diligence, market research, and growth strategy. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, he’s deeply engaged in research exploring consumer behavior, influencer authenticity, and Gen-Z engagement strategies. He loves leveraging data-driven insights to craft impactful, innovative solutions.

Alex Bryan
Alex believes that our only future is one that centers people, planet, and society to address a myriad of major issues and crises in front of us. And, he’s lucky enough to be challenged by his job every day in ways that help him learn and advance himself and others. He has nearly 15 years of experience in sustainability and sustainable food systems, community organizing, and addressing complex problems through social change. He’s just as excited digging through the HVAC of a building as he is facilitating a conversation on collective impact and can step from the community garden to the board room in an afternoon. Alex is a 2003 Laingsburg High School graduate.