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Kayla Stevenson standing in a lab at NASA

Student Spotlight: Kayla Stevenson

Applied artificial intelligence major Kayla Stevenson completed an internship with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the summer 2023 semester.

My name is Kayla Stevenson. I’m an undergraduate junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Last year, I interned as a mechatronics and robotics software support engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I was recruited to work on the Mars Sample Return System, a project in collaboration with JPL and the European Space Agency (ESA). The project involves taking the Sample Retrieval Lander, a rocket, and the Mars Perseverance Rover to deliver Martian samples back to Earth through an interplanetary relay team system.

My main role was to test the active compliance software for the robotic arm that would be picking up the sample tubes. This involved conducting kinematic configuration tests, collecting data on how quickly the arms moved, and scanning for potential bugs. I conducted these tests on three different robotic arms and then participated in data analysis meetings to dissect the information we gathered from the tests and any software issues.

I also led a mechanical engineering project on Bradbury, a 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arm. The cable carrier that carried wires and cords throughout the robot would frequently get stuck on sharper actuators and components on the robot. I ended up 3D-printing and installing cable bumpers on different areas of the robot to improve cable management. Outside of these tasks, I also facilitated communications between ESA and JPL by completing their project action items and was introduced to utilizing ROS2, a middleware used to develop the software for robotic systems.

This internship helped me not only learn more about robotics and its application to planetary exploration but further sparked the passion I have for space and engineering. It challenged me to improve my programming, CADing, and project management skills. Visit the Engineering Professional Practice Office to learn more about gaining opportunities for internships and co-op programs.

Thomas Scott standing in front of a building at the University of California with two women and a photograph of a man

Student Spotlight: Thomas Scott

Mechanical engineering major Thomas Scott completed an internship with Lawrence Livermore National Lab during the summer 2023 semester.

I am Thomas Scott, an undergraduate senior pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. During my time at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), with the generous support of the Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF), I engaged in a computational engineering project relevant to national defense. This project centered on the validation of models for the novel Direct Laser Impulse (DLI) chamber within the lab’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).

I began by improving the simulated responses of individual cases, identifying relevant physics to prioritize and feasible ranges for the associated parameters. I then developed parallelized parameter exploration and calibration tools, employing Bayesian optimization techniques. Additionally, I created a graphical user interface, facilitating real-time manipulation of input parameters and visualization of study outcomes. The primary objective of these tools was to provide calibration of unspecified parameters and to ascertain uncertainty, incorporating a blend of machine learning algorithms and user-driven inputs, ultimately facilitating efficient while still well-informed conclusions.

In addition to the opportunity to gain real world experience, LLNL and LLF provided many talks regarding lab-related projects, theory, and history. The experience overall was challenging and interesting, while facilitating my early exploration into the field of computational engineering. Stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office for more information on their coop and internship programs.

Ian Tulk working on car parts during his internship at Honda

Student Spotlight: Ian Tulk

Aerospace engineering major with mechanical minor Ian Tulk completed an internship with Honda Development Manufacturing America in Lincoln, Alabama during the fall 2023 semester.

My name is Ian Tulk, and I am a senior studying aerospace engineering minoring in mechanical. Recently, I took a semester off to do a parallel term internship at Honda Development Manufacturing America (HDMA) at the plant in Alabama. This plant is responsible for the production of all of Honda’s light trucks and SUVs in the world, as well as their 6-cylinder engines.

Within Honda engineering, I worked in the supplier assurance department in the purchasing division of Honda manufacturing in North America. My primary responsibility was to manage parts quality concerns from a specific group of suppliers and communicate and eliminate these problems. This was done through making sure the parts in question comply with drawing specifications and Honda’s engineering standards in order to minimize line downtime. This also sometimes involved traveling to the local or international suppliers to ensure their processes were robust. During my time, aside from managing suppliers, I was assisting in the data analysis for Honda’s high body accuracy activity in order to achieve fit and finish goals for future models. During my tenure, I had great leadership from my mentors, and they were friendly and always willing to help and answer questions. I learned a lot about how a manufacturing environment operates and what goes in to keep a production line moving, as well as analytical skills when looking through part scan data and drawings. I was also lucky enough to be able to volunteer on the Honda America racing team with other full time associates where I would go by our shop after hours to help work on some of the cars there. This included a civic type R cup car, Odyssey minivan, and an Acura MDX. I was involved in the maintenance and tuning of these cars and learned about different components and how to maintain them. Now I have the confidence I did not have before to work on my own car!

I would recommend this to any of my fellow students looking for a great opportunity to work and learn about a manufacturing environment. Not only do they offer internships in parts quality but also in design, welding, paint, and casting. I am looking forward to using the connections that I have made here to pursue an internship or career in Honda’s aerospace division. That said, it is a great overall internship that encompasses a lot about being a mechanical engineer, and I will continue to use these skills in my continuing education and future career. If you would like to learn more or have any questions about engineering, resumes, or the internship/co-op process, feel free to reach out to me or stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office.

Christopher Schenck sits in the pilot seat with both hands on the controls of an aircraft used by UPS.

Student Spotlight: Christopher Schenck

MABE student Christopher Schenck’s co-op work assignment has sent him to Louisville, Kentucky to work with the largest logistics company in the world, the United Parcel Service, more commonly referred to as UPS.

Christopher Schenck stands in front of a jet engine attached to one of the many aircraft that UPS use to deliver their customer's products.

Christopher Schenck stands in front of a turbine engine at the UPS facility in Louisville, Kentucky.

My name is Christopher Schenck, and I am a rising junior studying aerospace engineering. Right now, I am taking a break from classes to work a yearlong aircraft engineering co-op with UPS in Louisville, KY. UPS is the largest logistics company in the world, and specializes in commercial package delivery. It is very well-known and is widely considered as one of the best companies to work for.

Within aircraft engineering, my co-op is focused on power plant engineering, working with the engines of the planes. UPS’ aircraft fleet is composed of Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas planes mounted with engines from Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Rolls-Royce. As power plant engineers, it is our job to work with these OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to fix any engine problems that our aircraft may encounter, and to comply with FAA and OEM regulations. Right now, my role is to support and learn from our full-time engineers. I spend most of my time analyzing aviation documents given to us by the FAA/OEMs, filling out paperwork such as job cards and engineering orders, and then going over and revising my work with my engineering mentors. When I am not doing this, I am socializing with other engineers and co-ops, or reading engine manuals to understand how they work. I also have access to the UPS Worldport and the ability to go inside planes like the Boeing 747-8 and 757 while they undergo maintenance. The key things that UPS emphasizes to their engineers are communication and attention to detail, since the work we do may not be able to be explained in person. Since I am just starting, I haven’t had the opportunity to work on any big projects, but UPS offers a lot of opportunity for growth. A few of the engineers I work with started out as co-ops and were hired full-time and many of the engineers that work here have been here for 20+ years. Our group also has lots of events, like building wide cookouts and the UPS Plane Pull to socialize and get to know our co-workers.

I would definitely recommend working for UPS to other students at the University of Tennessee. Not only is the work engaging, but UPS is a great company to work for in terms of who you are working with and the benefits it provides. I will continue to use the skills and work ethic I am developing while working here throughout the rest of my studies and into my career. If you would like to learn more or have any questions about engineering, resumes or the internship/co-op process, feel free to reach out to me or stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office.

Camden Shuman stands next to an MRI machine at Siemans Healthineers.

Student Spotlight: Camden Shuman

Camden Shuman, a junior in mechanical engineering, explores the skills and experience that he has gained while working as a member of the mechanical team at Siemens Healthineers during his co-op work assignment.

My name is Camden Shuman and I’m a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. Over the past eight months I have had the pleasure to work at Siemens Healthineers, a German Biotech company who pioneers new molecular imaging technologies that improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

I worked in our Knoxville based research and development facility where we design PET/CT imaging scanners that are used in hospitals in 190 countries. My team assignment was on the Structure and Install mechanical team where we were responsible for the structural design and integrating the work from every other team. What I loved about working with them was the interesting projects we tackled every day and the challenges we overcame. As a coop for Siemens Healthineers, you manage your own workload and are assigned projects from many engineers. For each of these projects I collaborated with an engineer on my team and produced deliverables.

I designed assemblies in Siemens NX CAD, communicated with suppliers, executed tests, ran FEAs, calculated angle tolerances, created engineering drawings with GD&T, and gained engineering experience in the MedTech Industry. In one of my projects, I had the opportunity take a project from the idea, to a CAD assembly design, and finally to testing the prototype. Now, that design I made in collaboration with engineer and UTK alum, Riley Toll, is going into production.

If you are interested in the medical device industry and enjoy design, I highly recommend doing a coop with Siemens Healthineers. I have learned so much and really enjoyed working with some amazing people.

Student Spotlight: Eli Callendar

Eli Callendar, a senior in mechanical engineering, spent time this summer working as a Maintenance Engineering intern for Nissan in Smyrna, TN. Callendar learned valuable project management and collaborative skills during his experience working with a world leader in automotive manufacturing.

Eli Callendar standing next to the open hood of a red Nismo GTR.

Eli Callendar, a senior in mechanical engineering, stands next to a red Nismo GTR.

My name is Eli Callender. I am a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at the Tickle College of Engineering. I was fortunate enough to work as a Maintenance Engineering Intern this past summer at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Smyrna, TN. Nissan is a household name, and their vehicles can be seen on the road every day all around the world. Based in Japan, Nissan has been creating automobiles that live up to their slogan, “Innovation that excites,” since 1933 and has been producing vehicles in Smyrna since 1983.

As an intern at Nissan, I was placed in the Paint Line 1 area of the plant among the engineers, managers, supervisors, and technicians located there. I worked closely with the technicians throughout most days and was able to learn how the machinery in the painting process operated and was maintained. Having spent most of my education in a classroom, it was exciting to get the opportunity to have hands on experience with the equipment and processes that I had studied, and even a lot of equipment I had never imagined, such as a giant 6-axis feather duster robot. When I wasn’t working with the technicians, I was shadowing the engineers and supervisors as they carried out their tasks. Through these interactions, I gained insight and knowledge of responsibilities such as managing groups of people in industry, working with contractors to install new equipment, and even looking at design blueprints to reengineer something that is not working properly or needs improvement. I was given a few projects over the summer including working with contractors to do a large installation project for improvements in the paint booths, designing an aide to help better support technicians working with some of the robots on the line, and designing a countermeasure to prevent a major breakdown incident from reoccurring. Nissan also provided several events that allowed the interns to meet one another and learn more about the company, including driving the famed Nismo GTR and their newest 400Z.

Overall, I would recommend any opportunity to learn and work for Nissan. The company has a great culture, great people, and great processes to make great vehicles. I look forward to using the skills and connections I gained from my time at Nissan as I continue my studies and career. To learn more about internships like mine, stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office (EPP) or the Reliability and Maintainability Center (RMC).

Zachary Koller wearing a respiratory mask and other personal protective equipment while working in a controlled environment within an enclosed piece of machinery.

Student Spotlight: Zachary Koller

MABE senior Zachary Koller completed a co-op work assignment with Beehive Industries during the summer of 2023. Koller learned and applied industry relevant skills including project management, logistics, and production methodology.

My name is Zachary Koller. I am an undergraduate senior in mechanical engineering, and this summer I had the opportunity to work for Beehive Industries, an additive manufacturing company, in their Knoxville facility.

My position consisted of working on projects spanning across multiple departments involving engineering and the production of additively manufactured parts for various industries. I worked on projects that assisted the production of parts and improved process infrastructure. I collaborated closely with colleagues in departments including engineering, project management, quality, machining, additive manufacturing technicians, logistics, and postprocessing. I was also able to gain hands-on experience with LPBF printers and the various tasks required to turn metal powders into fully functioning parts.

As someone who has never worked in manufacturing before, there was lots to learn to understand standard processes of production. On top of that, I had to grasp the nuances and specialized procedures that come with additive manufacturing metal components. My colleagues were consistently available for me to ask them any questions I had while I was taught the ins and outs of their manufacturing systems. One of the many key lessons I learned during my time with Beehive Industries was to always ask questions when given the opportunity, as it greatly increased my understanding and efficiency working towards completing my projects.

I highly recommend this company to anyone interested in the growing industry of additive manufacturing. Stop in the Engineering Professional Practice Office and talk with an ambassador or coordinator to help you with your future co-op/internship needs!

Adam Schoolfield stands in front of the JTEKT headquarters during his coop work experience.

Student Spotlight: Adam Schoolfield

Adam Schoolfield, a senior in mechanical engineering, gained valuable work experience during his co-op with JTEKT Vonore. In his role as a Manufacturing Engineer, Schoolfield actively participated in process improvement and product development, skills that he can apply to his future career.

My name is Adam Schoolfield. I am a senior in mechanical engineering. During my time at JTEKT Vonore, I worked as a Manufacturing Engineer for the assembly processes in the plant. My job was to design and build improvements for steering rack assembly machines on the pre-existing BMW and Honda lines. It was my responsibility to work with senior manufacturing engineers on creating improvements that reduced machine down time or decreased manufacturing cycle time. Many of my designs were intended to reduce the amount of time a steering rack would remain at one assembly station. I also made a few designs intended to improve traceability of assembly components, guaranteeing that they were correctly assembled and that their quality was within standards.

One of the greatest challenges I faced while working at JTEKT was learning new terminology, acronyms, and each individual process on the assembly line. I made sure that I asked questions when I did not know what specific terminology or acronyms meant, and I spent a great deal of time close to the assembly line to understand each process and how it worked. Once I understood all the company specific terms and equipment, I found myself being able to communicate problems and solutions to my coworkers much more effectively. The key lesson I learned was that good communication and asking questions when uncertainty arises is vital to keeping operations running smoothly and coordinating with others.

The most valuable benefit I received by working with JTEKT was real world experience. Many of the things I learned from this assignment will never be taught to me in school. I learned about industry vendors and standard purchasing sites, how to design machines to be safe and easy to perform maintenance on, how to create parts that can be easily manufactured, how to ensure the quality of the product through sensors and standard work procedures, and many more similar experiences that have greatly improved my ability as an engineer.

Jake Orr, wearing an olive green shirt and black and white hat, inspects a large drone aircraft during his coop experience at Aim Lock, Inc.

Student Spotlight: Jake Orr

Jake Orr, a rising sophomore at the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomolecular Engineering, worked with unmanned aircraft that have the potential to improve military safety during his coop experience as a member of the team at Aim Lock, Inc. in Littleton, Colorado.

My name is Jake Orr. I am a rising sophomore this fall 2023 and a mechanical engineering major at the Tickle College of Engineering. I accepted an internship assignment working with Aim Lock Inc. a company dedicated “to help America lead the global fight of good over evil, to protect the innocent, and bring our soldiers home safely.” Aim Lock is a military contractor focused on unmanned group-based vehicles with a specialization in automated threat detection and targeting analysis systems. The assignment I accepted is based in Littleton, Colorado.

By spearheading the industry in small, unmanned aircraft with remote weapon systems, Aim Lock can protect our soldiers on the battlefields across the globe.

This experience has been one the most rewarding undertakings of my early college career and I’m excited to make many more memories and experiences along the way at UT Knoxville!

Stop by the Engineering Professional Practice office to meet with an advisor. Let them help you plan your future with a rewarding coop or internship assignment.

Additional Photos

Two men dressed in dark colored clothes work on a large drone aircraft which is hanging from an A frame structure for support in an outdoor environment with green grass and blue skies.

A group of four men work on a large unmanned aircraft. Two of the men are holding the drone up with both hands. The third man, in an olive green shirt, conducts potential repairs or diagnostics, while the fourth person observes from the side.

Donovan Stockdale stands on the warehouse floor wearing a safety vest during his internship with Walmart.

Student Spotlight: Donovan Stockdale

Senior Mechanical Engineering student Donovan Stockdale spent time working with Walmart in New Jersey during his internship. Stockdale credits Engineering Professional Practice for his experience.

During my time at Walmart, I got to experience many different aspects of the company that I never thought that I would get to take part in. I was based out of the Automation Engineering Department as an Automation engineering intern. My job focused mainly on the end-to-end implementation of a proof of stake project for the company. This project took place in New Jersey, which made it quite difficult to stay on top of since I was based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Through many Zoom calls and numerous trips to New Jersey, I was able to see my project through and was able to get it running before my internship presentation at the end of the term! (For those that are curious, my project is the conveyor belt that I’m standing in front of in the picture that you’re seeing.)

Throughout this process, I was able to learn about lots of different aspects of project management that I would have never had a chance to learn about otherwise. Some of those aspects included interdisciplinary team coordination through remote means, project tracking of large projects, and even the formal process of how projects like this start and finish over time. It was cool getting to see that and experience it first-hand.

I also had a chance to learn about how these fulfillment centers come to life and that process was an immense undertaking. That was especially apparent when I was able to sit in on design meetings that my manager held with the vendors that he was working with. The attention to detail needed to fully think through these places is insane and it was cool being able to see that in action.

Overall, this was a fantastic experience that I would not have been able to have without the help of the Engineering Professional Practice Office and specifically Suzanne Sawicki. I also wanted to thank my manager, Ethan Kincaid, for giving me a shot to work with him and the team at Walmart. He was essential in the success of my project, and I am eternally grateful to have received this opportunity from him. I also wanted to thank everyone else along the way, it was truly a great experience that I couldn’t have had without your help. So, to everyone involved, thank you!

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