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News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Seeking SMU-entrepreneurs to sell or demo at the Big iDeas Marketplace

The Office of Engaged Learning invites all SMU-affiliated entrepreneurs to sell their products, demo their apps, share brochures, etc., at the Big iDeas Marketplace on Friday, February 14th, from 10am-1pm.

If you have a business, no matter the size, we encourage you to participate in the event. We are still accepting applications from SMU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Fill out the application form to reserve a table.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Undergraduate Research Student Spotlight: Tran Lam

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Transportation inefficiencies have a major impact on both the environment and business profitability. Tran Lam, a senior Computer Science and Data Science major, is tackling these challenges as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Olinick in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM), Tran is working on mathematical modeling of network flow to develop faster, more scalable algorithms for solving large, complex routing problems in transportation. This is no simple task for a student. In an interview with Tran, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the goals she aspires to achieve through her work.

What inspired you to do research? 

Research offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into topics that genuinely interest me, beyond just what’s covered in classes. Instead of passively absorbing information, I get to engage directly with complex problems and try out different approaches. It’s a more dynamic way of learning where I’m not confined to fixed curriculum but can ask my own questions and find my own answers. It allows me to ask questions, get direct feedback, and refine my thinking. This hands-on experience helps me build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career path I choose later.

What types of support do you receive from your mentors?

They offered new perspective on tackling the problem, suggesting different methods and approaches that I hadn’t considered before. For instance, they guided me on using specific optimization techniques and shared insights from their own experiences working on related problems in logistics. This helped me refine my algorithms and improve the efficiency of my solution. Overall, their feedback and expertise played a key role in shaping the direction of my research and pushing it to higher level.

What do you hope people take away from your research? 

Through my research, I hope to demonstrate a practical approach to optimizing the profitability of backhaul trips, which is a critical aspect of logistics that often gets overlooked (a “backhaul trip” refers to the return journey of a vehicle carrying goods or cargo after completing a delivery). My goal is to show that even small improvements in planning backhaul routes can lead to significant gains in efficiency and profit for logistics and delivery companies. On a larger scale, I hope this work encourages industry professionals and researchers to explore new and creative strategies for reducing empty travel time and making the most out of every trip. Ultimately, I want my research to serve as a stepping stone for future innovations in logistics optimization, helping companies reduce costs, increase sustainability, and improve overall service quality.

What advice would you give to students interested in research but feeling intimidated?

I’d say that feeling intimidated is completely normal, especially if it’s your first time considering research. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that research isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about the willingness to learn, experiment and adapt. My advice would be to embrace curiosity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. It’s surprising how much you can learn just having open conversation about your ideas. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. I’ve learned that research is about finding what doesn’t work just as much as find what does. Even the setbacks are valuable because they help refine your approach.

For someone new to research, what’s the first step to take?

The first step is to find a topic that you’re genuinely curious about. Don’t worry if it’s not a groundbreaking idea right away, what matters is that it’s something you are excited to learn more about. Once you have a topic, start by doing some basic reading or literature review to understand what’s already been done in that area. This will help you identify gaps or question that you might want to explore further. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Pick a specific problems or questions that you can tackle and build from there. The research process can seem daunting at first but taking that initial step with clear focus will give you a strong foundation on growing your skills and confidence.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Business and Industry Spring 2025 Events

 

 

The Pathways to Business & Industry initiative offers a full slate of spring programs in collaboration with campus partners. These opportunities are designed for students interested in exploring business and industry careers while pursuing a major in another field. Students can register for events through SMU360.

Social & Networking Events
PBI Scholars Welcome Social
Enjoy free tacos, meet other students and faculty, and learn about resources available on campus.
– Thurs, Jan 30, 2-4 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

TGIF Lunch in the Scholars Den with PBI
Come have lunch and meet other students and staff in the PBI program.
– Fri, Feb 21, 12-1 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

Workshops, Trainings & Panels
Pathways to Careers in Management Science 
Learn what a B.S. in Management Science can do for your future from a panel of recent SMU alumni. Lunch provided. Co-hosted with Lyle School of Engineering.
– Wed, Feb 19, 12-1 PM, HTSC Chamber

Introduction to Business Research 
Learn to use Mergent Intellect, IBISWorld, and Factiva to investigate companies and the industries they operate in. Co-hosted with Duda Family Business Library.
– Tues, Feb 18, 11AM-12 PM, Fondren Library 110

Degree Planner Workshop
Get help using SMU Degree Planner from your Peer Academic Leader (PAL).
– Thu, Feb 27, 2-3 PM, Fondren Library 109

Stepping Blocks Workshops
Learn how to use the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor as a tool to guide your career path forward.
– Tuesday, March 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Online
– Tuesday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 PM, Online

Advising & Mentorship
PBI Coffee Chats
We’re here for you! Enjoy some coffee or tea and have a one-on-one chat with PBI staff.
– Schedule anytime by e-mailing pbi@smu.edu

PBI PAL Office Hours
Have questions? Want to learn more? Meet with your PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL) Tiffany Nguyen.
– Mon, Feb 3, 1:30-3:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– Tues, Feb 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– More dates to come. Check schedule on SMU360.

PBI UAC Advising
Receive one-on-one advising with a PBI University Advising Center advisor.
– Workshop: Mon, Mar 10, 3-4 PM, Hughes-Trigg 227
– PBI Drop-in Advising: Mon, Mar 31, 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 7, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 9, Online

 

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning

Office of Engaged Learning Newsletter

The Office of Engaged Learning’s newest issue of our newsletter is available to read online. Check out news and highlights from Fall 2024 along with upcoming workshops and events for Spring 2025. Click here for a PDF version.

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Forging New Pathways: Tiffany Nguyen leads as the inaugural PBI PAL

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) are vital at SMU, offering support to fellow students across campus. This year, Pathways to Business and Industry partnered with the program to create a dedicated PAL role for students exploring careers in business and industry. The inaugural PBI PAL, Tiffany Nguyen, is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Data Science with a minor in Cognitive Science. 

Tiffany’s academic path wasn’t straightforward. Initially planning to double major in business and computer science, she discovered her passions weren’t within a business major but within courses offered by the Lyle School of Engineering, which led her to focus on her major in computer science. Her computer science background is preparing her for a future in business and industry. “Computer Science at SMU gives me a balance of technical, leadership, and communication skills. Our faculty encourages group work, which you don’t always get at other universities,” she noted. 

As a THRIVE Scholar and Rotunda Scholar, Tiffany benefited from peer mentors who introduced her to opportunities like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) She appreciates the flexibility of her BA in Computer Science, which allows her to take electives and pursue her minor in Cognitive Science. A psychology class she took for her minor was particularly impactful. 

Balancing her many roles, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of passion. “If you have a passion for something, you can balance it. It’s what keeps me going!”

For students exploring career options, Tiffany advises, “Don’t be afraid. If you want to go into business, go for it. I realized I could be a software engineer at a finance firm, combining the business and technical aspects I enjoy.”  

Tiffany’s enthusiasm and leadership shine through in her role as PBI PAL. She meets weekly with students, guiding them on academic and career paths while helping them discover their passions.

If you know students interested in business and industry, encourage them explore the PBI program and connect with Tiffany for mentorship and support.  

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

From Texas History to the Business World: Spotlight on Peter Mendiola ’25

By Tiffany Nguyen ’27, Pathways to Business and Industry PAL

Peter Mendiola’s journey into the world of history began when he was browsing the course catalog and was drawn by the diverse offerings. He enrolled in first history class at SMU: Texas History with Brian Franklin. The course left a lasting impression on him, particularly the unique perspectives it offered on the Alamo—exploring not only the traditional narrative but also the viewpoints of both the Texans and the Mexicans. He describes history as “very malleable,” how it is “written by the victors,” and getting jarred out of the perspective was impactful.

On top of his diverse set of classes, Peter was involved in Student Foundation, as part of the Development Team and the Bridwell Reading Group, that discusses various books and policy articles regarding economic philosophy. While he was involved on-campus, he was working for a construction company in the financial accounting department, gaining hands-on experience in the business world.  In his junior year, he was required to do a junior seminar class, where they spent the entire semester researching and finalizing on a tremendously large academic paper, sifting through large documents of information. As a history major, he is preparing to do his independent study in the spring.

Beyond his academic career, he worked at Ares Management, an alternative investment firm as a summer analyst this past summer in New York. During his internship, Peter found himself sifting through long, dense packets of information. Fortunately, he realized that his history classes had prepared him for this type of task, as they often involved analyzing similarly complex materials. The nature of history—its reliance on different perspectives and interpretations—made it easier for him to understand what was being communicated in the documents he reviewed. As Peter himself put it, he was grateful for his history major, which gave him the skills to navigate the information, a skill he hadn’t developed in his other coursework.

In the office, Peter was able to use his knowledge of history to connect with his colleagues. He engaged in conversations about historical topics that interested them, fostering meaningful relationships and creating a sense of camaraderie. He quickly learned that being able to engage in conversation and connect with others was essential to thriving in the workplace. Without that ability, he noted, it would be difficult to succeed in the company.

Peter also came to appreciate how understanding historical context is valuable not only in his field but in the business world as a whole. He believes that knowing the broader context of the world—how things evolved and where they began—helps in understanding various industries, from finance to marketing. In essence, everything has a starting point, and understanding that foundation is crucial for navigating the complexities of business. His future goals entail working at an investment firm, either in New York City, Miami, or Dallas, in wealth management, fostering connections with his co-workers with his knowledge of history, and knowing how the context for how the world is now. He hopes that when he speaks to people in his industry, that his love of history comes across and inspires people to learn more about it, as well as “inspiring other people to find what they like to do” besides their line of work.

By combining his interests in history and finance, Peter is setting an example for students who want interdisciplinary paths to business and industry. To find out more information about the SMU Pathways to Business and Industry, please contact pbi@smu.edu.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Upcoming Business & Entrepreneurship Roundtables

The Office of Engaged Learning has two virtual events this month that will provide insights from experienced professionals and peers into the world of business and industry. The events are open to all faculty, staff and students at SMU. Please join us and encourage students you know who may be interested in attending!

Big iDeas is hosting a roundtable discussion “Developing Grit: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success” on November 12 from 4:30-5:30pm. In this session, we’ll dive into how resilience, perseverance, and a strong mindset can make all the difference in achieving your business goals. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your venture, this discussion is packed with insights to help you thrive in the face of challenges. Speakers are Garrett Boone (co-founder of The Container Store), Michael Kelly (Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee), and Bhavna Kumar (Head of Startup Accelerator at the Spears Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership at SMU).

Pathways to Business and Industry is hosting a Current Students and Alumni Panel on November 20 from 4:30-5:30pm. Students can hear from peers and alumni about their experiences exploring corporate and industry opportunitites. This is a great opportunity to ask questions or gain practical advice and inspiration to shape your professional journey.

Register on SMU 360 for the Zoom links:

 

 

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research

2024 Fall Research Symposium

Join us for the 2024 Fall Research Symposium on Wednesday, October 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. Enjoy light refreshments and hear presentations from our talented student researchers. All are welcome—come support and celebrate student research at SMU!

Schedule

Room 120 Room 121
4:00 Regina Moreno Vera
4:15 Shriya Siddhartha Marc Pham
4:30 Alexis Schroeder Laurens Gijsbertsen
4:45 Simon Gonzalez Ashley Pitts
5:00 Sara Beth Becker Rachel Mannon
5:15 James Martin Taylor Shimizu
5:30 Genevieve Soucek Aguer Atem
5:45 Mustafa Haque Mereya Sanchez
6:00 Sahar Khan Brianna Freshwater
6:15  Vivian Thai Jane Liu
6:30 Tessa Peterson Alyssa Pfieffer
6:45 Jerry Ma

 

Presenters

Atem Aguer (McNair Scholar). Mentor: Jill Kelly. Turning Pages: Examining the Influence of International Aid on Educational Migration from South Sudan to Kenya.

Sara Beth Becker (Maguire Fellowship). Mentor: Kelly McKowen. To Be Seen: Visibility as Praxis in a Neoliberal Age and the Place of Not Knowing.

Brianna Freshwater (Engaged Learning Fellow). Mentor: Kara Sutton and Sondra Barringer. The Racialized Nature of Advanced Placement in Minority White Schools.

Laurens Gijsbertsen (Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship). Mentor: Simon Mak. Applying Alternative Asset Investment Models to Digital Assets.

Simon Gonzales (Maguire Fellow). Mentor: Nelly Myers. Addiction, Recovery, Yoga and Kinship from Dallas to San Antonio.

Mustafa Haque (Engaged Learning Starter Award). Mentor: Janille Smith-Colin. Stakeholder Engagement in Civil Infrastructure Envision Projects.

Sahar Khan (Hamilton Scholar). Mentor: Dr. Amy Brewster. A role for complement C3 in modulating neuroimmune interactions in epilepsy.

Jane Liu (Hamilton Scholar). Mentor: Alexander Lippert. Synthesis Steps Towards Monoamine Oxidase Chemiluminescent Probe.

Rachel Mannon (Engaged Learning Fellow). Mentor: Peter Kupfer. A Voice for the Wilderness.

James Martin (Maguire Ethics Center). Mentor: Steve Long. For the Bible Tells Me So: 20th century Evangelical Epistemology.

Regina Moreno Vera (Hamilton Scholar). Mentor: Dr. Glasscock. Unlocking Genetic Potential: Investigating Discrepancies in Neurodevelopmental Disjunction within epileptic and Ataxic models.

Tessa Peterson (Hamilton Scholar). Mentor: James Hollifield. Handbook on Migration and Human Rights.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

OEL welcomes new Engaged Learning Fellows

This fall, the Office of Engaged Learning awarded 13 students the Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF). Each student received up to $2,500 to support their capstone projects. Please join us in congratulating these recipients!

Hala Arnouk ’25
Public Response to Authoritarian Regimes in the Middle East
Mentor: Hiroki Takeuchi (Political Science)

Aguer Atem ’25
Turning Pages: Examining the Influence of International Aid on Educational Migration from South Sudan to Kenya
Mentor: Jill Kelly (History)

Na’Ni Caliste ’25
Undergraduate College Student Acceptance Rate of Bisexuality in Their Own and Other’s Romantic Relationships
Mentor: Dustin Grabsch (Assistant Provost)

Andrew Castles ’25
X Marks the Spot
Mentor: Devon Smith (Film)

Anna Foweather ’26
The Effect of Academic Lesson Structure on Learning Outcomes for High School Students
Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

Meredith Hughes ’25
Undergraduate Students Perspectives on Anti-Obesity Medications: Awareness, Perception, and Attitudes
Mentor: Austin Baldwin (Psychology)

Katy Merchant ’25
A bigger picture of early childhood media exposure: Examining the association between media content and temperament in young children across diverse SES and family structure
Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

Jordan Naivar ’26
Take a Break from Social Media PSA Campaign
Mentor: Mark Allen (Advertising)

Swarangi Potdar ’25
what remains… [art exhibition]
Mentor: Ian Grieve (Art)

Mireya Sanchez ’25
Wounds Beyond the Battlefield: The Link Between Sexual Assault and Army Stability
Mentor: Clark Fernando (Sociology)

Vivian Thai ’25
Paths to Parenthood: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Narratives from Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Mentor: Elizabeth Berk (Sociology)

Mahima Quazi ’25
Urban Growth and Its Impact on Surface Temperatures: A Case Study of Dallas
Mentor: Xiao Yang (Earth Sciences)

Maddie Wathanacharoen ’25
How Does the Involvement in Dance Classes Influence Self-Confidence of 2nd Grade Students, and in turn, How Does Increased Confidence Impact Their Academic Achievement on Math and Reading Tests?
Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

 

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Pathways to Industry

Congratulations Big iDeas Pitch Competition Winners!

On Friday, September 27, the Office of Engaged Learning hosted the annual Big iDeas Pitch Competition where 18 SMU inspiring undergraduate entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in 90 seconds to a panel of expert judges.

Our panel included:

  • Ayo Aigbe, Founder and CEO of Hangio
  • Dr. Helmuth Ludwig, Professor of Practice for Strategy and Entrepreneurship at SMU’s Cox School of Business
  • Carlos Martinez, founding partner of Clement Capital Partners LP and Fund Manager for the SMU Impact Lab
  • Dr. Seth Orsborn, Director of the Deason Innovation Gym
  • Josh Taylor, director of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership at SMU Cox School of Business
  • Morgan Stewart, Director of Programming at SMU Cox Spears Institute for Entrepreneeurial Leadership

We are thrilled to annouce the winners of this year’s competition! These innovative students captured the judges’ attention with their creative ideas:

  • Ryland Adzich, The Creative Destination
  • Yaw Botang, InfoSavvy
  • Zain Dhatwani, Apni Duniya
  • Mason Dierkes, Elusive
  • Isabella Fleet, TIMIO News LLC
  • Bryce Harper, Urban Crusader Technology
  • Kennedy Honors, Sallie’s Halo
  • Jude Lugo, Lecture Logger
  • Emiliano Hernandez Posada, Terra Social Impact
  • Anish Senthilkumar, The Active Mind Initiative
  • Gregory Speed, Speed’s Meats
  • Nrithi Subramanian, Mantra and Co.
  • Ephraim Sun, Fuselink.ai

Thank you to all of the family and friends who attended in support, and a huge thank you to our supporters-the SPEARS Institute, Deason Innovation Gym, SMU Impact Lab, and HI-TIE-for contributing funding to support these student startups.