Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Presidential Scholar Courtney Miller (center) is congratulated by WMU President Dr. Judith Bailey, and Faculty Senate President Dr. Peter Krawutschke
Courtney Miller, who graduates at the end of this month with a BS in Engineering (Industrial), was recently named the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Presidential Scholar. The honor is bestowed on the best scholars in each department in the university. Candidates are nominated by the faculty in their departments.
Her being chosen was based on a 3.96 grade point average, extensive involvement in professional organizations, and a proven track record of success. As part of the award, Presidential Scholars identify the faculty members who have been most influential in their careers. Courtney named Dr. Bob White and Dr. Tycho Fredericks.
In addition to serving as Alpha Pi Mu Engineering Honors Fraternity president and Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) treasurer, Courtney is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Fraternity), and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity. Her numerous scholarships include the GE Women’s Network, the WMU Medallion, and the Russell L. Ligon Memorial Daughters of the American Revolution.
A 2000 graduate of Romeo High School, Courtney knew as a WMU freshman that she wanted to be an industrial engineer. “What I wanted was to go into ergonomics,” she said. “Once I got into the program, I realized that I liked a lot more than ergonomics.”
While she was in high school, Courtney was introduced to ergonomics and engineering at Women in Engineering Seminars sponsored by The Cranbrook Institute of Science Seminars. She initially chose ergonomics because she wanted to help people. “It’s engineering, but it’s not paper and pencil engineering,” she said. “It’s people engineering, and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Courtney was accepted in engineering programs at WMU and at the University of Michigan. She chose WMU because “Western was a lot more personable,” she said. “I knew I wouldn’t feel like a number and I liked the interaction with the professors.”
After graduation, Courtney, who passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam last fall, assumes a position at TRW Occupant Safety in Washington, Michigan, where she worked as an intern last year. TRW makes steering wheels, airbags, and seatbelts. “I loved my internship,” she said. “I love getting involved in the whole process from designing to implementing.”
In her free time, Courtney enjoys volleyball, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
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