Student spotlight: Logan Mueller on finding community, confidence and real-world experience in InSciTE

Because I did dual enrollment in high school, I’ve taken a less traditional route through college. I just completed my third year at CMU, and I’ve already earned about 130 credits. My major is optometry, so, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to mix science, hands-on research, and eye health, welcome to my world.

Hi, I’m Logan Mueller, and I joined InSciTE (Integration of Science, Technology and Engineering) during my first year at Central Michigan University after taking a biology class with one of my favorite professors, Dr. Wiline Pangle. She introduced the program in class, and the way she talked about it made it sound like something entirely different from your typical college course. It wasn’t just about lectures and exams, it was about getting to experience real science in action. I didn’t know exactly what I was signing up for at the time, but Wiline’s passion was contagious, and that was all I needed to take the leap.

InSciTE is a nationally recognized, award-winning program unique to CMU. It's designed to help you develop key 21st-century skills that employers are actively looking for. The program functions like a 15-credit minor and is open to students starting in their freshman year (transfer students can join too!). You’ll progress through five interactive courses, ranging from 100-level to 400-level, that count toward your general education requirements, all while working on authentic, hands-on research in a team-focused setting.

Every InSciTE class felt different from anything else I’d taken. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and constantly evolving. From pitching project ideas and diving into group dynamics to working on real-world research, there was always something that challenged me to think differently. One of the highlights? Traveling to Beaver Island for professional development and team building, plus, exploring the island was just plain fun.

Another unforgettable moment was presenting our final research to scholars from outside CMU. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it pushed me to grow, and I walked away with stronger communication skills and more confidence in my ability to talk about science in a meaningful way.

InSciTE helped me find my people. I built friendships and connections with other science students, many of whom are in the same major and courses as me, which made a huge difference when it came to navigating the tougher parts of college. Beyond that, the program gave me real skills that I know I’ll use long after graduation: public speaking, teamwork, project management, and the ability to gather and present data effectively.

But maybe most importantly, InSciTE gave me a firsthand look at how science really works. It’s not something you do alone, it’s collaborative, interdisciplinary, and constantly evolving. That lesson stuck with me.

Would I recommend InSciTE to incoming students? Without a doubt. If you’re pursuing a STEM major, I would absolutely recommend InSciTE, especially if you’re interested in research or want to build real-world skills that go beyond textbooks and exams. It’s a chance to explore what you're passionate about in a supportive, dynamic environment.

If you’re looking to build your skills, boost your confidence, and connect with others who are passionate about science and innovation, InSciTE is worth exploring.

Click here to learn more about the InSciTE program at CMU!