Welcome, 2025 Interns!
This summer, we're happy (and lucky!) to have four interns. From left to right: Zane Carlson, Lucas Lange, Seth Blake, and Steven Maurer.
All four are Michigan natives. Though they are just starting their careers, they bring a wide range of experiences and interests to the table. Read on for a Q&A with each of them.
Seth Blake — Computer Science Major at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Q: Where are you from?
A: Ann Arbor, MI
Q: What led you to choose your major?
A: Raised by parents that met at a software engineering company, both the University of Michigan and computer science have been on my radar for most of my life. After showing promise in both creative and analytical skills, I chose to pursue a degree in computer science as a flexible way to incorporate these natural talents into my career.
Q: What are you working on during your summer stint at AdvantageCS?
A: I am developing the content and user interface for the Advantage Support Site.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?
A: I enjoy biking, foreign music, long conversations with friends, and hanging out with my college Christian group, University Christian Outreach (UCO).
Q: What’s a fun or odd fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
A: I’ve spent about 130 hours of my life on passenger trains.
Zane Carlson — Software Engineering Major at the University of Michigan – Dearborn
Q: Where are you from?
A: Clinton, Michigan
Q: What led you to choose your major?
A: I’ve always been fascinated with computers, and I enjoyed some high school programming courses. I’ve always been proficient in mathematics and logic, so it seemed like something that would get use out of those talents.
Q: What are you working on during your summer stint at AdvantageCS?
A: I’m implementing various AI tools that will assist ACS engineers and analysts.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?
A: I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, and Dungeons and Dragons with friends.
Q: What’s a fun or odd fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
A: I can wiggle a vein in my left hand!
Lucas Lange — Computer Science Applied & Mathematics Major at Eastern Michigan University
Q: Where are you from?
A: Adrian, Michigan
Q: What led you to choose your major(s)?
A: I got into coding early through Khan Academy's web programming course. I really enjoyed the freedom it gave me to create my own tools, games, and animations. I kept at it and eventually decided I'd like to do it for a career. As for Math, I blame my dad. He's a high school math teacher (his dad and grandfather were, too). He homeschooled me for 6 years and always pushed us to prioritize exploration and discovery over learning by rote. With that, and a seemingly natural tendency in my family to excel in math, I pushed deep into cCalculus in high school. Unwilling to stop taking Math classes in college, I've ended up deciding to make it a second major.
Q: What are you working on during your summer stint at AdvantageCS?
A: In addition to a few internal projects, I am working with SQL, Microsoft Power BI/Excel, and Advantage's own software to create custom business reports. I'm also researching automated testing tools that we hope to recommend to clients for end-to-end testing.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?
A: I spend a fair amount of time exploring creative projects in software (e.g. games, simulations, tools), but I also love to kayak on the Huron River, rollerblade, run, or otherwise get outside.
Q: What’s a fun or odd fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
A: During a recent job gap, I picked up substitute teaching to unintentionally become (however briefly) a 4th generation high school math teacher.
Steven Maurer — Computer Science Major at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Q: Where are you from?
A: Dexter, Michigan
Q: What led you to choose your major?
A: I chose computer science because of the coding aspects. I can use my knowledge from computer science both in the workforce and to modify games
Q: What are you working on at AdvantageCS?
A: I’m working primarily on the Advantage Support site and a new user management page for clients to use.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?
A: I love playing video games and airsoft. I also enjoy traveling.
Q: What’s a fun or odd fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
A: I can play the flute and piccolo!