Even after a half decade serving in the Navy, Kathryn Moore admits she was a little nervous when she decided to head back to the classroom in 2016 to study engineering at UM-Dearborn.

“As a non-traditional student, I felt like an outsider and that I didn't belong,” Moore said. “That

quickly changed, and everywhere I went I was welcomed — either to form study groups or partner up for projects or to just hang out.”

Moore credits that supportive culture as a big reason she’s found success at UM-Dearborn. And she’s done plenty to pay it forward — particularly for other students with military experience. Shortly after enrolling, she joined the Student Veterans Association (SVA), which provides support to student military veterans, their families and civilian supporters. Moore is known by her colleagues as a go-to resource for other student veterans, particularly when it comes to navigating the transition from the military back to civilian life. She’s also served as SVA secretary, where she’s helped organize numerous events, including a veterans commencement social honoring UM-Dearborn’s graduating veterans.

As part of her engineering training, Moore currently is completing a co-op at DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant — a post which complements her experience working as a naval nuclear power electrician. Not surprisingly, she’s also finding ways to give back during her internship: This past August, she was a volunteer with DTE’s Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, where she helped clean up vacant lots and build new pollinator habitats.