Kristen Corlay Sanmiguel selected as Johns Hopkins student Commencement speaker

Johns Hopkins University senior Kristen Corlay Sanmiguel has been elected by her peers as the student speaker for the universitywide Commencement ceremony next month.

Image caption: Kristen Corlay Sanmiguel

Corlay Sanmiguel will graduate with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from JHU's Whiting School of Engineering, with minors in sustainable development and systems engineering. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, she is the co-creator of the civic engagement app Cabilde. The app's goal is to democratize legislative information for the citizens of the Mexican state of Nuevo León, making it easier for them to contact their representatives, educate themselves about social justice issues, and more.

As one of two undergraduates working in the lab of Whiting School civil and systems engineering professor Lauren Gardner, Corlay Sanmiguel spent much of her undergraduate career researching transit accessibility and water quality in cities. She is also the founder of Sustainable Solutions, a multidisciplinary design team that competes annually at the American Society of Civil Engineers Symposium. Last year, the group was challenged to redesign an imaginary downtown block. Their project, which centered sustainability and community, placed among the top five at the symposium.

In her free time, Corlay Sanmiguel serves as the choreography chair for Eclectics, JHU's largest dance group. She was formerly the group's treasurer and co-president.

JHU's universitywide Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 23, at 9 a.m. Another graduating senior, Rachel Huang, will introduce this year's featured speaker, Sen. Mitt Romney.

For more information about the event, including details on how to attend, visit the Johns Hopkins University Commencement website.