Shiyu Xiong

“…the Urban Technology program felt new, unique, and exciting compared to other programs I explored. I was especially attracted to its focus on hands-on learning, like not just lectures and theory, but field trips, studio work, and real-world projects.”

Academic Areas of Interest
Smart cities, human-centered design, user experience

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Reading, drawing, drama

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I chose Taubman College largely because of the Urban Technology program, which felt new, unique, and exciting compared to other programs I explored. I was especially attracted to its focus on hands-on learning, like not just lectures and theory, but field trips, studio work, and real-world projects. On top of that, Taubman’s broader resources and professional networks made it feel like a place where I could keep exploring my interests and preparing for the future.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
What excites me about the Taubman community is the variety of resources available to students and the strength of its alumni network. Taubman fosters collaboration and exploration through its studios, labs, and interdisciplinary culture. At the same time, the alumni community is remarkably supportive, offering mentorship, career advice, open lectures, and studio visits. It makes the school feel like a connected, lifelong network for us rather than just four years on campus.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
I haven’t taken a studio course yet, since I am a first-year UT (Urban Technology) student. But from observing the workspaces and talking with other students, Taubman’s studio culture seems highly collaborative and iterative, with lots of peer feedback and experimentation. Walking through Taubman, I’m always impressed by the advanced materials, equipment, and maker spaces throughout the building, which make the space feel dynamic and innovative. It’s a culture I’m really looking forward to being part of in the future!

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
My experience with faculty and staff at Taubman has been wonderful. Professors are not only highly knowledgeable but also patient and encouraging when guiding our ideas during the class, and the professional staff are always friendly and ready to help. For me, Taubman truly feels like a supportive community.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
Although I haven’t used Taubman’s career and professional development resources extensively yet, I’ve already benefited from attending open talks and workshops hosted by the department. One session on crafting resumes and professional profiles was especially useful. I also know that students can get resume feedback, career coaching, mock interviews, and connections with alumni through this office, which makes the support feel very comprehensive. It’s been incredibly helpful, and I plan to participate even more in the future.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
One of the biggest benefits of being at the University of Michigan is the scale of opportunities. I’ve been able to take interdisciplinary classes, participate in various campus jobs and student activities, and tap into strong career and advising resources. The supportive campus community, along with access to workshops and alumni, has helped me feel encouraged to explore new directions and build confidence in my goals. Here, you can explore and experience everything.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
What I like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community is the strong sense of unity and pride among Wolverines. Whether it’s game day or a campus-wide event, I can feel the spirit everywhere. Walking across campus, I’ll see people wearing clothes, hats or things with a block-M, which really makes me feel connected. That shared identity is something truly special and unlike anything I had experienced before. Go Blue!

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
I would say that if you want to know more about what Taubman students actually do and study every day, subscribing to the newsletter is a great start. As an Urban Technology student, I followed the UT newsletter before I arrived, and it helped me see the kinds of activities, classes, projects, and trips UT students take part in: https://urbantechnology.substack.com/

I’d also encourage you to take time to carefully explore the Taubman website. It’s really well-designed and can provide you with abundant information, such as the basic curriculum for a certain program or the employment report of Taubman alumni.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue opportunities that allow me to keep learning while working on real urban challenges, whether that means applying to graduate school or entering professional practice through internships or full-time roles. I’m especially interested in roles that combine technology, design, and community-centered planning, and I hope to continue developing my skills through hands-on experience.