Meet Kamolnat Tabattanon!

Program: Occupational Safety Engineering and Ergonomics

Expected Graduation: May 2023

Hometown: I am from Bangkok, Thailand. We moved around a bit growing up, but I consider there my home!

Why did you choose to pursue your degree in Occupational Safety Engineering and Ergonomics at the University of Michigan?

I completed my Masters in mechanical engineering design but realized I wanted more human factors and ergonomics training in order to contribute to more inclusive and supportive systems. I wanted my work to focus on inclusion and accessibility, and the OSE program at UM was the best place to earn the skills I wanted to have. Everyone here is very welcoming and supportive, and AA is a lovely city– I remember calling a friend during Visit Weekend and telling them, ‘This is where I want to be’.

What are your future career goals? (academia, industry, health care, etc.) 

I hope to go into industry research or consulting. I’m learning that human factors engineering methods can be applied to a range of applications and contexts, so I’m excited to see where future opportunities take me (:

What has been the most impactful course you have taken at UM? If you cannot identify one–what is a lesson or message that has stuck with you?

I really enjoyed IOE430 (Global Cultural Systems Engineering). It highlighted our diversity and how human factors can impact not only project processes, but also teamwork. I think having the mix of undergraduate and graduate students brought a really interesting mix of experiences and outlooks to discussion as well.

Do you have any interests / hobbies that you’d like to share? 

When indoors, I like to sketch, play video games, and play with my cats. Soon I hope to attend UMS shows and visit local restaurants and museums again.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? (this is your time to brag!)

I’m currently serving as the HFES_UMich student chapter president. We just returned from the HFES conference in Baltimore where we sponsored our largest group of members to attend in a while. I thoroughly enjoy and continue to look forward to working with C4E and IOE to best serve our members.

Learn more about our other featured students or the Occupational Safety Engineering and Ergonomics program at the University of Michigan.