Claire Muehlbrandt knew she was interested in studying business but was unsure which field to pursue. After exploring the analytics and operational strategies of supply chain management, she found her focus and developed an inclusive leadership style that has defined her years at UM-Dearborn. Beyond excelling in her classes and internships, she has rallied case competition teams, served as president of the Supply Chain Association and been named captain of the women’s softball team.

A Presence in the Classroom

It was in her supply chain management classes where Claire began to merge her interests, skills and natural leadership abilities. “I genuinely loved my supply chain courses because they challenged me to think critically and apply concepts to real-world scenarios,” she said.

While she excelled in her own work, she also developed a reputation for encouraging her fellow students. “Claire exemplified the phrase ‘student leader,’” said Tajeshwar Sandhu, intermittent lecturer of information and operations management. “She was a cornerstone of classroom engagement, frequently leading insightful discussions and debates.”

Another intermittent lecturer from information and operations management, Nathan Roulo, recalls a time in an online class where Claire recognized that several classmates were falling behind and losing confidence with challenging operations concepts. “On her own initiative, Claire began helping classmates who were struggling to understand the material. She adapted her approach to an online environment, using examples and problem-solving methods that made the content more accessible for students who learn differently,” Roulo said. “What made this especially meaningful was that Claire was never asked to do this. She saw a need and stepped up.”

A National Case Competition and the Supply Chain Association

Beyond the classroom, Claire evolved as a future professional by embracing experiences that would develop planning, presentation and leadership skills. This included representing UM-Dearborn at a national supply chain case competition at Colorado State University. “What made this experience especially meaningful was the extensive preparation leading up to it,” she said. “My team and I spent weeks working on practice cases, refining our presentations, practicing under timed conditions, and strengthening our recommendations.”

Claire also became intimately involved with UM-Dearborn’s Supply Chain Association, eventually becoming its president and advancing the organization in new and profound ways. “I saw an opportunity to expand our reach and create a stronger sense of community within the program,” she said. “Instead of waiting for students to find us, I actively reached out, speaking in classes, connecting with underclassmen, promoting events and personally inviting students who I believed would benefit from getting involved.”

She also worked to connect the organization with industry by holding guest speaker and professional workshop events where students could meet and question individuals working in supply chain management. These events offered students a glimpse of their future professional lives. “I think it's important to hear from these industry professionals and be able to ask questions about their supply chain career and get instant feedback,” she said. “Meeting these people has helped make that next step for students more real and attainable.”

In the Field and On the Field

In addition to her classwork, case competitions and Supply Chain Association leadership, Claire has also held internships across multiple semesters at FEAST Detroit and Cummins-Meritor. “These internships gave me a clear vision of the kind of professional that I want to be,” she said. “Someone who continues learning, takes initiative and who contributes to building stronger, more efficient systems.”

Claire also served as captain of UM-Dearborn’s women's softball team beginning her junior year. “Balancing athletics with academics, internships and leadership responsibilities required strong time management and resilience,” she said. “Being named captain was especially meaningful because it reflected the trust my teammates and coaches placed in me and allowed me to lead by example both on and off the field.” 

On Her Way

Claire has accepted her first full-time professional role as a material planner with a long-term career goal to thrive in the supply chain field and lead teams with the thoughtfulness, discipline and vision she practiced at UM-Dearborn. “I'm passionate about improving processes and optimizing operations,” she said, “but also about leading people, building strong teams, mentoring others and creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to perform at their best.”