Jia Wei is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering at the University. She wants to bring a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the community. As a graduate of the program herself, she understands the journey of our students and the importance of fostering strong connections beyond graduation. Aside from being the program’s Alumni Coordinator, she is also the treasurer of the Michigan Rifle Team. When she’s not immersed in her studies, you’ll find her exploring Ann Arbor’s food scene, hunting down the best bites, and sipping her way through coffee and boba shops.

Phoebe is also currently an apprentice where they are studying piano technology: tuning, repair, regulation, and maintenance of acoustic pianos of all shapes and sizes. In the brief moments between everything piano-related, you can find Phoebe riding their bike, baking, and quilting.

My name is Anna Getzinger. I am currently a Grad Student at the University of Dundee where I am studying for a Master of Science in Forensic Art and Facial Imaging. I am from Macomb County, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 focusing in Illustration. I hope to become a Medical Illustrator and work in a Forensics Department. I love creating artwork and hope to one day teach it!

Paul Giessner is a 2012-2015 alumni of Living Arts, and participated in the program as a freshman, peer mentor, and resident advisor.  While attending the University of Michigan, he studied pipe organ performance and electrical engineering, and was a member of the Men’s Glee Club and the Eta Kappa Nu Honors Society.  He currently works remotely for Anza Renewables as an engineer, supporting the design, integration, and commissioning of utility energy storage projects.  He lives in Howell, Michigan with his wife, Ali, and their two pups, Dax and Daisy!

Paul continues to enjoy experiencing creativity in all of its forms, from performing in experimental ensembles to dabbling in Arduino projects to building all of the things out of Legos!  Recently, he’s gotten involved in a variety of activism causes in both his local community and the state of Michigan as a whole.  In his free time, he likes to read books, listen to (and play) music, cook (and eat), and spend time outdoors.

Hussam is a 2016-2017 Alumni of Living Arts with continued participation with the community since becoming an alum. He earned his Bachelors of Engineering in Computer Science and a minor in Linguistics. After graduation, he started working as a Software Engineer during the day. Outside of that, Hussam teaches Dance, DJs music, and hosts various dance events. He has co-organized two separate week-long dance retreats in the cascades as well as one of the largest Brazilian Zouk dance festivals in the U.S, EverZouk.

As a recent grad from U of M, Logan is starting a career as a freelance video game sound designer. He was a Living Arts Engine member in 2018 and a mentor in 2019. Many of the friends he still keeps in touch with from U of M were also first year students in LAE that year. He currently lives in Ypsilanti and is frequently around Ann Arbor for the time being. You can check out his work here. 

Lauren Murphy was a Living Arts member from  2014-2016 and while at the University of Michigan she earned her Bachelors of Science in Information. After graduation, she stayed at the School of Information to help develop and launch their Masters of Applied Data Science degree. She continues her work there today as a Senior Instructional Content Specialist, supporting the staff and faculty connected to the Applied Data Science program in a variety of ways. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys co-organizing a small book club, exploring the Ann Arbor parks, and finding new music to fall in love with.

Caroline Michele Uy is a Chicago-based stage manager, producer, dramaturg, and theater practitioner. They are currently the Literary & Dramaturgy Apprentice at the Goodman Theatre and have done freelance theater work with Steep Theatre, the National Museum of Mexican Art, New York Stage & Film, Berlin Opera Academy, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. They graduated from University of Michigan in 2020 – BFA Design & Production (Stage Management), BA Cognitive Science (Language & Cognition; Minor in Germanic Languages and Literature)

Phoebe Wu (she/they) is a freelance pianist and piano teacher based in Chicago, IL. She performs contemporary classical music as a chamber musician and soloist in the Chicago area and beyond, having recently collaborated with ensembles including New Music Detroit, Khemia Ensemble, and ÆPEX Contemporary Performance. Phoebe has premiered works by Fjóla Evans and Viet Cuong, and worked with composers Jennifer Higdon, Evan Ware, and Carlos Simon. They also work frequently as a choir accompanist at schools all around the city. As an educator, Phoebe is the co-founder and piano teacher of Chicago Piano & Drums, a music studio offering piano, drumset, and vibraphone private lessons to students of all backgrounds and experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan. 

Phoebe is also currently an apprentice where they are studying piano technology: tuning, repair, regulation, and maintenance of acoustic pianos of all shapes and sizes. In the brief moments between everything piano-related, you can find Phoebe riding their bike, baking, and quilting.